Edition 39, October 2006

Western Australia commits to new licence system for high risk work

Western Australia has confirmed its commitment to the new National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work.

The national licensing standard will replace the current certificate of competency system with licences that are renewable every five years and cover all work currently considered to be high risk.  This includes:

  • scaffolding�basic, intermediate and advanced
  • rigging work�dogging; basic, intermediate and advanced rigging
  • crane and hoist operation�tower; self-erecting tower; derrick; portal boom; bridge and gantry; vehicle loading; non-slewing mobile; slewing; materials hoist; personnel and materials hoist; boom-type elevating work platform; vehicle mounted concrete placing boom
  • pressure equipment operation�basic, intermediate and advanced boiler operation; turbine operation; reciprocating steam engine operation
  • forklift operation (forklift trucks and order-picking forklift trucks) will also require a licence under the new system, in recognition of the high level of risk associated with the equipment.

Licences will be valid for the class/es of high risk work endorsed on the licence. New classes can be added to the same licence, enabling workers to work in multiple occupations under one physical licence.

The new licence will be required from 1 July 2007 but existing certificate of competency holders will continue to be recognised for a limited transition period to allow these certificates to be converted.

The licences issued under the system will be recognised in all Australian states and territories, promoting skills portability and free labour movement.

For more information contact WorkSafe Western Australia on 1300 307 877 or visit www.worksafe.wa.gov.au/newsite/worksafe/pages/licnnatn0001.html to view a list of frequently asked questions and answers about the national standard.

This page was generated on 26 August, 2009