Understand Which Elevated Work Platform (EWP) License You Need
Operate Boom Lifts, Cherry Pickers, and Scissor Lifts Safely
Using an elevated work platform on your worksite comes with responsibilities and safe workplace standards.
And part of that responsibility is requiring a licence.
There are two licences that can be obtained to safely handle and work an EWP. One is for EWP that reach under 11 meters and the second licence type is for EWPs that reach over 11 meters.
Depending on the EWP equipment you need for your worksite or warehouse, will depend on the licence type that you will need to obtain.
The 11-Metre Rule for EWP Licensing
Operating height and machine type dictate legal licensing requirements under Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations.
When You Need a Licence (Class WP)
- The 11-Metre Boom Rule: If a boom-type EWP (including telescopic, articulating, or truck-mounted lifts) has a maximum platform height of 11 metres or more, the operator must legally hold a nationally recognized Class WP High Risk Work Licence.
- How height is calculated: Height is measured from the ground to the platform floor at the machine's maximum potential extension. If the machine can reach 11 metres, you need the licence even if you only plan to raise it 2 metres off the ground for your specific job.
When You Don't Need an HRWL
- Boom Lifts Under 11m: Boom EWPs with a maximum platform height under 11 metres do not require a Class WP licence.
- All Scissor Lifts: Scissor lifts never require a High Risk Work Licence, regardless of how high they extend.
Licensing Categories & Units of Competency
|
Equipment Category |
Max Height / Reach |
Required Accreditation |
Unit of Competency |
|
Boom-Type Lifts (Self-propelled, articulating, telescopic) |
11 metres or more |
High Risk Work Licence (Class WP) |
TLILIC0005 (Licence to operate a boom-type EWP) |
|
Boom-Type Lifts |
Under 11 metres |
EWPA Yellow Card (BL endorsement) |
RIIHAN301E (Operate elevating work platform) |
|
Scissor Lifts & Vertical Lifts |
Any Height |
EWPA Yellow Card (SL / VL endorsements) |
RIIHAN301E (Operate elevating work platform) |
Entry Requirements & Assessment
- Age Limits: You must be at least 18 years old to sit a High Risk Work Licence (TLILIC0005) assessment. EWPA Yellow Card training can begin at age 16, though individual site rules still apply.
- 100 Points of ID: WorkSafe and SafeWork regulators require candidates to present 100 points of original ID (e.g., passport, driver's licence, Medicare card) before taking the assessment.
- Basic Language & Math Skills: Operators must have basic English literacy and numeracy to read load capacity charts, calculate machine reach, check wind speed limits, and follow site safety signs.
- Course Structure: Training combines formal classroom theory with hands-on machine operation, ending in a closed-book knowledge exam and a practical assessment.
Licence Renewals & On-Site Checks
- Class WP HRWL (5 Years): National High Risk Work Licences are valid for 5 years. You must apply directly to your state or territory WHS regulator to renew before it expires.
- EWPA Yellow Card (5 Years): Comes with a recommended 5-year refresher timeline to keep operators current on updated industry safety standards and plant technology.
- Site VOCs (Verification of Competency): Regardless of card validity, site managers routinely require operators to complete a quick, practical Verification of Competency check on-site before granting access.
EWP Licensing FAQS
▪️Does a High Risk Work Licence (Class WP) allow me to operate a scissor lift?
No. A Class WP licence only covers boom-type lifts reaching 11 metres or higher. Operating a scissor lift requires proof of duty-of-care training—typically an EWPA Yellow Card with a Scissor Lift (SL) endorsement.
▪️Do I need a driver's licence to get EWP certified?
No. You only need to meet the age requirements (18+ for HRWL, 16+ for Yellow Card) and provide 100 points of ID. A car driver's licence is only required if you operate a truck-mounted EWP on public roads.
▪️What is the difference between platform height and working height?
- Platform Height: Measured from the ground to the floor of the basket at full extension.
- Working Height: Platform height plus roughly 2 metres (average operator reach).
- The Rule: The Australian 11-metre threshold applies strictly to platform height.
▪️Can I use an overseas EWP ticket in Australia?
No. International tickets (such as UK IPAF or US OSHA) are not legally recognized. You must qualify through an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO), though prior experience can fast-track certification via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
▪️What happens if my Class WP licence expires?
You have a 12-month grace period after expiry to renew directly through your state WHS regulator (e.g., SafeWork or WorkSafe) without re-sitting the exam. After 12 months, you must retake the full TLILIC0005 course.
Got Your EWP Licence? Get the Right EWP Delivered to Your Site
Now that you know which certification your operators require, Forklogic can supply the exact, 100% compliant Elevated Work Platform for your jobsite.
Contact our expert team today for more information 1300 360 936