High Risk Work Licence - Boom-Type EWP (WP) cheat sheet

A boom-type elevating work platform (EWP) is a device that supports a work platform on a boom, where the boom can be elevated or slewed to position the platform at the work location; the platform is the only place a person may be elevated.

The licence class WP covers boom-type EWPs whose boom length exceeds 11 metres; boom length is the primary trigger for whether the licence is required.

Boom length is measured as the total length of the boom structure from its pivot point to the platform attachment, not the maximum working height or maximum reach of the machine.

An EWP with a boom length of 11 metres or less does not require a WP licence, though other duties such as training and safe work procedures still apply.

Boom length is a fixed design dimension of the machine; working height, platform height and horizontal reach are derived figures and must not be substituted for it when determining licensing.

Boom types include articulated (knuckle) booms, telescopic (straight) booms and trailer-mounted booms; all are within WP scope when boom length exceeds 11 metres.

A scissor lift is not a boom-type EWP and is outside WP scope regardless of its platform height; vertical mast-type platforms are also not boom-type EWPs.

A boom-type EWP with a boom length over 11 metres may only be operated by a person holding a current WP licence, or by a trainee under the direct supervision of a licensed operator as permitted by the regulator.

The scope of work includes operating the EWP, setting up and stabilising the machine, conducting pre-operational checks, and positioning the platform for tasks such as work at height, inspection and maintenance.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for a high risk work licence, including WP.

Applicants must have the relevant knowledge and skills, demonstrated through assessment against the national unit of competency for boom-type EWPs, before a licence can be issued.

Training must be delivered by a registered training organisation (RTO) or a person otherwise approved by the regulator; assessment must be conducted by an approved assessor.

The assessment is conducted against the national assessment instrument (NAI) for the WP class, covering both knowledge and performance components.

Applicants must provide proof of identity and any required photographs, and must disclose whether they hold or have held licences that are suspended or cancelled.

Applicants must meet any fitness requirements set by the regulator, including declaring medical conditions or impairments that affect the ability to safely operate the EWP.

An application is made to the regulator in the jurisdiction where the work is performed, using the prescribed form and paying the prescribed fee.

A licence is issued for a set term (commonly five years, depending on jurisdiction) and carries the class WP and any conditions imposed by the regulator.

Training records and assessment records must be retained by the RTO/assessor, and the applicant should keep copies to support renewal or replacement applications.

A licensed operator must carry the licence (or a digital licence where permitted) at all times while performing high risk work, and must produce it on request by an authorised officer or inspector.

A trainee learning to operate a boom-type EWP with a boom length over 11 metres must be directly supervised by a person who holds a current WP licence.

Direct supervision means the licensed supervisor is present, able to observe the trainee, and able to intervene to prevent unsafe acts; remote or indirect supervision does not satisfy this requirement.

The supervisor remains responsible for the safety of the work being performed, including ensuring the trainee does not operate outside the scope of their training.

Where a digital licence is used, it must be produced in a form the regulator accepts (for example, a government-issued digital wallet or app), and the device must be available at the workplace.

A digital licence is not valid if it cannot be displayed on request; operators should have a fallback means of proving the licence where the device is unavailable.

A person must not perform high risk work while their licence is suspended or cancelled, and must not permit another person to use their licence.

If an inspector requests production of the licence, the operator must comply within the time allowed; failure to produce a licence when required is an offence.

Licence conditions (such as restrictions on the types of EWP or work locations) must be observed and are shown on the licence record.

A high risk work licence has a fixed term (commonly five years in most Australian jurisdictions); the expiry date is shown on the licence and in the regulator's records.

Renewal must be applied for before the expiry date; late renewal may require a new application, additional training or reassessment, depending on the jurisdiction.

Renewal generally requires a current photo, payment of the renewal fee, and a declaration of any changes to fitness or licence status.

If a licence expires and is not renewed within the allowed grace period, the person must not perform high risk work until a new licence is issued.

A licence is issued for the jurisdiction in which the work is performed; moving interstate may require a transfer or a new application under mutual recognition arrangements.

A replacement licence is required if the licence is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed; the regulator issues a replacement on application and payment of the prescribed fee.

Changes of name, address or contact details must be notified to the regulator within the time specified (commonly 14 days), and a new licence card may be issued.

A change of name generally requires documentary evidence (such as a marriage certificate or change of name certificate) and may require a new photograph.

Licence records must be kept up to date so that the regulator can contact the holder about renewal, and so that the licence remains valid and enforceable.