Licence requirements for operators of boom-type elevating work platforms

The 11 metres boom-length shall be taken to mean the greater of the following:

1. The vertical distance from the floor of the platform to the surface supporting the Elevating Work Platform with the platform at its maximum height; or
2. The nominal reach, measured horizontally, from the centre point of rotation to the outer edge of the platform in its most extended position.

The High Risk Work Licence to operate these types of Elevating Work Platforms is one endorsed with Licence Class ‘WP’ (i.e., Work Platforms).

Under the National Licencing Standard assessments for High Risk Work Licences are carried out by Assessors registered in accordance with Regulation 6.18 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 and Clause 5.18 of the National Licencing Standard.

Whilst a High Risk Work Licence is not required to operate these types of Elevating Work Platforms, employers have a Duty of Care responsibility, under Section 19(1)(b) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984, to provide systems of work and information, instruction and training to their employees who operate them.

Employers have this Duty of Care responsibility irrespective as to whether or not their Elevating Work Platform requires licenced operation.

These types of Elevating Work Platforms do not require licenced operation, however, employers have the Duty of Care responsibility, referred to above, to their employees who operate them.

Code of practice - Prevention of falls at workplaces