Working in construction or industrial settings in Australia demands more than just technical skills— it requires a commitment to safety and compliance. The High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) is a key certification for individuals involved in high-risk activities. This licence ensures that workers are trained and competent to handle dangerous tasks safely.
Here, we’ll explore what a High Risk Work Licence entails, the various types available, and why it is essential for anyone working in high-risk environments.
What is a High Risk Work Licence?
A High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) certifies individuals to perform tasks that involve significant safety risks. Australian law requires this licence for anyone engaging in activities like operating cranes, driving forklifts, scaffolding, dogging, rigging and operating hoist machines. To earn a High-Risk Work Licence, workers must complete accredited training and prove their competency in managing the specific risks of their job.
To obtain a High Risk Work Licence, individuals must complete accredited training and demonstrate their ability to manage the inherent risks associated with their specific line of work. Holding a HRWL not only protects the individual worker but also ensures that workplaces adhere to strict safety regulations. This proactive approach significantly reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries, creating a safer working environment for everyone involved.
Types of High Risk Work Licences
Australia provides multiple different classes of High Risk Work Licences, each designed for specific job roles and tasks. To ensure safety and compliance, you must hold a licence that covers the relevant classes for every type of work you perform. If your job requires multiple classes, you can add these to your licence as needed.
These licences ensure that workers are properly trained and qualified to manage the unique risks associated with their responsibilities. Here are some of the key types:
Scaffolding Licences
Constructing, modifying, or dismantling a temporary structure designed to support a platform from which a person or object could potentially fall more than 4 metres falls under scaffolding work. This category of work is divided into three specific classes:
Scaffolding basic (SB) This licence class permits you to perform scaffolding tasks that include:
- Assembling and working with modular or prefabricated scaffolds
- Operating cantilevered materials hoists with a maximum capacity of 500 kg
- Using ropes and gin wheels
- Installing safety nets and static lines
- Setting up bracket scaffolds (such as those used in tank and formwork)
It does not cover additional scaffolding activities that fall under the Intermediate and Advanced scaffolding categories.
Scaffolding Intermediate (SI) This licence class enables you to perform all basic scaffolding tasks, in addition to more complex work that includes:
- Setting up cantilevered crane loading platforms
- Constructing cantilevered and spurred scaffolds
- Building barrow ramps and sloping platforms
- Installing perimeter safety screens and shutters
- Operating mast climbers
- Assembling tube and coupler scaffolds, including those used for covered ways and gantries
However, it does not cover the specialised scaffolding tasks included under the Advanced scaffolding category.
Advanced scaffolding (SA) This licence class authorises you to undertake all intermediate scaffolding tasks, as well as more advanced work involving:
- Cantilevered hoists
- Hung scaffolds, including those suspended from tubes, wire ropes, or chains
- Suspended scaffolds.
Dogging Licences
Dogging (DG) This licence class permits you to perform tasks involving the application of slinging techniques for securing a load which includes:
- Selecting and inspecting lifting gear
- Guiding a crane or hoist operator in moving a load when it’s outside the operator’s line of sight.
- Attach and secure lifting equipment and gear to the plant-designated lifting point.
- Attach and secure lifting equipment and gear to the load using slinging techniques.
Before advancing to rigging classes, you must first obtain the dogging licence.
Rigging Licences
Rigging work involves using mechanical equipment and associated tools to move, position, or secure loads, ensuring the stability of structures or building components. It also includes the setup or dismantling of cranes or hoists.
Rigging work is divided into three distinct classes.
Rigging Basic (RB) This class covers dogging work and authorises you to perform rigging tasks that involve:
- Setting up cantilevered crane loading platforms
- Installing safety nets and static lines
- Moving plant and equipment
- Erecting structural steel
- Operating hoists, including mast climbing hoists
- Installing precast concrete components of a structure
- Installing perimeter safety screens and shutters
It excludes additional rigging tasks included in the Intermediate and Advanced rigging classes.
Rigging Intermediate (RI) This class permits you to perform all basic rigging tasks, along with more advanced rigging that includes:
- Operating hoists with jibs and self-climbing hoists
- Handling cranes, conveyors, dredges, and excavators
- Executing dual lifts
- Erecting tilt slabs
- Demolishing structures or plant
It excludes rigging work that involves the equipment listed under Advanced rigging.
Rigging Advanced (RA) this licence enables you to perform all intermediate rigging tasks, as well as rigging that includes:
- suspended and fabricated hung scaffolds.
- gin poles and shear legs,
- flying foxes and cableways,
- guyed derricks and structures
Crane Licences
There are multiple different types of cranes licences, from small mobile cranes to large tower cranes, allowing operators to handle these machines safely. Crane high risk licences are categorised by crane type and capacity. The specific classes include:
- Non-slewing Mobile Cranes with a capacity greater than 3 tonnes (CN non-slewing mobile crane), featuring a boom or jib that cannot be slewed, such as:
- articulated type mobile cranes
- locomotive cranes
- non-slewing telehandlers (over three tonnes capacity, fitted with a boom and/or jib with a hoist rope and/or hook block).
Slewing mobile cranes
Slewing mobile cranes feature a boom or jib capable of rotating horizontally. This category excludes front end loaders, backhoes, excavators, and other earthmoving machinery, even when configured for crane use.
There are four classes of slewing mobile cranes, each defined by its lifting capacity:
- Up to 20 tonnes (C2): Includes CN and CV classes.
- Up to 60 tonnes (C6): Includes C2, CN, and CV classes.
- Up to 100 tonnes (C1): Includes C6, C2, CN, and CV classes.
- Over 100 tonnes (C0): Includes C1, C6, C2, CN, and CV classes.
- If a slewing telehandler is equipped with a boom and/or jib featuring a hoist rope and/or hook block, you’ll need a C2, C6, C1, or C0 high-risk work licence, depending on the telehandler’s rated capacity.
Vehicle loading cranes
With a capacity of 10 tonnes or more (CV-vehicle loading crane) are designed to load or unload cargo from a vehicle, which includes applying load estimation and slinging techniques for moving loads. With a CV licence, you are authorised to operate a vehicle loading crane and carry out full slewing operations without needing a separate slewing mobile crane licence, provided that:
- The equipment is appropriate for the job
- It is operated within its specified limits
- The operator has received sufficient training.
Reach stackers (RS)
With a capacity greater than 3 tonnes (RS) are mobile machines equipped with attachments for lifting, moving, and transporting shipping containers. However, they do not include portainer cranes.
Bridge and gantry cranes (CB)
Bridge and gantry cranes refer to cranes that are either:
- Operated from a fixed cabin or control station on the crane, or
- Remotely controlled with more than three powered functions (such as hoisting, raising, and lowering as a single function), and include the use of load estimation and slinging techniques for moving loads.
Tower cranes (CT)
Tower cranes feature a jib or boom mounted on a tower structure, which can be either temporary or permanent. These cranes include both horizontal jib types and luffing jib types.
Forklift Licences
A high risk licence is essential for operating forklifts, this licence covers various types of forklifts used in warehouses and construction sites, there are a total of 2 classes for forklift work.
Forklift truck (LF) This licence class allows you to operate a forklift truck, equipped with a mast and an elevating load carriage with a pair of fork arms or other attachment. This licence class is not for an order picking forklift truck.
Order-picking forklift truck (LO) This licence class permits you to operate an order-picking forklift truck, where the operator’s controls are integrated into the lifting mechanism and rise along with the load carriage or lifting media.
- If a telehandler is fitted with forks or a bucket, a high risk work licence is not required. However, the business (or employer or other person conducting a business or undertaking) has a duty of care to ensure workers have appropriate training to operate a telehandler.
Hoist Licences
Boom-type elevating work platform (WP) This licence class permits you to operate equipment with a telescoping, hinged, or articulated device—or any combination thereof—used to support a platform that elevates personnel, equipment, and materials for work. The licence applies when the boom length is 11 metres or more.
Boom length can be measured in two ways, and the longest measurement should be used:
- The horizontal distance from the centre of the boom’s rotation point to the outer edge of the platform when fully extended to its maximum reach.
- The vertical distance from the surface supporting the boom-type elevating work platform to the platform floor when fully extended to its maximum height.
- A high-risk work licence for a boom-type elevating work platform is necessary when operating a telehandler equipped with a personnel box that includes operating controls within the box, and where the boom extends to 11 metres or more.
Materials hoist (HM)
This licence class permits the lifting of goods or materials only, not personnel. The hoist’s car, bucket, or platform extends outward from the support structure and moves vertically along its exterior.
Personnel and material hoists (HP) This licence class authorises you to operate a hoist that can lift personnel, goods, and/or materials. It includes the car, structure, machinery, or other equipment associated with the hoist, which may be a cantilever hoist, tower hoist, or a multiple winch system.
Each of these classes requires specific training and assessment to ensure workers manage the associated risks effectively and meet safety regulations specific to each class.
Why is a High Risk Work Licence Important?
A High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) is essential for anyone engaged in tasks with significant safety risks. It ensures that workers have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties safely and effectively. By holding an HRWL, you not only meet Australian safety regulations but also play a crucial role in preventing workplace accidents and injuries.
The HRWL process involves rigorous training and assessment, which helps ensure that workers are adequately prepared and competent. While you are not required to hold a High Risk Work Licence if you are still training for one and working under the supervision of a licensed individual, it’s vital to have the correct skills, qualifications, and experience for high-risk tasks.
Possessing an HRWL also demonstrates your commitment to safety, which can enhance job prospects and career growth. Employers highly value certified workers who can handle high-risk tasks confidently and competently, making the HRWL a key credential in high-risk industries.
How to Obtain a High Risk Work Licence
Securing a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) involves several key steps to ensure you are qualified to handle high-risk tasks safely. Follow these steps to obtain your HRWL:
1. Meet Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, make sure you meet the following criteria:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be able to communicate effectively in English to ensure safety while working with others in high-risk environments.
2. Complete Accredited Training
Enrol in and complete training through a registered training organisation (RTO) that offers courses for the specific class or classes of high-risk work you need. This training will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge for safe performance.
3. Pass the Assessment
After finishing the training, you need to pass an assessment conducted by an accredited assessor from the RTO. This assessment will test both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to confirm your competence in the relevant high-risk areas.
4. Submit Your Application
With your training and assessment completed, submit your application for the HRWL to the relevant regulatory authority. This typically involves providing proof of your training and assessment results.
5. Pay the Fees
Pay any application fees required for processing your HRWL. These fees vary based on the type of licence and the issuing authority.
6. Receive Your Licence
Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive your HRWL, certifying your qualification to perform high-risk tasks within the specified categories.
At Saferight we offer a diverse amount of high risk training courses, upon completing your training and getting accredited we can take care of the hard stuff when it comes to applying for a high risk licence for an additional fee, a small price to pay for peace of mind. If your job responsibilities expand to include additional high-risk areas, you can update your licence by completing further training and assessments as needed.
Common Jobs Requiring a High Risk Work Licence
A High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) is an essential for a variety of roles in industries where safety is a top priority, high risk work is always in demand, high risk positions can offer a hefty income depending on the industry, position and employer. Here are some common jobs that require a HRWL:
Crane Operators
These professionals operate various types of cranes, such as mobile, tower, and overhead cranes. The HRWL ensures they have the necessary skills to handle heavy loads safely.
Forklift Operator
Forklift operators are responsible for moving and stacking materials in warehouses and construction sites. They need an HRWL to operate forklifts safely.
Dogmen
Dogmen signal and direct the movement of loads being lifted by cranes and other machinery. An HRWL is necessary to ensure they can manage these operations safely.
Scaffolders
Scaffolders build and dismantle scaffolding structures used in construction. A specific HRWL class is required to ensure they can safely handle and work with scaffolding equipment.
Riggers
Riggers set up and take down rigging equipment used to lift and move heavy items. They require a specialised HRWL to perform these tasks safely and effectively.
EWP Operators
EWP operators require a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) due to the dangers involved, such as falls and equipment instability. The licence ensures operators are properly trained to manage these risks and maintain safety on the worksite.
Training and qualifications needed depend on the roles, for more a more detailed explanation on high risk positions for their specific requirements and potential incomes – Visit here for positions currently open in Western Australia listed by SEEK.
Renewal and Maintenance of a High Risk Work Licence
Maintaining your High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) is crucial for continuing to perform high-risk tasks safely and legally. Here’s how you can manage and renew your HRWL:
- Understand Licence Validity: Your HRWL expires after 5 years. To continue working in high-risk roles, you must renew your licence before it expires.
- Complete Continuing Training: Depending on your job role and the classes of work covered by your licence, you may need to complete refresher courses (VOC) or additional training periodically. This helps ensure that your skills and knowledge remain current with industry standards and safety regulations.
- Renew Your Licence: As your licence approaches its expiration date, apply for renewal. This process generally involves submitting proof of any continuing education or training completed and paying a renewal fee. Follow the specific requirements of the regulatory authority that issued your licence.
- Stay Informed of Changes: Regulations and safety standards can change. Stay updated on any changes that might affect your high-risk work to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Add New Classes: If your job responsibilities expand to include new high-risk tasks, you can add additional classes to your licence. This involves completing the required training and assessments for the new classes and updating your licence accordingly.
Renewing and maintaining your HRWL ensures you stay qualified for high-risk work and continue to uphold safety and professional standards.
High Risk Work Licences FAQ’s
How long is a High Risk Work Licence valid?
A High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. To continue performing high-risk tasks, you must renew your licence before it expires. Renewal ensures that you maintain your qualifications and stay compliant with safety regulations.
Can you work without a High Risk Work Licence?
No, you cannot legally perform high-risk work without a valid HRWL. Australian regulations require that anyone engaged in high-risk tasks holds the appropriate licence to ensure safety and compliance. Working without a licence is not only illegal but also poses significant safety risks.
What happens if you work without a High Risk Work Licence?
Working without a High Risk Work Licence can lead to serious consequences. You may face legal penalties, including fines and potential prosecution. Additionally, working without the proper licence increases the risk of workplace accidents and injuries, which can have severe implications for your safety and the safety of others.
Summary
A High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) is essential for anyone working in environments where safety risks are significant. It ensures that workers are trained, competent, and compliant with Australian safety regulations. By obtaining an HRWL, you not only enhance your own safety but also contribute to a safer working environment for everyone.
Key points to remember:
- Validity and Renewal: Your HRWL is valid for 5 years. Ensure you renew it before it expires to continue working legally in high-risk roles.
- Eligibility: To apply for an HRWL, you must be at least 18 years old, proficient in English, and have completed the necessary training and assessment with an accredited provider.
- Legal Requirements: You cannot legally perform high-risk tasks without an HRWL. Working without one can lead to serious legal and safety consequences.
- Benefits: Holding an HRWL opens up job opportunities, increases earning potential, and demonstrates your commitment to safety and professionalism.
Take the necessary steps to obtain your HRWL today. Enrol in accredited training, complete the required assessments, and apply for your licence. By doing so, you ensure that you are qualified to handle high-risk tasks safely and are ready to advance your career in a high-risk industry.
Enrol in a High Risk Course today!
Ready to take the next step in your career and ensure you’re fully qualified for high-risk work? Saferight Training Academy offers a range of accredited courses to help you obtain your High Risk Work Licence (HRWL).
Visit Saferight Training Academy’s website to explore our courses: Find training programs tailored to the specific classes of high-risk work you need, get expert guidance from our team of experienced professionals we’re here to answer your questions and guide you through the training and licensing process. Our courses are designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge required to excel in your role.
Don’t wait—ensure you have the qualifications you need to work safely and effectively. Contact Saferight Training Academy today to enrol in your next course and advance your career in high-risk work.
