The VTHC OHS Unit often gets enquiries from workers and members of the public regarding what are the particular requirements when it comes to operating certain pieces of equipment.
The law requires you to obtain a licence from WorkSafe before undertaking certain workplace activities. You must be licensed to perform any of the following types of work:
- High risk work (e.g. scaffolding and rigging, operating cranes and forklifts, and using boilers and other pressure equipment). See the OHS Regulations (2007) Part 3.6 - High Risk Work and Part 6.1 Licences for more information.
- removing specific types and amounts of asbestos - see the Regs Part 4.3 - Asbestos
- operating a major hazard facility - see the Regs Part 5.2 - Major Hazard Facilities
- using scheduled carcinogens - see the Regs Part 4.2 - Scheduled Carcinogenic Substances, in addition to Part 4.1 (Hazardous Substances)
- transporting dangerous goods
- using dangerous goods that pose a security concern (High Consequence Dangerous Goods)
- transporting, storing, selling, manufacturing or importing explosives or fireworks
- using explosives or discharging fireworks
WorkSafe Victoria is responsible for the processing and issue of licences, registrations, notifications and authorisations through its Licensing Branch. The Licensing Branch can be contacted on 1300 852 562. Alternatively, you can go to the
Licensing and Registrations
webpage on the WorkCover Victoria website to get more information on any of the above. The webpage contains comprehensive information on:
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Licences to perform 'high risk work'
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whether licences are required, types of licences and how to apply
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legal duties
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Registration of plant and plant designs
This is a quick and easy way of finding what you need to know about certificates of competency, registrations, and notifications required in Victoria for people designing, operating or using certain types of high-risk plant. WorkSafe documents, including guidance material application forms, can also be accessed here.
Current licence holders:
In Victoria, all certificates will progressively expire over a five-year transition period starting 31 January 2008. By 30 June 2012, all certificates of competency will have expired. Applicants who already hold a certificate of competency or ‘ticket’ should now register online to transfer to the new licence before their certificate of competency expires. Existing certificates are scheduled to expire over a 5 year transition period, and holders must transfer to the new licence before the current certificate expires.
WorkSafe released a Guidance Note (October 2009) Old style certificates of competency to provide information to holders of 'Old Style' certificates of competency who have not yet transferred to a Licence to Perform High Risk Work.
More information: WorkSafe topic page.
WorkSafe released a Guidance Note (October 2009) Old style certificates of competency to provide information to holders of 'Old Style' certificates of competency who have not yet transferred to a Licence to Perform High Risk Work.
More information: WorkSafe topic page.
October 2009