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Which EWP licence do I need?

Updated: Jun 3

Lets cut through all the misinformation and confusion around what training, certification and licencing you need to operate different types of EWPs in all states of Australia.


One of the biggest questions we get asked is "What ticket do I need to operate an EWP?"


Unfortunately there is no straightforward answer, because the ticket required depends on the type of EWP you are operating.



There are many types of EWP

EWP - or elevating work platforms can include a variety of types, makes and models.

Anything that is a mobile platform, which can lift or lower people and equipment, from a base support using hinged and/or articulated devices, can be considered an EWP.

Common EWPs include: - Boom Lift - Scissor Lift - Vertical Lift - Trailer Mounted Boom Lift also known as a Cherry Picker - Truck Mounted Boom Lift


The type of certification and licencing required depends on the type, and sometimes the size, of EWP you are operating

Its True!

In Australia, High Risk Work Licences are required if you carry out certain classes of high risk work - and Boom Lifts with a boom length of 11m or more are considered high risk. All other EWPs are covered by the nationally recognised RIIHAN301E - Operate elevating work platform, or the Elevating Work Platform Association Yellow Card. In addition, whenever there is a risk of falling when you are working at height, including from an EWP, the RIIWHS204E - Work safely at heights provides the right training to stay safe. In reality of course, the hazards and risks associated with operating any EWP are the same - and so it is essential that you are well trained, and feel competent and confident to operate the EWP.


  1. Scissor Lifts of ANY height Recommended training: - RIIHAN301E - Operate elevating work platform or the EWPA Yellow Card (class SL) - RIIWHS204E - Work safely at heights

  2. Boom Lifts under 11m Recommended training: - RIIHAN301E - Operate elevating work platform  or the EWPA Yellow Card (class BL) - RIIWHS204E - Work safely at heights

  3. Boom Lifts over 11m Recommended training: - TLILIC0005 - Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (boom length 11 metres or more) - RIIWHS204E - Work safely at heights The TLILIC0005 - Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (boom length 11 metres or more) course provides the formal training and accredited assessment which will allow you to apply for a Queensland HRW Licence for Boom Type Elevating Work Platform - WP. You will need the WP High Risk Work Licence even if you don't extend the boom to its full length when you are operating it. If the machine has the capacity to go over 11m then the WP High Risk Work Licence is required. The High Risk Work Licence WP is issued by the Work Health and Safety Regulator in each state - in Queensland this is WorkSafe Queensland.

  4. Cherry Picker (or Trailer Lift) Recommended training: - RIIHAN301E - Operate elevating work platform  or the EWPA Yellow Card (class TL) - RIIWHS204E - Work safely at heights

  5. Vertical Lift Recommended training: - RIIHAN301E - Operate elevating work platform  or the EWPA Yellow Card (class VL) - RIIWHS204E - Work safely at heights

  6. Truck Mounted Boom Lift Most truck mounted boom lifts are have a boom length over 11m as they are the workhorses designed to reach up and over large structures such as bridges or other structures. Recommended training for truck mounted with boom length over 11m - TLILIC0005 - Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (boom length 11 metres or more) - RIIWHS204E - Work safely at heights Recommended Training for truck mounted with boom length under 11m - RIIHAN301E - Operate elevating work platform  or the EWPA Yellow Card (class TL) - RIIWHS204E - Work safely at heights Recommended Training for Under Bridge Inspection Units with boom length over 11m - RIICBM304E - Operate bridge inspection units - TLILIC0005 - Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (boom length 11 metres or more) - RIIWHS204E - Work safely at heights

  7. Telehandlers with Personnel Basket In Queensland, different training is required to operate telehandlers, depending on the rated capacity and attachments being used. WP High Risk Work Licence If the telehandler has a work platform and boom length over 11m training required includes TLILIC0005 - Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (boom length 11 metres or more), in addition to the listed training below dependent on the configuration (capacity and attachments) of the telehandler. RIIHAN309F - Conduct telescopic materials handler operations for a) a non-slewing telehandler up to 3 tonne rated capacity fitted with fixed or rotating forks, earthmoving bucket, crane jib/hook, work platform (when telehandler boom length is less than 11m), or any other attachment b) a non-slewing telehandler over 3 tonne rated capacity with fixed or rotating forks or earthmoving bucket High Risk Work Licence (CN class or above) for c) a non-slewing telehandler over 3 tonnes rated capacity and fitted with a crane jiáb lifting attachment High Risk Work Licence (C2 class or above) for d) a slewing telehandler any rated capacity, and any attachment


As an added bonus for these courses, CSQ funding is available to subsidise the training cost for eligible construction workers and apprentices. Check your eligibility for CSQ funding, and see what other training courses are subsidised.


If you’re still confused about what you need, talk to the industry experts at HiReach Training on 1300 661 400.


Related articles:

What does over 11m mean?


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