SAFEWORK SA says it is providing information sessions on updates to the national licensing system for operators of high risk plant.
The new national high risk plant licensing system is expected to commence in South Australia in 2010.
The changes are aimed at making safer those workplaces where high risk work is performed, and will also make the training, assessment and licensing of high risk work consistent across Australia.
The new national licensing system will affect those who operate forklifts, cranes, hoists, elevating work platforms or pressure equipment, as well as workers who perform scaffolding, dogging or rigging work.
SafeWork SA will hold sessions in Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Port Pirie, Berri and Mt. Gambier from 26th October to 8 December 2009. Sessions will also be scheduled in metropolitan Adelaide.
The new system will include a new type of licence for those who perform high risk work. This license will take the form of a small plastic card with photo identification which will be consistent and valid across Australia.
The High Risk Work Licence, unlike the present Certificate of Competency or old style ‘ticket’, will require renewal every five years. Existing ticket holders need to apply to convert their tickets to the new licence.
Additionally, the operation of forklifts and order-picking forklifts will be defined as high risk work.