High-Risk Licence Renewal NSW: How Long Does It Last?

Work licences are the bread and butter for everyone working in the construction industry. Whether you’re operating a crane or forklift, you need to know the basics of a high-risk work licence.

Read on and learn all about work licences and where you can use them.

How do I get a work licence?

You must be trained by a Registered Training Organisation and assessed by a SafeWork NSW Accredited Assessor in order to receive a work licence. If you have passed, your assessor provider will provide you with the paperwork you need. You can submit this paperwork to any Australia Post outlet.

Requirements for a work licence

There are only four requirements which you must have in order to undertake the high-risk work license training. These are:

• You must be over 18 years old
• You must be able to read, write and articulate in English to a standard where you can communicate in a situation
• You must pass the test from the RTO
• Provide 100 points of ID as per SafeWorks requirements & have a USI number.

Check out our high-risk work licence courses and book your training today.

Licence classes and training requirements

Understanding the different licence classes and the relevant training needed to undertake high-risk work is crucial. Each licence class has specific requirements and training modules that must be completed to obtain a high-risk work licence.

To perform high-risk work, individuals must complete training from accredited providers. This ensures they are competent and safe in their roles. The training is crucial for acquiring and renewing a high-risk work licence.

Overview of licence classes

• Class LF (Forklift) — Training includes operational safety, load handling, and hazard management.
• Class LO (Order-Picking Forklift) — Focuses on load carriage, lifting media operations, and safety procedures.
• Cranes — Various classes cover different crane types, each requiring specific training to obtain high-risk work licences.
• Dogging and Rigging — Training for basic to advanced rigging and dogging skills is essential for those wanting to perform high-risk work in these areas.
• Hoists and Pressure Equipment — Courses designed for operating various hoists and handling pressure equipment are part of the relevant training required for these licence classes.

What can I use my work licence for?

In NSW you must have a work licence if you want to operate a forklift. It must be noted that as you add extra classes to your licence (ie. Forklift, Dogging, etc), the expiry date still remains the same for all classes. A person requires a Work Licence to perform:

• Cranes
• Bridge crane work
• Gantry crane work
• Derrick cranes
• Non-slewing mobile cranes greater than 3 tonnes capacity
• Portal boom cranes
• Slewing mobile cranes
• Tower cranes
• Vehicle loading cranes
• Concrete placing booms

• Dogging, rigging and scaffolding
• Basic rigging work 
• Intermediate rigging work
• Advanced rigging work
• Basic scaffolding work
• Intermediate scaffolding work
• Advanced scaffolding work

• Forklifts
• A forklift truck equipped with a mast and an elevating load carriage with a pair of fork arms or other attachments (class LF)
• An order-picking forklift truck where the operator's control elevates with the load carriage/lifting media (class LO)

• Hoists
• Boom-type elevating work platform
• Materials hoist
• Personnel and material hoists

• Reach
• A reach stacker incorporates an attachment for lifting, moving and travelling with a shipping container but does not include a crane.

How long does a work licence last?

A licence is valid for five years. You will receive a notification if your licence is about to expire, at which point you can lodge a renewal. Your renewal papers will be sent to your address prior to the licence expiring. You simply need to fill them in and drop them off at your local Australia Post outlet.

What happens if my work licence expires?

If your licence expires, you are no longer able to conduct the work.

You have 12 months from the expiry date to renew the licence. If you do not renew it within this time frame, you will need to be retrained and assessed, and the registered training organisation conducting your training must obtain an exemption from SafeWork NSW.

About high-risk licence renewal in NSW

High-risk licence renewal in NSW is fairly straightforward. To renew a high-risk work licence, ensure all your details are up to date and that you submit the application on time to avoid any disruption in your ability to perform high-risk work.

The renewal application process

• Pre-Expiry Notification — A reminder is sent before your licence expires.
• Renewal Submission — Complete and submit your renewal application at any Australia Post outlet.
• Post-Expiry Period — If expired, you have 12 months to renew before re-training is required.

For more information about high-risk licence renewal, get in touch with our team.

Obtain your work licence today with All Class Training

All Class Training is your go-to provider for high-risk work licences in NSW. As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #70245), we offer friendly, accessible training with experienced, qualified assessors. Located in Newcastle, we serve the Central Coast and Hunter regions with flexible training options at our state-of-the-art Tomago facility or on-site at your location.

Our comprehensive courses include Forklift Training, EWP Training, Dogging and Rigging, C6 Crane Courses and more. We ensure you receive the relevant training to perform high-risk work safely and competently.

Choose All Class Training for our expertise, convenience, and commitment to your safety and success. Contact us today at (02) 4964 9406 or training@allclass.net.au to book your training and ensure you're fully equipped for high-risk work.

Contact All Class Training today to book your licence training