Apply for a high risk work licence

Introduction

You need a high risk work (HRW) licence if you intend to work with any of the following:

• cranes
• forklifts
• hoists
• pressure equipment
• reach stackers
• scaffolding
• dogging
• rigging.

An HRW licence is valid for 5 years and can be used in any Australian state or territory.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an HRW licence, you need to:

• be 18 years or older
• have completed HRW training with a registered training organisation (RTO) in the appropriate class of high risk work
• have been assessed as competent in the class by a SafeWork NSW accredited assessor working for the RTO
• be able to use English at a level that enables high risk work to be carried out safely.

What you need

• Once you've passed your assessment, your assessor will provide you with the following forms:
  • the original orange and white copy of your Notice of Satisfactory Assessment (NSA) 
  • the PDF form – 'Assessment by a SafeWork NSW accredited assessor for a national licence to perform high risk work – Application'.
• You'll also need:
  • 100 points of evidence of identity (your assessor will verify your documents)
  • a passport-size photograph with your name and date of birth printed on the back (verified by your assessor)
  • your current HRW licence (if you have one)
  • your payment.

How to apply

You must apply within 60 days from the date of issue of your NSA.

1. Complete the 'Application – PDF' provided by your assessor, but do not sign it.
2. Gather together:
   • your orange and white NSA
   • the identity documents and photograph your assessor verified
   • your unsigned application form
   • your current HRW licence (if applicable)
   • your payment (if applicable).
3. Select the 'Find an Australia Post office' button.
4. Select 'More services' and filter by:
   • 'Identity and document services'
   • 'Licence to perform high risk work – NSW (new and renewal)'.
5. Visit your chosen Post Shop, and:
   • read and sign the declaration in front of an Australia Post officer
   • lodge your application.

More information

• If you make a mistake when filling out the application form, ask your assessor for another form or call 13 10 50.
• You should receive your licence within 4 weeks.
• You can use the pink copy of your NSA while you wait for your licence, provided you lodged your application within 60 days of the NSA being issued.
• You can follow the same training and assessment process to add a new class of work, to your existing HRW licence.
• A single HRW licence with multiple classes of work is valid for 5 years, from the date of issue of the first class endorsement.
• Under the NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 high risk work requires a licence. Always carry your HRW licence with you when you're at work.