Consultation on the implementation of the National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work in NSW
WorkCover NSW has recently released a discussion paper on the implementation of the National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work (the National Standard) in NSW. The National Standard was declared on 6 April 2006.
The National Standard aims to facilitate the operation of a nationally uniform, competency based licensing system for persons performing certain types of high risk work. It replaces the National Occupational Health and Safety Certification Standard for Users and Operators of Industrial Equipment [NOHSC:1006(2001)] originally declared in 1992, which was adopted in OHS regulations throughout Australia.
The discussion paper is part of a 3-tiered strategy to consult with all stakeholders on the implementation of the National System in NSW.
- Stage 1: consultation with OHS regulators and State Training Authorities
- Stage 2: call for public comment on the discussion paper
- Stage 3: consultation forums with industry stakeholders
WorkCover NSW strongly encourages all stakeholders to review the attached discussion paper and provide comments on all items listed. You can provide your submission or comment as an individual or you may wish to contribute to a joint submission through your employer or Union.
The closing date for submissions is 30 September 2007. Submissions should be prepared using the attached format and sent to WorkCover via:
Email: slam@workcover.nsw.gov.au
Facsimile: 02 9287 5994; or
Mail: Strategic Licensing Assessment and Management Unit
WorkCover NSW
Locked Bag 2096
LISAROW NSW 2252
WorkCover NSW will send an acknowledgement to confirm receipt for all submissions received. At the conclusion of the public comment period a consultation forum will be made available to all stakeholders to further identify and address the issues raised.
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Strategic Licensing Assessment and Management Unit on 1800 855 969.
New National Certificate of Competency photo licence
From 4 September 2006, new style National Certificate of Competency (NCOC) licences will be issued with photo identification, provision for the signature of the licence holder and tamper proof security features. The new photo licences will provide as assurance to both workers and employers that those people operating high-risk plant and equipment or undertaking high-risk work have a valid licence.
The new pocket-sized plastic licence will identify all the classes of licence held by the licence holder. They will also be more durable and less likely to be damaged.
Applicants for a new NCOC photo licence, or those requiring a class added to their current licence, will need to have received a ‘Notice of Satisfactory Assessment’ (NSA) issued on or after 4 September 2006. They must also supply a passport size photograph and evidence of their identity.
Applications for a new NCOC licence must be lodged at an Australia Post Bank@Post outlet in NSW or the ACT.
The new licences will be valid for up to five years and cost $65 per class.
Renewal of National Certificate of Competency non-photo licence
Over the next 18 months, WorkCover will be sending a renewal notice to those holding National Certificates of Competency (NCOC) issued in NSW from 1996 to 29 March 2004 and inviting them to apply for a new NCOC photo licence.
Non-photo licences issued after 29 March 2004 will expire five years from the date of issue.
Pre-1997 NSW Certificates of Competency
The conversion of pre-1997 NSW Certificates of Competency to National Certificates of Competency is part of a larger program to prepare for a new national standard for licensing persons doing high risk work.
Applications for conversion of NSW Certificates of Competency issued before 1997 closed on the 1 September 2006.
Those that have applied for new licences and are awaiting processing can legally continue to operate using their pre-1997 NSW Certificates of Competency until there application has been processed.
Licences for those that did not apply for conversion before 1 September 2006 will expire on the 29 March 2009.
WorkCover Inspectors will recognise pre 1997 Certificates of Competency until 29 March 2009.
To ensure the integrity of the new National Certificates of Competency (NCOC) system, each conversion application must be verified against the original paper based records. It is important that all new NCOC licences are only issued to suitably qualified and experienced people to ensure the safety of workers and the public.
WorkCover appreciates the patience shown by applicants who are waiting for their new licence, and assures them that they can legally use their pre-1997 NSW Certificate of Competency until a new card is issued.
WorkCover is conducting a review of the accreditation proceses for Explosive Powered Tools and Formwork/Falsework. As such, WorkCover NSW will suspend the acceptance and processing of all new applications from Registered Training Organisations to participate in the assessment process for Explosive Powered Tools and Formwork/Falsework until completion of the review.
To ensure assessment services are available to industry, WorkCover will continue to accept and process new applications from approved Registered Training Organisations to conduct these services.
Enquiries in relation to these changes are to be directed to the strategic Licensing Assessment and Management Unit Hotline on 1800 855 969.
National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work
The National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work (the national stanard) was declared on 6 April 2006. NSW has not yet implemented the national standard. States and territories have proposed various dates for implementation. The national standard aims to establish an efficient, nationally uniform licensing system and to ensure people have the knowledge and skills to perform high risk work safely.
High risk work includes operating forklifts, pressure equipment (such as boilers), cranes and hoists, as well as scaffolding and rigging work.
A Fact Sheet showing the 29 licence classes covered by the national standard can be accessed via the following link.
Link to Fact Sheet on the national standard here.
A national project to review the units of competency and assessment tools to support the National Standard, and to review any relevant accredited courses is currently underway.
Feedback on the draft units of competency and assessment tools is being sought from industry (including WorkCover accredited assessors, employers and other relevant persons)
In addition, WorkCover will provide further opportunities for discussion and consultation with assessors and industry on the National Standard, including implementation and transitional arrangements.
Victorian Issued Licences to Perform High Risk Work
From 1 July 2007, Victoria will issue photo-licences for persons performing high risk work under the national standard.
NSW will recognise and accept these licences. Answers to frequently asked questions including a sample Victorian issued licence are available by selecting the link below.
Link to FAQs on VIC Issued Licences here.
To obtain updates on the Project email linda.iacono@humancapitalalliance.com.au
View further information about the Project and/or to register to be involved in the validation process.