|
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Changes to the National Certificate of Competency (NCOC) licensing system - from 1 September 2009
Following a multi-tiered consultation process, WorkCover will be commencing under the National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work (National Standard) on 1 September 2009. From this date, training and assessment for all high risk work licence classes will be via Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) with the relevant scope of registration.
Changes to Training and Assessment
High risk work licensing useful links:
- Working under a logbook? (includes a list of the licence classes included in the National Standard) see below.
- National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work - visit :
 Safe Work Australia
Registered Training Organisation Search
FAQs
Are you currently working under a logbook?
Important changes for persons who are currently working under logbook, from 1 September 2009.
 Are you currently working under a logbook?
Publication No. 2031 (PDF format -194Kb)
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
National Certificates of Competency (NCOC) expire 5 years from the date they were issued. Those who held National Certificates issued in NSW from 1996 until 30 March 2004 have been sent a renewal notice and should have lodged their application before the expiry date shown on the renewal notice. For those who have a NCOC issued after 30 March 2004 WorkCover sends a renewal application approximately 2 months before the licence is due to expire. The Renewal application form is to be lodged at any Australia Post outlet with bank@post facilities.
Any changes to address can be notified using the Change Of Address Notification form
NSW issued Certificates of Competency
WorkCover NSW will recognise NSW Certificates of Competency issued prior to 22 April 1996 until 31 March 2010. The previous date was 31 December 2009.
Holders of NSW issued Certificates of Competency that wish to convert these to a National High Risk Work Licence may attend a WorkCover NSW office and provide:
- evidence of identity that includes full name, date of birth, and current address details
- the NSW Certificates of Competency or a statutory declaration if it has been lost or destroyed
- Current contact number.
WorkCover will need to take a photocopy of the supplied evidence of identity, front and back of the NSW Certificate of Competency, and record the holder’s current contact number.
Alternatively holders of NSW Certificates of Competency that wish to convert these to a National High Risk Work Licence may fax the following information to fax number 9287 5497:
- a covering letter stating which class of certificate they wish to convert
- a Justice of the Peace certified copy of their NSW Certificate of Competency
- a Justice of the Peace certified copy of identity that includes full name, date of birth, and current address details.
- a current contact number.
Upon verifying the details of the NSW Certificate of Competency, WorkCover NSW will mail to the certificate holder a renewal application pack. Applications need to be lodged along with a fee of $60 at an Australia Post outlet with Bank@Post facilities within Australia. National High Risk Work Licenses are valid for 5 years from the date of issue.
Enquiries relating to the conversion of NSW issued Certificates of Competency to National High Risk Work Licenses can be made by calling 1800 201 225.
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.
Project: Review and Development of Units of Competency and Assessment Tools to Support the National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work
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
|