Non-slewing Telehandlers over 3 tonnes – New Training Course and High-Risk Work Licence
On 1 July 2024, amendments to the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (OHS Regulations) took effect, introducing a new High-Risk Work Licence (HRWL) class for non-slewing telehandler operation. The new HRWL arrangements apply to operators of on-slewing telehandlers, with a rated capacity greater than 3 tonnes, regardless of the type of attachment fitted.
Following the commencement of the changes, operators of non-slewing telehandlers with a rated capacity of more than 3 tonnes can now complete either tailored non-slewing telehandler training and get a specific non-slewing telehandler High-Risk Work Licence (HRWL) or complete a full mobile crane licence course.
Any operator who already holds a current mobile crane HRWL is deemed to be appropriately trained to operate a non-slewing telehandler - (CN, C2, C6, C1 or C0 Class Licence).
In addition, further competency and/or HRWL requirements may apply where a work platform attachment is used. For example, an elevated work platform attachment above 11 metres will also require a WP Class Licence.
What does this mean for FIMDA members who retail, service and repair telehandlers?
VACC has sought further clarification from WorkSafe Victoria who have confirmed that exemptions in regulation 130 of the OHS Regulations apply to the Telehandler (TV Class Licence), as per all HRWLs. Relevantly, sub-regulation 130(1)(e) provides that the requirement to hold an HRWL does not apply to employees who are ‘only performing high-risk work involving plant for the purposes of testing, installing, commissioning, maintaining or repairing the plant’.
Therefore, if an employee operates a non-slewing telehandler with a rated capacity of over 3 tonnes for other purposes, including demonstrating its functions for the purposes of selling, moving around the yard/site and loading or unloading it from a vehicle, they will need to hold a current HRWL. VACC also recommends that members selling non-slewing telehandlers advise potential purchasers of the new HRWL requirements.
The cost to apply for the new HRWL in Victoria, based on the 2024-25 fee unit is $73.50. Operators will need to renew their licence every 5 years.
There are limited training providers currently approved to deliver this new training in Victoria, however, it is understood that more training providers will be approved over the next few months. For information on current training providers and locations please click here.
It is disappointing that FIMDA was not consulted on the reforms made to the new HRWL arrangements. FIMDA and VACC will request that WorkSafe Victoria work with this sector on the development of any practical guidance in future.
If a FIMDA member has any specific examples of challenges in securing training or compliance with these requirements, please contact VACC for a confidential discussion.