Scissor lifts, vertical mast lifts, push-around platforms and boom-type EWPs with a boom length under 11 metres do not fall under the High Risk Work Licence requirement — but that does not mean anyone can operate them without qualification. Australian work health and safety legislation requires operators of all EWPs to be trained and competent on the specific equipment they use. For machines below the HRWL threshold, the recognised competency pathway is RIIHAN301E: Operate Elevating Work Platforms — commonly referred to as an 'EWP ticket,' 'EWP certificate' or, when delivered through the EWPA program, the Yellow Card.
What is RIIHAN301E?
RIIHAN301E is a unit of competency from the Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Package. It covers the knowledge and skills required to safely operate elevating work platforms that are not classified as requiring a High Risk Work Licence — primarily scissor lifts, vertical mast lifts, and boom-type EWPs with a boom length under 11 metres.
Completing RIIHAN301E through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) results in a statement of attainment — the document commonly called an 'EWP ticket' or 'EWP certificate.' It is an employer and site requirement rather than a government licence, but it is the nationally recognised standard for demonstrating competency on that class of equipment.
What equipment does RIIHAN301E cover?
- Electric slab scissor lifts (all sizes) used in construction, warehousing and commercial fitout
- Diesel rough-terrain scissor lifts for outdoor and uneven-surface applications
- Vertical mast lifts and push-around platforms used in indoor facilities
- Compact and narrow scissor lifts for retail, facilities management and tight spaces
- Boom-type EWPs with a boom length under 11 metres — small articulating boom lifts and some trailer-mounted EWPs
- Bi-energy and hybrid scissor lifts used across both indoor and outdoor environments
What does RIIHAN301E training involve?
Training is delivered by RTOs and typically combines a theory component covering legislation, hazard identification, pre-operation checks, safe operating procedures and emergency response, with a practical component where the learner operates the equipment under assessment conditions.
Assessment is conducted on actual equipment — candidates are assessed performing pre-operation checks, operating the machine safely in a representative environment and responding to simulated hazard scenarios. Duration varies between providers but most full courses run between a half-day and a full day for scissor lift training, with some providers offering combined scissor and boom content in a longer format.
How long does an EWP ticket last?
RIIHAN301E itself does not expire — the statement of attainment is a record of competency achieved at a point in time. However, many employers and principal contractors require operators to have completed a Verification of Competency (VOC) or refresher training within a specified period, commonly two to three years, to demonstrate that competency is current.
Sites with high-risk or complex operating environments — mining, major construction, defence — often have more stringent requirements. Check with your employer or principal contractor for their specific site requirements.
RIIHAN301E vs EWPA Yellow Card — what's the difference?
The EWPA Yellow Card is an industry operator training program developed by the Elevated Work Platform Association of Australia (EWPA). It is not a separate unit of competency — Yellow Card training is designed to lead to RIIHAN301E (or similar) competency and is widely accepted in the industry as equivalent to an EWP ticket for equipment within its scope.
Yellow Card training covers scissor lifts, vertical lifts and boom-type EWPs below the HRWL threshold. Providers who deliver Yellow Card training are EWPA-authorised and the card is recognised by most employers, hire companies and principal contractors as evidence of operator training. Some providers offer Yellow Card training that specifically excludes boom content — confirm coverage with your training provider before booking if you need boom-lift competency.
Do you need an EWP ticket for a scissor lift on a construction site?
Yes — virtually all Australian construction sites and principal contractor safety management systems require operators to hold current documented training before using any EWP, including scissor lifts. Even for low-risk indoor environments, most employers require evidence of RIIHAN301E or Yellow Card training as a minimum before permitting operator access.
Hire companies also commonly ask for evidence of operator training before releasing equipment to customers who are self-operating. Without a current EWP ticket, getting access to the machine on hire — let alone on a managed construction site — is increasingly difficult.
This guide is general information prepared by EWP Australia and is grounded in publicly available Australian Standards and Safe Work Australia material. It is not a substitute for the current published edition of the relevant standard or for site-specific engineering advice. Always work from the current standard and consult a competent person for your specific equipment and application.