Thresholds attach to odd quantities
Boom length, metre-tonnes and fall distance can matter more than the everyday name of the machine.
Licensing check · Queensland
Does this work need a high risk work licence?
Most site arguments about HRW licences come down to definitions: boom length, metre-tonnes, crane type, dogging judgement and what attachment is fitted. This check routes the task to the likely licence class or the definition you need to confirm.
01
Screen the task against licence classes
Start with the work being done, then route to the machine or task definition that determines the licence class.
TaskDetailsResult
Task
What is the task?
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Where the arguments come from
The traps are often in the threshold units and definitions, not in the plant name people use on site.
The attachment changes the machine
Telehandlers and earthmoving plant can move between practical competency pathways depending on what is fitted.
Dogging is a judgement test
Anyone choosing how to sling, or directing a blind lift, may cross the line even if their job title is not dogger.
Licence, competency and authorisation differ
The HRW licence is the legal floor. Site authorisation and plant-specific training still sit on top.
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Worked screening examples
01
EWP
10 m knuckle-boom EWP
Context: The platform height feels high, but the WP class turns on boom length.
Screening view: If boom length is under the threshold, HRW licensing may not apply, but training and site authorisation still do.
02
Crane
25 t Franna-style pick-and-carry
Context: People often guess the wrong slewing-crane class.
Screening view: Non-slewing mobile crane over 3 t screens to CN territory.
03
Dogging
Workshop crew slinging a gearbox
Context: The crane may not trigger CV, but the lift still needs sling selection and direction.
Screening view: Dogging may be the controlling licence question.
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Sources
This check paraphrases the licence-class pathway. Always confirm borderline cases against the current Regulation or regulator class description.
Safe Work Australia — high risk work licence classesNational overview of HRW licence classes ↗WorkSafe QLD — high risk work licensingQueensland licence and regulator pathway ↗WHS Regulation 2011 (Qld), Schedule 3Licence class schedule ↗
Important limitation
Screening guidance against the model WHS licence classes as adopted in Queensland, current at the review date. Definitions in the Regulation govern; class descriptions here are paraphrased. Confirm borderline cases with the regulator or the current Schedule 3 before assigning work.
Get Engineering Help
Ask an engineerNeed the engineering side as well?
This licensing check is mostly a training/supervision issue. If the task also involves lifting design, plant modification, registration or verification, XPO Engineers can help with the engineering pathway.