The best thing about working in the construction industry is the streamlined, straightforward approach to work. We’re not interested in bureaucracy: we make work practical and life easy. One of the most painstaking aspects of any job is having to do menial paperwork which doesn’t seem to have any point. We can assure you that this isn’t the case on the construction site.
Renewing your licenses, on the other hand, is something all construction workers need to do – and it’s an important part of the job. Here’s how often your standard licenses should be renewed when working in construction.
Why all types of licences must be renewed
Let’s answer the question of what licences actually are before we answer why they need to be renewed every so often. A licence is a type of qualification which proves that you have the skills to complete a certain task. For things like driving a car or boat, the rules and regulations don’t often change: you’re more or less always operating a vehicle with a steering wheel, brakes and an accelerator.
Construction jobs like dogging, rigging and scaffolding come with associated risks. There’s working at heights, carrying heavy loads and other safety risks that are associated with these jobs. That’s why these licences need to be renewed every so often – to make sure you’re always up to date with current safety regulations, and to fund the governing body of WorkSafe Australia through your registration fee.
How long does each licence last?
Licences don’t often need to be renewed. Let’s take a look at the different types of construction licences and tickets and see how often you need to renew them:
- Dogging licence
A dogging licence must be renewed every 5 years. In order to renew a dogging licence and continue being a dogger, you must ensure you pay the prescribed fee to WorkSafe Australia.
- Elevated work platform ticket (yellow card)
A yellow card, or licence to work on an elevated platform, also lasts for five years and has associated renewal fees.
- Rigging licence
A rigging licence must be renewed every 5 years. In order to renew a rigging licence and continue being a rigger, you must also pay a fee to WorkSafe Australia.
- Scaffolding licence
A scaffolding licence must be renewed every 5 years. In order to renew this licence and continue working, you must also pay a fee to WorkSafe Australia.
- Crane operator licence
A crane operator licence must be renewed every 5 years. In order to renew a crane operator licence and continue being a crane operator, you must also pay a fee to WorkSafe Australia.
Will your certificates expire?
You do not need to renew or upgrade your certificates or qualifications once they’ve been issued; however, larger construction companies require that you undertake a process called Verification of Competency (VOC) prior to commencing work on site. CTI undertakes VOCs for all types of construction plants and equipment.
