Been on a site and seen somebody in a scissor lift or a cherry picker, and you're thinking, "Do they even know what they're doing?" It's a reasonable question, mate. Working at height is a dodgy business; nobody wants their mate injured due to the safety being done on the cheap. This is where Elevated Work Platform (EWP) tickets enter the picture. But here's the twist: even for those EWPs that don't hit the dizzying heights of more than 11 metres, you still usually need proper certification. That’s where Sydney's EWP under 11 metres certification comes in—it isn’t just about ticking a box; it's about ensuring everyone makes it home safe after a hard day's yakka.

The problem is that many blokes and sheilas believe that they don't require any specialised training if it's not a big boom lift. This can cause some very dodgy situations. They may not understand how to properly install the EWP, how to inspect for hazards, or what to do in case of an emergency. This ignorance can turn a routine job into a disaster waiting to happen. So, let's get the facts straight, mate.

EWP ticket under 11m: When is it needed?

So, you're on-site, and the work needs you to use an EWP under 11 metres. A scissor lift for painting a ceiling, a cherry picker for tree lopping, or a vertical lift for maintenance. So, do you need a ticket? The quick answer is, quite often, you do.

Workplace safety regulations are tight in Australia, and understandably so. They aim to keep risk as low as possible and reduce the risk of accidents. The use of an EWP, even one at a mere 11 metres high, is governed by particular dangers. You are at height, and there's potential for you to fall. You are driving a piece of equipment, meaning if used in error, you risk being harmed.

To work smarter under 11 meters, certification and training are necessary. A nationally accredited "Operate Elevating Work Platform" course, commonly leading to a "Yellow Card," is essential for operators to acquire the knowledge and skills required. This training includes a series of EWPs, such as:

• Scissor lifts

• Boom lifts (less than 11 metres)

• Vertical lifts

By attaining this certification, operators can:

• Carry out pre-start checks.

• Recognise hazards and institute control measures.

• Use the EWP safely and efficiently.

• React to emergencies.

Do all EWP operators require a ticket?

You betcha. You don't care if you're an old-school tradie or a greenie on the site; if you're working on an EWP, you usually require the correct ticket. This goes for all types of workers, including:

• Electricians

• Painters

• Construction workers

• Maintenance staff

• Arborists

The premise is that everybody, regardless of their trade or experience, must have the same competency standard when working in an EWP. It's a matter of ensuring safety and avoiding accidents due to lack of knowledge or inexperience. It's not questioning your abilities; it's about everybody working on-site following the same safety guidelines.

Under 11m EWP ticket: Do they have to use it?

While there might be some particular and rare exceptions (always check with your state or territory's Work Health and Safety Authority), the general rule is that an EWP ticket is mandatory for operating EWPs under 11 metres. It's not a suggestion; it's a requirement.

Consider the analogy: Wouldn't you permit another to operate your automobile without a license? You'd require evidence even if they assured you they are a safe driver. So it is with EWPs. An EWP ticket shows that the operator has received the requisite training and proven competency. This requirement ensures:

• Minimisation of workplace accidents.

• Compliance with safety legislation.

• Worker protection from harm.

• Create a safe working environment for all.

When can I work under 11m EWP without a ticket?

This is where it gets complicated, and it is essential to be precise. In nearly all circumstances, you cannot work on an EWP less than 11 metres high without having a valid ticket. The rules are designed to help keep workers safe, and there are very few good reasons to ignore them.

It's wise to beware of anyone who warns you otherwise. If your supervisor or buddy says, "Don't worry about the ticket; just get the work done," that is a huge red flag. It's imperative to put safety first and demand certification. Working without a ticket can cause:

• Major accidents and injuries.

• Court cases for the operator and the employer.

• Fines and penalties.

• Irrational insurance premiums.

Yellow Card EWP: Always required below 11m?

The "Yellow Card" is the colloquial name for the certification you receive on finishing the "Operate Elevating Work Platform" course. It's widely accepted in Australia as evidence of competency for working EWP below 11 metres.

So, is a Yellow Card always necessary for EWPs less than 11 metres? In general, yes. Although the actual name of the certification may differ marginally based on the training provider, the fundamental requirement for proficiency is unchanged. The Yellow Card has become the accepted standard, and it's by far the most prevalent method of proving you possess the expertise and knowledge to use an EWP safely.

It should be mentioned that the Elevating Work Platform Association of Australia (EWPA) is important in promoting and standardising EWP training. Their Yellow Card scheme is highly regarded and accepted nationally.

Case study

When investigating the qualifications required to operate an EWP up to 11 metres, I looked at a training provider with offices in Bankstown, NSW, which provides safety certification for individuals and businesses. I noted an increased demand for the "yellow card" EWP ticket from the case study, particularly from employees coming into construction positions where boom lifts less than 11 metres are used regularly. Although a high-risk work license is not legally mandated for machines less than that height, most work sites still require operators to be formally trained. Companies also prefer employees with evidence of competency for insurance and compliance reasons. The provider's short course delivered operations on managing hazards, controlling risks, and following safety procedures with practical experience and a nationally recognised statement of attainment. This case study affirmed that although the law may not always require an EWP ticket below 11 metres, employers and project managers do—and it was a wise move for anyone intent on working at heights.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, it's all about safety. Working on an EWP, even one less than 11 metres, can be hazardous if you don't know what you're doing. Getting your Yellow Card isn't a bother; it's an investment in your safety and those around you.

Don't be a hero. Don't cut corners. Get the training, get the ticket, and do the job safely. It's not worth risking your livelihood or life to save time or money. And if you're an employer, ensure your workers are adequately trained and certified. You have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment.

By ensuring everyone has the correct EWP ticket, we can minimize accidents, avoid injuries, and create safer worksites for everyone. And that's something we can all agree on, right?