The formal qualification requirement to operate an excavator in Australia has been removed as of today. Employers prefer registration or a licence, which normally takes the form of ‘proof of competency’. This can be achieved in a few different ways.
In the earlier years, excavator usage had to comply with antiquated safety rules. All firms in Australia, however, must follow the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011, which states that the business owner or site manager is responsible for excavation machine licensing.
Who’s In Charge?
The individual who is in charge of the site is called a PCBU, or a ‘person conducting a business or undertaking.’ Essentially, it means that your supervisor is responsible for making sure that any large earthmoving equipment on the site, including excavators, are operated safely and responsibly.
As per WorkSafe QLD, the management or company in charge of the plant or the supplier for your DIY small project, for instance, must verify the following:
- Operators are given sufficient knowledge, training, instruction, and supervision
- Operators are skilled
- Equipment is used in the most appropriate manner possible to prevent any safety hazards
How Do I Get Qualified to Operate an Excavator?
To work as an excavator operator on most construction projects in Sydney, Melbourne, and other states, you don’t need a licence, but you do need to demonstrate that you are qualified and responsible enough to operate an excavator.
In fact, you do not need to hold an earthmoving or specific crane (EPC) certificate to operate the following types of equipment under new Australian Work Health and Safety Regulations rules:
- Excavator (class LE)
- Front end loader / backhoe (class LB)
- Front end loader (class LL)
- Skid steer loader (class LS)
- Dozer (LZ)
- Grader (LG)
- Scraper (LP)
However, certain operations that include demolition and asbestos removal, as well as the operation of specific types of cranes and hoists, boom EWPs, forklifts, boilers, steam turbines, and reach stackers will need a high-risk work licence.
How Do I Get My Excavator Ticket?
It’s often not necessary to do a full training course if you only need your excavator ticket. You simply need to prove that you are a competent operator.
Although there is no official license that you must obtain, you will need proof of your skills to drive and control an excavator as well as engage in excavator rental services. Formal and informal training can both provide this information.
- Prove that you’ve used this equipment previously by providing log books or records of prior job operations
- Take a hands-on inspection by the site manager or supervisor
- Obtain a certificate of completion for the nationally accepted training module RIIMPO320 – Conduct civil construction excavator operations
- From a recognized training provider, get a state-based certification in this module
Whatever method you use, you’ll still need to pass a test to prove your knowledge. This is referred to as a VOC (Verification of Competence) in the industry.
Do I Need a License to Hire a Mini Digger?
If you hire a mini digger, a dingo, or excavator for use in a non-commercial DIY project on your own property, no certification or license is necessary. A machine supplier, on the other hand, should explain to you about safety and general operational usage.
Do I Need Training to Hire a Mini Digger?
If you are planning to hire mini diggers or mini excavators for yourself in Brisbane, you don’t need any training. The mini digger hire company should be able to explain safety and operational usage instructions.
Training will be required if you are hiring a mini digger as part of your construction project.
No matter how big or small your project is, Allwell Hire will have you covered for all of your mini excavator hire needs in Brisbane. Contact us today!
Need more information on excavator licences? Take a look at our previous post on whether you need an excavator licence for standard excavation work.
