The EWPA Operator Training Program or “Yellow Card” was created as the result of the EWPA working with industry, helping them to comply with the WHS/OHS/OSH Acts and regulation. This Yellow Card program was designed to ensure that the Yellow Card holder is trained in the safe use and operation of various types of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs or commonly referred to as EWPs).
The EWPA Yellow Card provides ‘evidence’ of this training. The overall intention of the Yellow Card Program is to assist operators, employers, equipment owners and manufacturers to more easily be able to comply with the WHS/OHS/OSH Regulation.
Work health and safety regulations are in place to protect people in the workplace. The EWPA “Yellow Card” is an industry training program helping to provide a safer workplace for all.
How does it work?
The Yellow Card provides proof of completion of training on one or more ‘types’ of MEWPs. There are a number of training modules covering the various types of MEWPs to be operated –
- Vertical Lift (VL)
- Scissor Lift (SL)
- Self Propelled Boom Lift (BL)
- Trailer Lift (TL)
- Truck Mounted Lift (TM)
- Advanced Boom (AB)
While these are all classed as MEWPs, each one is different in its use and safe operation and therefore require separate training modules to be completed.
After successfully completing the EWPA Yellow Card, the operator is issued a photo ID licence and their licence details are added to the EWPA’s online database (approximately 350,000 operators nation-wide) which sites can use to independently verify the validity of the operator’s licence.
Are there alternatives to the Yellow Card for my site?
The EWPA Yellow Card is the Association’s method of assisting industry comply with the regulated requirements for EWP training. Other methods could include having in-house training schemes or user specific programs. All programs need to include a structured training format delivered by a competent person such as a qualified workplace trainer/assessor, with training content that meets or exceeds the Australian Standard 2550.10, and manufacturer’s safe operating procedures.
The EWPA Yellow Card is a formally structured and audited course that is delivered by highly qualified Accredited Trainers. The course is regularly reviewed by industry stakeholders (manufactures, trainers and technical consultants) and is widely recognised and accepted by industry nationally. The Yellow Card Training Program assists you to comply with the regulated requirements to operate MEWPs in Australia.
What if I do nothing to ensure safety on my site?
A disregard for the Act and Regulations can result in hefty fines and even jail. We all have a responsibility for workplace health and safety.
IN SUMMARY
OHS and WHS Acts and Regulations are in place to protect all workers, visitors and contractors at any workplace. The EWPA Operator Licence (Yellow Card) is an industry initiative helping to provide a safer working environment for all stakeholders. It is formally structured, continuously reviewed and a widely recognised program that meets the legislated requirements to operate MEWPs in Australia.
