Whats the difference between a yellow card and the OrangeCard? Everything you NEED to know
What is a 'yellow card' in construction?
What is a 'yellow card' in construction?
A 'yellow card' in construction is issued by the EWPA (Elevated Work Platform Association) and provides operators with training to operate Mobile Elevating Work Platforms that do not require a high risk work licence.
Elevating work platforms (EWPs) explained
EWPs are mobile platforms that lift or lower people and equipment from a base support using a:
- Hinged device
- Articulated device
- Combination of hinged and articulated devices.
Types of elevating work platforms
There are various types of EWP, including:
- Scissor lifts
- Self-propelled boom lifts
- Trailer or vehicle mounted lifts
- Telehandlers with elevating work platform attachments
So, what's an Orange Card?
Equip-Safe have provided yellow card training for many years, however in 2024, expanded our training delivery and are now the home of the Orange Card – providing the knowledge and practical skills to safely operate Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (which do not require a high risk work licence), as a nationally recognised training outcome. What does this mean? This means the Orange Card is issued after successful achievement of accredited training against nationally recognised unit/s of competecies). Our Trainers and Assessors diligently deliver the Equip-Safe Orange Card to our students to a superior level and with real world activities incorporated.
The Orange Card is exclusive to Equip-Safe.
Why do I need one?
Whilst there is no mandated licence (i.e. high risk work licence) for operating scissor lifts, or boom lifts (with a boom length under 11 metres), WHS legislation and regulations requires a PCBU (person conducting a business or undertaking) to ensure their workers are adequately trained on the machinery they are required to operate, thereby providing their staff, visitors and contractors with a safe workplace.
Benefits of the Equip-Safe Orange Card
The Equip-Safe Orange Card provides accredited training on scissor lifts, EWPs under 11 metres, also allows students to combine this training with Work safely at heights competency. This results in a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment detailing the units of competencies achieved and your Orange Card for easy access in your wallet, including your unit or units of competencies achieved and category of Orange Card attained (scissor lift, boom lift, work safely at heights) as applicable.
Additionally, the Orange Card is required by many employers across the nation. So, to have the appropriate training is often seen as a highly valuable asset in an employee. Being thoroughly trained in all aspects of using an mobile elevated work platform, is a great pathway to open up your job opportunities either as a ontractor, or as an apprentice increasing the jobs you may be exposed to during your apprenticeship, giving you a better breadth of experience.
How long does it last?
It is recommended to refresh your training for EWPs every five years from date of issue.
How much does EWP training cost?
The cost of EWP training (the Orange Card) is between $400 and $650, depending on which category of Orange Card training you undertake - just scissor lift, scissor lift and boom, or scissor, boom, and work safely at heights training. We do not charge extra for the issuing of your Orange Card.
Book your Orange Card scissor lift training at Equip-Safe today
The Equip-Safe Orange Card is a must-have for anyone working in the construction industry, or any industry where EWPs are used. Whether you’re an electrician, a chippy, or even a foreman, having a yellow card will help you progress through your career, and is a pathway to making you much more employable.
Check out our different Orange Card course options here or get in touch with the friendly team at Equip-Safe for more information.
