When is a High Risk Licence Required: Telehandlers (WA)

Telehandlers (also known as telescopic handlers) are some of the most versatile machines on worksites, combining the lifting capabilities of a forklift with the reach of a crane. But with this versatility comes varying licensing and training requirements, depending on how the telehandler is used and what attachments it carries.

In Western Australia, whether you need a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) or not depends on your machine’s capacity, boom length, and attachments. Below is a breakdown of when a HRWL is required and how Equip-Safe can help you meet your training obligations.

Understanding Telehandlers and Their Attachments

A telehandler uses a boom arm that can extend forwards and upwards. Depending on attachment, a telehandler can perform the role of a forklift, crane, or elevated work platform (EWP).

Because attachments change how the machine operates, licensing rules under WorkSafe WA vary depending on configuration.

Attachments include: 

• Fixed or rotating forks
• Buckets or grabs
• Crane jibs or hooks
• Work platforms

Because each attachment changes how the machine performs, licensing requirements vary, particularly once the telehandler’s rated capacity exceeds 3 tonnes and it’s used as a crane or as a boom-type EWP over 11 m. 

A Guide to Telehandlers and Licences

Non-Slewing Telehandlers (Fixed Boom)

Up to and including 3 tonnes capacity:

• High Risk Licence required? ❌ No
• Training required: Operators must complete duty of care or industry-based training — such as the TSHA Gold Card or a Statement of Attainment in RIIHAN309F – Conduct Telescopic Materials Handler Operations.
  
  • While Equip-Safe does not currently offer this unit, our Operate Support Equipment (RIIMPO208F) course provides essential skills for operating support plant safely and is ideal preparation before telehandler-specific training.

Fitted with crane jib/hook, ≤3 t rated capacity

• High Risk Licence required? ❌ No (in WA)
  
  • Training required: TSHA Gold Card or equivalent competency-based training (e.g. RIIHAN309F), and compliance with WHS (General) Regulations duty-of-care requirements.

Over 3 tonnes capacity (with forks, bucket or similar attachments):

• High Risk Licence required? ❌ No
  
  • Training required: TSHA Gold Card or equivalent competency-based training (e.g., RIIHAN309F).

Fitted with a crane jib or hook:

• High Risk Licence required? ✅ Yes — CN Class (Non-Slewing Mobile Crane)
  
  • CN is the minimum HRWL required, but a higher mobile slewing crane class (C2, C6, C1, or C0) is also accepted.

Fitted with a work platform (boom length exceeds 11m):

• High Risk Licence required? ✅ Yes — WP Class (Boom Type EWP over 11m)
  
  • Equip-Safe offers TLILIC0005 – Licence to Operate a Boom-Type EWP (over 11m) to meet this requirement.

 Slewing Telehandlers (Boom can rotate more than 5°)

With forks, buckets, or fixed attachments

• High Risk Licence required? ❌ No
• Training required: Duty of care or competency-based training (e.g., TSHA Gold Card or RIIHAN309F).
  
  • Equip-Safe’s Operate Support Equipment course helps develop foundational knowledge for these duties.

Fitted with a crane jib or hook

• High Risk Licence required? ✅ Yes — Mobile Slewing Crane Licence (C2, C6, C1 or C0)
• The specific class depends on the telehandler’s rated capacity.

Fitted with a work platform over 11m

• High Risk Licence required? ✅ Yes — WP Class (Boom-Type EWP over 11m)
• This is covered under Equip-Safe’s EWP over 11m course.

Operating a Telehandler on Public Roads

If a telehandler needs to be driven on a public road, you must hold the correct driver’s licence class as determined by the WA Department of Transport.

Visit The WA DOT website for details. 

TLDR; Quick Reference Guide for Telehandler Licensing Requirements in WA 

Forklift vs Telehandler Licensing

It’s a common misconception that a forklift licence allows you to operate a telehandler. However the Forklift HRWL (TLILIC0003) is for forklifts only. Telehandlers are a different class of equipment, with their own licensing and competency standards. Equip-Safe offers forklift training for those who also operate forklifts onsite, but separate telehandler training or HRWL may still be required.

Read more about Forklift vs Telehandler licenses here. 

Stay Safe and Compliant with Equip-Safe

Equip-Safe provides high-quality, nationally recognised training in Western Australia to help you meet workplace safety and licensing obligations.

Our expert trainers will guide you through the correct skills and compliance requirements so you can operate safely and confidently in your workplace.

View all our courses here.