Do You Need a Licence for a Scissor Lift in Queensland?

by | Nov 11, 2026 | Workplace health and safety

No. A scissor lift does not need a high risk work licence in Queensland, but the people who operate it still need training.

Why no licence is needed

WorkSafe Queensland says you need a WP high risk work licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform. It defines that as a platform raised by a telescoping, hinged or articulated boom (or a combination), and says platforms with a boom length under 11 metres are not included. A scissor lift is raised by scissor arms, not a boom, so it is outside the licence class.

Training is still expected

No licence does not mean no duty. Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (section 19), the business or employer must provide the information, training, instruction and supervision needed to protect people from risks at work. For a scissor lift that usually means:

  • training on the actual machine, including its controls, platform load limit and emergency lowering;
  • a pre-start check, and checks of the ground, slope and overhead hazards before each use;
  • supervision until the operator is competent.

Many hirers and sites ask for an EWPA Yellow Card or equivalent training. That is an industry training card, not a licence issued by WorkSafe, but your employer, the host site or the hire company may still require one.

Working at height

Construction work with a risk of a person falling more than two metres is high risk construction work, and a safe work method statement (SWMS) must be prepared before it starts (Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, sections 291 and 299). Whether a job on a scissor lift counts depends on the work and the site, so a licence-free scissor lift can still be covered by this requirement.

Check before you start

  • If the machine has a telescoping, hinged or articulated boom, it is boom-type. Check its boom length against the 11 metre rule.
  • Ask your employer, the host site or the hire company what training evidence they require.
  • Rules change, so confirm the current requirements with WorkSafe Queensland.

References

General information only. This is not legal advice. Confirm the current requirements with WorkSafe Queensland.