Work Cover Authority of New South Wales - Licensing

Licensing

Before people and businesses undertake high risk activities in the workplace, they may be required to:

• obtain a permit
• notify WorkCover
• register certain equipment
• hold a licence or certificate of competency

WorkCover’s Licensing Solutions Unit administer, advise, assess and approve applications for licences, permits, registrations and notifications. To be able to use explosives or fireworks, a licence must be received from WorkCover. They are in charge of the regulation of explosive chemicals, in terms of unsupervised handling, use, manufacture, storage, import, supply and transport. It is illegal to be in possession of explosive and dangerous chemicals without the appropriate WorkCover license. Licenses for explosives will only be given for commercial manufacturing, mining and quarrying, and anyone applying for these licenses must have extensive background checks from police and security agencies. For fireworks, either a pyrotechnicians license, or a fireworks (single use) license is required. A pyrotechnicians license allows you to use fireworks and teach people with a fireworks (single use) license in the correct handling of fireworks. A licensed pyrotechnician must also notify WorkCover seven working days before any fireworks are used, and complete the Fireworks display: Notification of pyrotechnics/fireworks display form. As well as explosives and fireworks, licenses must be issued for things such as asbestos removal, demolition work, and other high risk work activities. As well as gaining the respective license, WorkCover must be notified if someone is undertaking any of the following activities:

• asbestos removal
• demolition work
• fireworks displays
• importation or export of explosives or security sensitive dangerous substances
• lead risk work
• operating a major hazard facility
• storage of dangerous goods
• using carcinogenic substances at a place of work