Verify all 24 HRWL classes including cranes, hoists, forklifts, scaffolding, and rigging. Encompasses rules applied automatically. 5-year renewal, nationally recognised.
Overview
A High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) is required for anyone who operates high-risk plant or equipment in Australia. Issued by state and territory WHS regulators, HRWLs are valid for 5 years and are nationally recognised under harmonised WHS legislation. There are 24 HRWL classes across five categories: cranes, hoists & EWPs, forklifts, scaffolding, and dogging & rigging.
A key complexity in HRWL verification is encompassment — higher licence classes cover the scope of lower classes. For example, a CO (slewing mobile crane over 100 tonnes) encompasses C1, C6, C2, and CN. A worker holding a CO class is qualified to operate all smaller slewing mobile cranes. Similarly, SA (advanced scaffolding) encompasses SI and SB. Refchecks applies encompassment rules automatically so you know exactly what a worker is licensed to operate.
The 24 HRWL classes are: Cranes — CT (tower crane), CS (self-erecting tower crane), CD (derrick crane), CP (portal boom crane), CB (bridge and gantry crane), CV (vehicle loading crane), CN (non-slewing mobile crane >3t), C2 (slewing mobile crane up to 20t), C6 (up to 60t), C1 (up to 100t), CO (over 100t); Hoists & EWPs — HM (materials hoist), HP (personnel and materials hoist), WP (boom-type EWP ≥11m), PB (concrete placing boom), RS (reach stacker); Forklifts — LF (forklift truck), LO (order-picking forklift truck); Scaffolding — SB (basic), SI (intermediate), SA (advanced); Dogging & Rigging — DG (dogging), RB (basic rigging), RI (intermediate rigging), RA (advanced rigging).
What's Included
Principal contractors must verify HRWL classes for crane operators, riggers, doggers, scaffolders, and forklift operators before they commence high-risk work on site.
Mine sites require HRWL verification for all operators of high-risk plant including cranes, EWPs, and forklifts. Site access systems check HRWL currency as part of induction.
Labour hire agencies placing HRWL-classified workers must verify class endorsements and expiry before dispatch. The host employer bears secondary liability if the worker's licence is invalid.
WHS regulators can audit HRWL compliance at any time. Maintaining verified HRWL records for all relevant workers is essential for demonstrating a safe system of work.
Process
The candidate uploads photos of the front and back of their HRWL card through the Refchecks portal. The card lists all endorsed classes.
Claude Vision reads the HRWL card and extracts the licence number, holder name, issuing state, expiry date, and every endorsed class code.
The system automatically applies encompassment rules — for example, a CO endorsement is shown as covering C1, C6, C2, and CN. You see the full scope of what the worker is licensed to operate.
A structured result is returned showing all endorsed classes, encompassed classes, expiry date, and verification status — ready for the employer's plant and equipment register.
Turnaround & Pricing
Turnaround Time
< 24 hours
Standard
Included
Part of mining & construction verification package
FAQ
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