Do you need a license to use a scissor lift in New Zealand?

While not a "license" in the traditional sense, formal training and certification are a mandatory requirement for safe and lawful scissor lift operation in New Zealand.

Technically you don't need a formal "license" to use a scissor lift in New Zealand, but you must be adequately trained, competent, and have proof of this competence to meet the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA). Most commercial sites and hire companies require proof of training, such as achieving an NZQA unit standard, before you can operate a scissor lift.

Legal Requirement: The HSWA mandates that employees are trained and competent to use machinery safely in the workplace.

Employer Duty of Care: Employers have a duty to ensure their workers are trained, and this extends to ensuring that those who hire their equipment are competent.

Industry Standards: The Elevating Work Platform Association (EWPA) and hire companies strongly recommend and often require appropriate training and unit standards for safety and professional standards.

Site Requirements: Many commercial job sites will require proof of this training before allowing you to operate equipment.

So, do you need a license to use a scissor lift in New Zealand? ....Yes! But you also need training.

It's like a drivers license, you wouldn't show up to take the test without having learnt how to drive a car and understand the road rules. The one day EWP license course is basically an open book theory and practical test that allows the trainer to asset your knowledge of EWPs and safe working practices. This one day course can not replicate onsite experience and training which should always be ongoing.

We never stop learning.