Quick answer: RIIWHS204E is the national Work safely at heights unit used in the ACT. WorkSafe ACT says construction work with a risk of a fall greater than two metres is high-risk construction work and requires a SWMS, while fall risks below two metres still need to be identified, assessed and controlled.
What is the RIIWHS204E course in the ACT?
RIIWHS204E Work safely at heights covers preparing for the work, identifying hazards and controls, selecting and checking equipment, safely performing the task and completing required records.
It is a national unit rather than an ACT high risk work licence. After a competent assessment result, the RTO normally issues a statement of attainment. People may informally call this evidence a “working at heights ticket”.
The training does not replace ACT workplace duties, site risk assessment, safe access, suitable equipment, supervision or emergency procedures.
ACT fall risks are not limited to buildings
WorkSafe ACT describes working at heights as work where someone or something could fall from one level to another.
The regulator notes that this can include work on the ground near a deep excavation, as well as roofs, scaffolds, edges, openings, unstable structures, formwork, ladders and fragile surfaces.
The assessment should consider more than the measured height. Surface condition, slope, ground stability, access, open edges and the possible consequences of a fall can all affect the risk.
ACT construction SWMS requirements
WorkSafe ACT says construction work where there is a risk of a person falling more than two metres is high-risk construction work and requires a safe work method statement.
The SWMS should be based on a site-specific risk assessment, describe the measures used to eliminate or minimise risk and be developed in consultation with the workers carrying out the work before it starts.
The two-metre threshold does not make lower work safe. WorkSafe ACT separately says hazards must be identified, risks assessed and appropriate controls selected for work below two metres.
The ACT hierarchy of controls
WorkSafe ACT says a PCBU must use the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or minimise risk.
The regulator identifies working on the ground as the most effective option. Other measures can include:
- working from a solid construction
- using suitable temporary work platforms or scaffolds
- isolating edges and openings with physical barriers
- using work-positioning or fall-arrest systems where higher controls are not reasonably practicable
- supporting the system with procedures, training and supervision
The selected control needs to suit the task and remain effective throughout the work.
Course evidence and refresher expectations in the ACT
RIIWHS204E does not set one ACT expiry date.
An employer, principal contractor, project or site may require recent evidence, refresher training or practical verification. Requirements can also change when equipment, procedures, the work environment or contractual conditions change.
Ask the organisation requiring the training what evidence and currency period it accepts.
Working at heights courses in Canberra and the ACT
The unit code does not change across Canberra or the surrounding ACT. Provider scope, venues and course schedules still need to be verified.
Before booking, confirm:
- the provider is a current RTO
- RIIWHS204E appears on its current scope
- the exact venue and course date
- how practical training and assessment are completed
- the equipment and facilities learners will use
- the total fee and identification, clothing or PPE requirements
- the evidence issued after a competent result
Training Connect does not infer Canberra availability from an RTO’s registration. Ask the provider to confirm the venue and current places.
How to verify an ACT course provider
Check the provider’s registration and RIIWHS204E scope on training.gov.au. Match its RTO code to its advertising and enrolment information.
The official unit requires practical performance on at least two occasions. A provider using online or blended theory should explain where supervised practical activities and assessment take place.
Use the national guide for course duration, ticket terminology and validity questions that apply across Australia.