White card training is a necessary step for induction for construction work. You cannot legally work or enter a construction site in Australia without obtaining this card. It is one of the main Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act laws. Use the following information to learn more about the white card training courses, including the learning outcomes, cost, and requirements.
Who Has to Complete a White Card Course in Hobart?
Anyone that plans to enter a construction site needs to complete the required training for a white card Tasmania. What is white card training? It is a program that follows the national code of practice for identifying common workplace hazards and following hazard control measures.
WHS Regulations 1996 define construction work as any task or project involving at least one of the following criteria:
- Working with sheet piles, trench sheets, or driving piles
- Tasks involving earthworks and road works
- Work involving laying underground cable
- Work that relies on a hoisting appliance
- Projects that require scaffolding
- Any work that involves the installation, alteration, construction, removal, demolition, or dismantling of a structure or building
If you have already obtained the blue card, taking this training may not be a requirement, unless you need to take additional WHS training courses. Many courses require the latest construction induction training as a prerequisite and the blue card does not meet the requirements.
According to WorkSafe Tasmania, you need the induction card to work in the construction industry. Whether you are a principal contractor, builder, self-employed person, or labour-hire worker, you need proof that you understand the hazards of the construction site.
The most common cause of injuries on a construction site was being hit by an object. Construction sites are often busy locations, with many people working side-by-side. Anyone with control of construction projects or works and anyone carrying out work on a construction site needs this training.
How Can I Get a White Card in Hobart?
Some companies offer white card online TAS training. However, most safety organisations recommend in-person white card training. In fact, many companies do not accept online courses.
To obtain your card, enrol through a registered training organisation (RTO) that offers the nationally recognised course for construction induction training. You need to pay the enrolment fee and select an upcoming class that fits your schedule. When you arrive for the class, you need to bring your photo ID or any valid identification.
Many classes require students to dress appropriately for work on a construction site. This includes wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, along with eye protection and hard hats. You may also need to bring a high visibility vest and hearing protection.
How Long Is the White Card Course in Hobart?
The course includes a full day of training. This is due to the WHS Act requirements. The legislation states that the program needs to last at least six hours.
You also need to complete the training face-to-face. The refresher course is only available for those that have already completed the initial training.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a White Card in Hobart?
The average cost of a TAS white card is about $120. However, the cost remains consistent across almost every Australian state. You can also use your card in other states.
Australian states and territories offer reciprocal acceptance of the construction induction card. If you obtain a card in Tasmania, you may use it to work on construction sites in other parts of the country.
Does a White Card Have an Expiration Date?
When you successfully complete the program, you receive a statement of attainment. The statement provides proof that you have completed the course until the card arrives.
The Tasmanian white card arrives through the mail several weeks after completing the course. After you obtain your white card TAS via post. It does not expire. However, many PCBUs require workers to retake the course after two years of inactivity. This is the industry standard, but not a requirement of the WHS Act.
If you do not yet have a white card or if you have not worked in the construction industry for the past two years, enrol in a nationally recognised training program.
