In January 2014 a total of 63 amendments have been made to WHS Regulations.

The key changes include;

• Clarification on various definitions including; what is an amusement device, combustible dust, combustible liquid, what is a hazardous area
• Clarity that moving plant to load or unload it does NOT require a high risk work licence, Reg 82(3)
• Diving – Reg 161(4a ii) adds ‘to rescue and resuscitate the worker’
• Both AS/NZS 4005.2 and AS/NZS 2815 are now referenced in Reg 171(a ii)
• Reg 235(3) allows no need for re-inspection when moving equipment interstate if the initial major inspection meet WHS requirements
• Reg 244(3) when re-locating a crane the re-registration is not required for changes to foundations and ties.
• Reg 421 criteria clarifies there is no need to hold an asbestos register and management plan in residential premises used for residential purposes
• Schedule 3 – edited to clarify that holding a higher ranked licence class does automatically cover a lower licence class e.g. a person holding a slewing mobile crane licence can also operate a non-slewing crane, a vehicle loading crane (excluding dogging work) and a reach stacker
• Registration of pressure equipment is not required if it falls outside the scope of AS1200:2000 pressure equipment hazard levels (except gas cylinders that are dealt with elsewhere)

To see all 63 changes visit Safe Work Australia:
http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA/about/Publications/Documents/Technicalamendments-model-WHS-Regulations-9-January-2014.pdf