Updated: 13 June 2006

The page has been used twice to date; firstly to inform that the Australian Safety and Compensation Council has approved the Codes of Practice for heritage steam operators, and secondly to provide advice of the need to convert pre 1996 OH&S qualifications. As some people do not have access to the internet the notice is reproduced below.

CONVERSION OF STEAM QUALIFICATIONS TO THE NATIONAL CLASSES

People holding pre 96 certificates/licences should consider having them converted to the National Classes, which for heritage steam operators could include the BB (basic boiler) and ES (reciprocating steam engine) certificates of competency. NSW WorkCover has advised that applications for conversions must be lodged by 01 September 2006 with a payment of $30 (total), but the pre 96 certificates will still be recognised until 30 June 2007. If the pre 96 certificates are not converted by 01 September 2006 they will lapse a year later and the only way to obtain a certificate will be through re-assessment at the individual's expense. While it is a personal choice of whether you convert or not please note that the Heritage Steam Codes of Practice will not be in place by 01 September 2006 and the basis of recognition of existing qualifications will only be on current qualifications. The requirement to convert does not only apply to steam certificates.

Pre 96 NSW steam licences that heritage operator's could hold include the Traction Engine Driver's Certificate of Competency, Steam Locomotive Driver's Certificate of Competency, and Boiler Attendant. Please note that recognition will only be given to NSW issued certificates; interstate certificates must be converted with the relevant state or territory. It is possible to retain your original certificate provided a certified copy of the original is provided. Further information can be obtained from your local NSW WorkCover office or visit: http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/FAQs/OSHResponsibilities/NCOC/converting_ncoc.htm

If you live in another state or territory it is recommended that you contact your local OHS jurisdiction about the timeframe and procedures to convert, because the requirement will become Australia wide noting that the onus is on the individual to convert. Similarly if you do not have a certificate but are ready to be assessed it would be sensible to undergo assessment now because as stated above the Codes of Practice is yet to be drafted.

The Steam Page can be used for the benefit of all concerned whether you subscribe to the magazine or not. So if you have information please pass it to the editor and also let people in the steam community know about this page.

This update is purposely short as I have been away from home with work for weeks and am chasing any number of deadlines. But I would be remiss if I did not mention and thank the organisers and attendees at the briefings on the Codes of Practice held at the Hunter Valley Steamfest and Lake Goldsmith rally. They were well attended and I would also like to acknowledge the members of the Codes team who provided support at both events.

Gary Barker.