How to Get a RIW Card?

If you are employed in the rail industry in Australia, you will likely need to obtain a Rail Industry Worker (RIW) card. Here’s how to get a RIW card.

What is a RIW Card?

A RIW Card is an identification card that includes a link to an electronic record of a worker’s details as relevant to their work on a rail network. It includes personal identification, medical levels and the competencies and accreditations held by the rail worker. The card provides recognition that a person is qualified to work on and around a rail corridor.

The information on the card comes from the worker’s electronic record kept within the Australian Railway Association (ARA) database. Having a worker’s relevant information in an easily accessible system allows rail network operators, authorities and employers to quickly identify qualified individuals efficiently in the work environment.

This system also benefits workers who move between jobs, employers and projects. A RIW card isn’t a requirement for all rail networks, however, if an employer or project includes any of the rail corridors within the participating rail networks, the RIW Card is mandatory.

How do I get a RIW Card?

• If you are new and only require a rail industry worker card, you can apply directly here.
• If you have existing qualifications, competencies or rail medicals to add to your profile, you can apply for a RIW card +Job Ready here.
• If your employer has RIW system access, you can ask your employer to issue your RIW card.

The RIW Program only issues cards to companies and contractors who hold an ABN. Your primary employer will have to order your RIW card on your behalf. Businesses can register their company with a RIW provider and then set up profiles for individual employees.

What credentials are necessary to access the rail corridor?

No matter someone’s credentials and certifications, before they can gain a RIW Card to access a rail corridor in track maintenance or construction-related role, they need to complete three basic steps:

• Obtain a White Card for Construction, which involves undertaking training on how to work safely in the construction industry (CERT currently offers CPCCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry in Victoria.)
• Pass a medical relevant to their job role – which can be completed at CERT training centres
• Complete a Rail Safety Induction Program (see options below)

TLIF0020 is the basis of various Rail Network mandatory rail safety induction programs. To complete TLIF0020 – Safely Access the Rail Corridor training with CERT, click on the link relevant to your state below to quickly and easily book online:

• TfNSW Accessing the Rail Corridor Induction (SX52/RISI), for Transport for New South Wales and Sydney Trains
• Safely Access the Rail Corridor (SARC) in Queensland for Queensland Rail
• ARTC/VLine Safely Access the Rail Corridor (SARC) in Victoria for Metro Trains Melbourne and V/Line
• Safely Access the Rail Corridor (SARC) in South Australia for the ARTC network
• Safely Access the Rail Corridor (SARC) in Western Australia

These RIW courses prescribe the competency requirements relevant to the Network. Depending on your role, you may need additional competencies for specific rail networks and operators.

If you’re unsure about specific rail network requirements, you can contact your local CERT office. You can also visit the Australian Rail Association website or view the National Matrices to figure out which roles require additional competencies.

Enrol in CERT Training now and kick start your career in rail infrastructure.

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