Portable blast cleaner: Registration, uses and equipment

Find out about conditional registration, acceptable uses and equipment requirements for portable blast cleaners.

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What is a portable blast cleaner?

A portable blast cleaner, also known as a blast cleaning machine, uses sand or water to clean hard surfaces.

You need a Car (Class C) licence to drive a portable blast cleaner.

Conditional registration for portable blast cleaners

Portable blast cleaner

Portable blast cleaners need to be conditionally registered to be used on public roads and road-related areas.

Conditional registration gives you limited road access to perform specific functions.

You cannot get conditional registration if a vehicle that complies with the construction and equipment requirements of the Australian Design Rules can be used to perform the same function.

See information about vehicle standards to see what standards apply.

Find out how to apply for conditional registration for a portable blast cleaner.

Oversize vehicle operators

Vehicles that go beyond the dimension and weight limits must comply with the conditions of the relevant access notice or permit. To find out the conditions for:

  • NSW permits – contact Special Permits Unit on 1300 656 371
  • interstate permits – contact National Heavy Vehicle Regulator on 1300 696 487.

Vehicle requirements

Portable blast cleaners must meet all the following vehicle conditions to apply for conditional registration:

  • Only blast cleaners intended for use on a road related area, like car parks, parks, or on footpaths, are eligible for conditional registration.
  • The vehicle must not be operated on a road but can cross a road by the most direct route and can be operated on a road related area (like a footpath or a car park).
  • If used in line marking operations, the vehicle can be used on a road provided the road is closed to other traffic.
  • Operators must be properly restrained with at least a lap seatbelt.
  • Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) capable vehicles must display the red LPG sticker on the front and rear number plates.

Conditions of use

The following minimum conditions apply to conditional registration.

ConditionCode
Daylight / floodlit worksite use onlyTD1
Flashing amber beacon required and used when vehicle movingSL1
‘Slow vehicle’ sign requiredSP (Speed limit)
Vehicle to be floated from site to site (except that it can travel in areas designated in LO3)LO99
Restricted to designated areas / routesLO3 + free text
Use only within a defined area where a traffic control plan appliesFree text
Steering failure warning device / sign required
Note: Applies only to vehicles with hydraulic steering fitted
SL99
Restricted to a maximum speed of 45km/h
Note: Applies only to vehicles with hydraulic steering fitted
SP45
Dual control vehicle sign required
Note: Applies only to vehicles with hydraulic steering fitted
SL6

Equipment requirements

To receive conditional registration you must ensure that the following equipment requirements are met.

EquipmentDaylight/floodlit use
Amber rotating beaconYes
Brake and turn lightsNo
Headlights, tail, number plate and clearance lightsNo
Rear reflectors or side reflective tapeYes
Side reflective tapeYes
Rear vision mirror(s)Yes
HornYes

Lighting

All lighting must be fitted as near as possible to the position specified in Schedule 2 of:

Transport for NSW office use

Code TypeCode
Vehicle shapeINP
Compulsory Third Party insurance class

Conditional registration - PLNT

Unregistered Vehicle Permit - UPLN

Registration usagePLNT
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