IPAF Operator Training

we offer the training with  theory in two ways.

Option 1 Instructor Led Theory & Practical -  Full Day

Option 2 eLearning Theory & Instructor led Practical  -  Half Day – we usually say the elearning takes 2-3 hours and needs to be fully completed prior to attending the practical

If choosing option 2 we will need name and email address for each person, if you let us have those as soon as possible we can issue the eLearning while you decide on dates for the training.

What is ePAL? ( Digital ) 

IPAF’s ePAL app is your digital wallet to store and share your IPAF powered access licences and qualifications, including the PAL Card for mobile elevating work platform (MEWP), mast climbing work platform (MCWP) and hoist operators. Competent Assessed Persons (CAP), MEWPs for Managers, Site Assessment (for MEWP Selection) all can be added.

Digital Training Records: A digital wallet to store and share IPAF powered access licences and qualifications, including the PAL Card for mobile elevating work platform (MEWP), mast climbing work platform (MCWP) and construction hoist operators.

Guided and Non-guided MEWP Pre-Use Checks: Streamlined digital versions for comprehensive assessments in adherence to manufacturer guidelines

Exportable Pre-Use Checks: Operators can now export and maintain records of their checks

Visual Warning for Failed Checks: Immediate alerts if a machine fails the Pre-Use Check, enhancing safety measures

Digital Logbook: Provides an overview of operating experience on various powered access machines

Machine Familiarisation Record: Keep a record of machine familiarisation, enhancing operator proficiency. Share machine work logs using device sharing tools, such as email and messages

Safety Guides Access: Operator and site safety guides are readily available through the safety section of the app

Reporting Accidents and Near Misses: Quick and anonymous access to report any accidents and near misses involving powered access machines, which helps IPAF to gather vital industry safety data

Available for both new and existing IPAF licence and qualification holders, the ePAL app is accessible on iOS via the Apple Store and on Android through Google Play. Search for 'IPAF ePAL' in the Apple Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.

What is a PAL Card? 

A PAL Card is a Powered Access Licence for operating Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), Mast Climbing Work Platforms (MCWPs) or Construction Hoists (CHs).

To qualify for a PAL Card, operators must complete an IPAF training course and pass a test at our training centre or onsite with one of our highly qualified instructors 

Over 51 countries accept the PAL Card recognition of high-quality operator training, with over-750 IPAF-Approved Training Centre's Worldwide. IPAF  have issued over 2 million PAL Cards, as proof of our industry recognised training courses.  

The IPAF training programme was developed by leading industry professionals and is certified by TÜV as conforming to the international standard ISO 18878 Mobile elevating work platforms – Operator (driver) training.

Site and safety managers can use the PAL Card online verification tool to check if a licence is genuine. If you have lost your PAL Card, please go to the Lost PAL Card page and follow the steps to order a replacement

VERIFY AN IPAF CARD HERE 

Before using the tool, check that the PAL Card presented to you appears valid.

• On the front side, look for the cardholder's name and photograph.
• Check the expiry date and the machine categories the cardholder has been trained to operate.
• On the reverse side, look for the IPAF logo that is printed as a hologram at top left. 
• Look for the cardholder's signature or training centre logo.
• The digital PAL Card shows everything that appears on the front of the physical PAL Card plus the full category names.

TO USE THE VERIFICATION TOOL

1. Enter the licence number as shown on the card, e.g. "OP/1234567".
2. You will see the date the cardholder was assessed and the expiry date. PAL Cards are valid for five years (dependent on your country/region's regulations).
3. Clicking more details will open up a new window, please enter the cardholder's date of birth and complete the reCAPTCHA verification. If the details entered match the cardholder's records you will see their name and photo, as well as the machine categories he/she has been trained to operate.

Need a new card - How can we help ?

If your IPAF card has been lost or stolen, it's important you quickly contact us as soon as possible. Call our Training Department on 0333 666 1881 for a quick replacement! If it is urgent call 07956 831539 at weekends or outside normal office hours (between 10pm - 7am please text and we will respond as soon as possible) 

When you call us, we will very quickly be able to identify you through your name and certificate number.

However, if you don't know your certificate number, it's not a problem. We still may be able to identify you through other verification details, such as your date of birth.

Once we've identified you, we can normally replace your IPAF PAL card within just a few days. Plus, if you need proof of your training, we can organise that for you too

Don't forget to give us your current address and please remember all our IPAF certification is sent via Royal Mail Recorded Delivery so will need to be signed for

WHAT IS A TOOLBOX TALK?

Toolbox talks are short discussion sessions that allow you and your workers to explore the risks and safety issues specific to your work site. The talks should focus on a single topic. A toolbox talk should be a regular occurrence to reinforce learning and gain worker buy-in.

MCWP Loading Toolbox Talk

MEWP Familiarisation Toolbox Talk

Travelling In A MEWPs As An Occupant Toolbox Talk

PFPE Pre-Use Check Toolbox Talk

MEWP Tyre Condition Toolbox Talk

Use Personal Fall Protection Equipment (PFPE) Toolbox Talk

Consequence Of Overloading The Platform

Good Practice Guidance For Reducing Trapping/Crushing Injuries To People In MEWPs

FAQ

Can candidates who have never used a MEWP participate in the operator course? 

Yes, however, this may affect the length of the course and/or the candidates’ likelihood of passing.

Can IPAF training be done on site? 

Yes, provided that there are suitable facilities and equipment. Please discuss with your selected training centre.

Do users of mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs) need a PAL Card? 

The employer should ensure that all Operators using the equipment are trained to operate the MCWP, with full knowledge of the controls of the equipment, safety systems and emergency procedures, risk assessment guidance and they are able to carry out pre-use/daily inspections and perform the emergency descent. The employer should also ensure that all Operators receive adequate machine-specific familiarisation, which should be conducted by a competent Demonstrator with the correct certifications, to ensure operators understand the specific machine controls and safety systems.

Demonstrators are persons, with full knowledge on the operating commands of the equipment, they are able to perform the emergency descent, carry out pre-use/daily and weekly inspections and ensuring that these take place.

In addition, they are trained in the demonstration of MCWP to others in a documented scheme, to ensure Operators understand the specific machine controls and safety systems.

The responsibility for determining the training needs of persons in respect of safety, and for making the necessary arrangements for training, rests with the individual employer. In the case of self-employed persons, the responsibility rests with themselves.

IPAF training programmes include MCWP Operator and MCWP Demonstrator, and its successful completion at an IPAF-approved training centre leads to a PAL Card, the highest international standard of quality training.

How frequently should a MEWP be inspected? 

A MEWP should be inspected, and the inspection documented, every morning prior to use. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998, Regulation 9 states that: 

"Every employer shall ensure that lifting equipment which is exposed to conditions causing deterioration which is liable to result in dangerous situations is-" 

"Thoroughly examined-" 

"In the case of lifting equipment for lifting persons or an accessory for lifting, at least every 6 months."

We are able to arrange this for you if required, simply call our team on 0333 666 1881

Is IPAF recognised on site? 

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) scheme is an operative record scheme approved by many sites worldwide including Build UK and individuals holding an IPAF qualification should be welcomed on Build UK sites.

See references from the Build UK Training Standard and ConstructionSkills.

Become an IPAF instructor and deliver IPAF’s industry-leading training programmes for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs) and help make the industry safer.

In order to deliver IPAF training courses for MEWPs and MCWPs, you need to be employed by an IPAF Training Centre or become a registered IPAF Independent  instructor working in conjunction with a registered training centre, we are always on thelook out for good instructors that we can engange for training at our centres on onsite. 

To become an IPAF instructor for MEWPs, you must meet the following criteria (this may be different depending on the country/region you are training in, and the type of training you will run):

• 36 months’ MEWP operating experience 
• IPAF Operator Licence held for 6 months minimum
• IPAF Demonstrator Licence held for 3 months minimum
• IPAF MEWPs for Managers course successfully completed
• Evidence of Acceptable Instructional Techniques training (3 days minimum)
• Successful completion of an approved Harness Instructor course
• Evidence of HSE required standard for First Aid at Work training level

Day 1 

INTRODUCTION INITIAL ASSESSMENT

1. Theory test
2. Test of candidate’s ability on the machine
3. Preparation for presentation

Day 2 

IPAF COURSES

1. Individual candidate 30-minute presentation on chosen MEWP subject – assessed.
2. Planning the day
3. Overview of the IPAF Courses available
4. Introduction to the IPAF operator course
5. IPAF operator practical/testing procedures – machines
6. Operator Practical demonstration and testing – assessed.

Day 3 

IPAF COURSES (continued)

1. IPAF Operator Course Theory (candidate)
2. Operation
3. Paperwork
4. CPD Plan and log

Day 4 

INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATIONS

1. Individual Presentations
2. Practical Demonstration

Day 5 

FINAL TEST

1. Final test with IPAF Allocated Examiner.

Mentoring 

After passing the IPAF Instructor Examination and before receiving the Instructor Licence, Instructors need to be mentored for four days, usually by an IPAF Senior Instructor or Examiner.

1. On the first day, the instructor is mentored during the half-day theory and observes the mentor conducting the half day practical.
2. On the second day, the instructor observes the mentor conducting the half-day theory and is mentored during the half day practical.
3. On the third day, the instructor conducts a full-day course with theory and practical, under observation of the mentor.

Mentoring must be carried out within six months of completion of the instructor course.

If it is not completed within this timescale, then the potential Instructor will need to complete the whole course again – We can arrange this for you so please ask if this is something you will require

Please contact me for further details

An IPAF “systems day” is compulsory for new instructors within 12 months.

Details will be given to you during your training, please contact me for further information.

Contact me for details - Mandy 0333 666 1881 - 07956831539 or just to chat to see if this is suitable for you. 

or contact our friendly team on 0333 666 1881