IPAF Operator Training
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) promotes the safe and effective use of powered access equipment worldwide in the widest sense – through providing technical advice and information; through influencing and interpreting legislation and standards; and through safety initiatives and training programmes.
The comprehensive range of classroom and eLearning courses covers mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) including boom, scissor, 1b, 3a and 3b categories of machines, mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs) and construction hoists. Courses are aimed at operators, service technicians, delivery drivers, managers/supervisors, demonstrators, installers and instructors.
IPAF training courses help you keep your employees safe and you stay legal.
1b -
1b machines are static booms – these vehicles tend to use hydraulic legs once in position to stabilise as them as the boom is elevated. This means that even though they are on a mobile vehicle like a van that they are categorised as static.
Examples of these types of machines are spiders,self-propelled booms or outriggers, trailers and vehicle-mounted platforms.
3a
The 3a category refers to the safe use of Mobile Vertical machines usually called scissor lifts. Once they have been manoeuvred into position they can move straight up and down vertically.
3b
The IPAF 3b category covers the safe use of Mobile Boom machines (also known as cherry pickers), which are self-propelled booms and may be articulated. These are similar to the 1b in terms of how they can be manoeuvred vertically but you also have the ability to move the base unit while been elevated
PAV
The Push Around Vertical - PAV category can be completed as a familiarisation course following, 3a Alternatively it can be completed as a separate half day course.When moving the vehicle into position they are pushed manually. They can then move vertically straight up and down, in a similar way to a Scissor Lift.
MCWP
We offer the full range of IPAF’s comprehensive mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs) training courses is detailed below.
- MCWP Operator Training Course
- MCWP Mobile Operator Training Course
- MCWP Demonstrator Training Course
- MCWP Installer Training Course
- MCWP Advanced Installer Training Course
HA - HU - HI
This course covers IPAF Harness Awareness (HA), Harness User (HU) and Harness Inspection (HI) assessments in a full day classroom course.
The day is split into the following sections:
AM Session - IPAF Harness Awareness & User
PM Session - IPAF Harness Inspection
If you have already completed one of the above certifications and would like to continue onto the next level of Harness training please contact our team on 03336661881 Alternatively the HU assessment can be undertaken as part of an IPAF Boom course, for more information on how to integrate this into your existing training please call us
Harness Awareness and User Provides delegates with the essential knowledge to select, monitor, manage and plan the correct use of Harnesses and lanyards for use in a MEWP. The practical test evaluates the delegate’s practical application of the knowledge gained in the IPAF Harness Awareness theory training. Delegates successfully completing this course will: Have an awareness of how to correctly identify and select the appropriate form of personal protection against falls from MEWPs. Have a theoretical awareness only of how to check, use, maintain and store a harness and lanyard with manufacturer’s instructions. Have a theoretical awareness of how harnesses and lanyards should be fitted and adjusted They will be able to: Demonstrate competence in the correct pre-use check of a harness and lanyard. Demonstrate competence in how to correctly fit and adjust a harness and lanyard for use ina MEWP. Demonstrate the correct anchor point to attach the lanyard to in a MEWP and adjust the lanyard to be effective.
Harness Inspection
Upon successful completion of this part of the course delegates will be able to Demonstrate competence in conducting periodic and interim inspections of harnesses and lanyards for use in a MEWP Demonstrate how to maintain associated records of inspections
LOAD - Load and Unloading
This one day course provides delegates with the training required to carry out the safe loading and unloading of MEWPS ready to transport vehicles.
All delegates wishing to attend the IPAF Load & Unload training course must have successfully passed the IPAF Operator Course prior to attending and hold a valid IPAF PAL Operator Card in the category that they wish to be trained to load and unload.
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
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
- Enter the licence number as shown on the card, e.g. "OP/1234567".
- 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).
- 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.
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
- Theory test
- Test of candidate’s ability on the machine
- Preparation for presentation
Day 2
IPAF COURSES
- Individual candidate 30-minute presentation on chosen MEWP subject – assessed.
- Planning the day
- Overview of the IPAF Courses available
- Introduction to the IPAF operator course
- IPAF operator practical/testing procedures – machines
- Operator Practical demonstration and testing – assessed.
Day 3
IPAF COURSES (continued)
- IPAF Operator Course Theory (candidate)
- Operation
- Paperwork
- CPD Plan and log
Day 4
INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATIONS
- Individual Presentations
- Practical Demonstration
Day 5
FINAL TEST
- 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.
- On the first day, the instructor is mentored during the half-day theory and observes the mentor conducting the half day practical.
- On the second day, the instructor observes the mentor conducting the half-day theory and is mentored during the half day practical.
- 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.