The need for precision, safety, and efficiency in aerial work cannot be overstated in the construction world, especially within SME construction companies across England. Working at heights or using machines to lift people or materials in the air involves many risks; hence, every detail must be managed carefully to avoid accidents. Meanwhile, construction projects must stick to tight schedules and budgets, making efficiency vital. Enter IPAF operator training. 

IPAF Operator Training in a Nutshell

As the name indicates, International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) operator training equips operators with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle aerial work platforms (AWPs) like cherry pickers and scissor lifts with high-level expertise.

What makes it vital?

Construction sites have become increasingly complex and equivalently regulated. Without understanding the nuances of IPAF training and the requirements for operating these machines, it’s almost impossible to ensure workplace safety and maintain a competitive edge.

We will elaborate on this later; however, If you are unfamiliar with IPAF operator training, we recommend you get acquainted with the basics first, starting with one of our older posts.

UK Construction Safety Map: A Data-Driven Approach

Estimated days lost & average days lost due to workplace non-fatal injury, source: HSE Statistics

According to the FirstMats Research Hub’s summary of the HSE report on British construction industry safety for 2023, robust training programs like those offered by IPAF require immediate attention. With over 69,000 workers suffering from work-related ill health, 45 fatal injuries, and 53,000 non-fatal injuries (reported!), their importance can hardly be overstated.

Other reports claim that 17% of accidents involve injuries sustained while handling, lifting, or carrying. Falls from a height account for 8% of non-fatal injuries, while being struck by a moving or falling object accounts for 11%. Coincidentally, the list of MEWP hazards involves all these possibilities.


Arial platform accidents involvement by the industry, source: Access Briefing

Along with the physical risks associated with inadequate training, the report highlights the psychological impact of working in high-risk environments. Which, all together, further leads to approximately 2.6 million working days annually due to injuries and illnesses. 

How does that affect the economy?

Naturally, the financial implications are severe, as demonstrated by the £1.3 billion cost (2021/22) attributed to workplace injury and ill health in the construction sector.

The data map appears somewhat gloomy, doesn’t it? However, the numbers can be drastically reduced through targeted training initiatives. 

That Makes IPAF Operator Training in Construction Indispensable

This specialised training program provides the skills and knowledge necessary to use machines securely and efficiently. The focus of the apprenticeship is multifaceted; it involves technical operation aspects and creating awareness of safety practices that help prevent issues. As a holistic approach to training, it also contributes to the overall sustainability and productivity of the construction industry.

By integrating IPAF’s comprehensive training and safety protocols, you can seriously enhance worker safety, at the same time relieving the financial burden associated with workplace incidents. 

• Why it’s necessary: Operating such equipment without proper training can result in falls, malfunctions, and accidents that can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. 

• What you get: By undergoing IPAF training, operators learn how to inspect equipment, assess environmental hazards, and handle emergencies, notably reducing the likelihood of accidents on the job in return.
  

The Risks of Inadequate Training

The immediate hazard of operating aerial equipment without proper training is the high potential for accidents. These can range from minor incidents to severe mishaps involving falls from heights or people getting trapped between the platform and overhead obstacles.

To illustrate, an untrained operator might not know the proper procedures for setting up a scissor lift. If the lift isn’t correctly stabilised, it could collapse under weight or when moved. Accidents have been reported where an operator, lacking proper IPAF training, failed to deploy outriggers on uneven terrain, leading to the scissor lift tilting and causing severe injuries.

Comprehensive Skill Development

IPAF training isn’t just about learning to operate a machine. It’s a thorough education in all aspects of using aerial work platforms safely, including mechanical operation, risk assessment, and safety protocols. Operators learn to check the machine before use, understand each control and function, and how to respond if something goes wrong.

Here’s a Real-life Application Example:

Consider a situation where an operator needs to use a cherry picker on a windy day. 

IPAF training includes understanding how weather conditions can affect the stability of aerial platforms. Operators trained through IPAF courses will know how to adjust the stabilisers correctly and when it’s safe to operate the equipment. They can also assess whether the wind speed is within safe limits or if the operation should be postponed, thereby preventing accidents that could occur from equipment toppling or losing control.

Benefits of Undergoing IPAF Operator Training

Source: Facilities Management Journal

Enhanced Safety Protocols

One key outcome of IPAF training is educating operators to perform safety checks and maintenance routines before, during, and after a course of action. 

This includes daily checks of the hydraulic, electric, and mechanical components to ensure everything functions correctly before the equipment is used. An operator who completes IPAF training can conduct a comprehensive pre-use inspection and identify potential issues like leaks or worn-out controls that might go unnoticed by an untrained eye. 

Emergency Handling

IPAF training also equips operators with the ability to handle crises effectively. 

Consider emergency descent operations here and what to do if the operator becomes stranded at height. A trained operator should be able to safely lower a malfunctioning cherry picker using manual emergency controls after the main controls fail. The ability to think and act fast, combined with adequate training, is the shortest path to preventing fatal incidents.

Compliance with Health & Safety Regulations

In the UK, adhering to health and safety regulations isn’t just good practice—it’s the law. 

IPAF training helps companies comply with stringent guidelines set forth by health and safety bodies, including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This is not just about avoiding penalties; it’s about building a reputation as a diligent, law-abiding, and safety-conscious company.

Operating Licenses for Cherry Pickers and Scissor Lifts

Do You Need an Operator’s License for a Cherry Picker?

Yes. Operating a cherry picker requires specific training to neutralise (or at least minimise) the risks associated with its use. A traditional driving license won’t suffice. 

If you need a licenced operator, they require an IPAF PAL (Powered Access Licensed-registration) card required to operate these platforms. This card proves that the operator has passed the IPAF training courses tailored to specific types of equipment. 

Licensing Requirements for Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts, especially smaller ones, are often perceived as a safer type of aerial machine due to their vertical elevation rather than outwards extension. Nevertheless, they also require operators to hold an IPAF PAL card. 

The difference is in training. IPAF Operator Training for scissor lifts concentrates on vertical lifting procedures, emergency descent mechanisms, and platform stability.

Use YardLink to Hire Certified IPAF Operators

The easiest way to hire a licenced AWP operator is to hire them through professional platforms such as YardLink. It comes with several notable advantages for your SME construction business, but here we will underscore two most significant:

• You will hire professionals well-versed in the latest safety protocols and operational techniques.

• This choice will alleviate the administrative burden of training and certifying new or existing staff. 

To Sum It Up

For SME construction companies in England, staying ahead in a tech-forward, strictly regulated industry means prioritising training and compliance in aerial operations. IPAF operator training equips your team with skills to safely and effectively manage AWPs and MEWPs, including cherry pickers, boom lifts, or scissor lifts. In addition, the training program empowers operators with the confidence and know-how to handle complex situations. 

By hiring a certified crew, you are protecting their colleagues, your workforce, the integrity of the construction project, and the company itself.

A trusted partner like YardLink will help you boost operational efficiency and compliance with health and security standards. Reinforce your commitment to excellence: contact us to elevate your construction operations to new heights today.

ITSSAR training stands for the Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register.

Established in 1981, the team is responsible for writing and monitoring training standards for all Mechanical Handling Equipment (MHE).

Their aim is to promote the highest quality of training within the workplace which should be a top priority for any construction manager.

Regardless of what equipment your team is using, you want to be confident that they fully understand its operational functionality, otherwise it could be dangerous. Therefore, providing them with correct training reduces the likelihood of workplace accidents and injury.

Lots of workplace incidents can be avoided, which is why investing the time and money in training your team is a necessity.

When employees are off sick, this can lead to a whole array of problems. For example, projects can be pushed back and clients will become frustrated. If any employee has suffered a serious workplace injury, they could be absent from work for months.

This has a huge knock-on effect on the rest of your team and can slow your business down.

As such, providing sufficient training should be at the top of your to-do list, and ITSSAR training is a great place to start.

What Is ITSSAR Training?

We’ve covered this slightly in the intro, but ITSSAR ensures that workplace training is up to a certain standard.

Is it their responsibility to ensure that employees are receiving adequate training that will fully support them in their role.

ITSSAR is approved and listed as an accrediting organisation by the Health & Safety Commission (HSC) in the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) for Lift Truck Operator Training.

As discussed, its sole function is to write and monitor training standards for a broad range of mechanical handling equipment which includes forklift trucks, crane operation, lifting and rigging operations, and slinging and signalling.

This ensures that its registrants are delivering the highest quality of training within the workplace so that team members fully understand how to operate different pieces of machinery.

The Standards are relevant, current, and comprehensive and far exceed the Accrediting Bodies Forum 2000.

What Are the Benefits of Completing ITSSAR Training?

Completing ITSSAR training brings benefits to both construction managers and individual construction workers.

In terms of management level, it gives you complete confidence that your team fully grasps how to use different construction plants safely. Similarly, in terms of individual workers, it makes you feel more comfortable when operating different types of machinery as you will understand how they work with minimal supervision.

This also supports your career progression as you will be able to manage more equipment independently.

Other benefits of completing ITSSAR training include:

• Validation and verification of training undertaken
• Promotes confidence in operator training
• Lifelong, safe and secure scheme
• Promotes a communication link between, training organisations, employers, operators and the industry
• Individual unique Identification number

ITSSAR Training and Health and Safety

An approved ITSSAR instructor can be relied on to help businesses reduce workplace transport incidents and accidents while improving onsite safety through training.

Never fall into the trap of thinking that the controls of a forklift are simple and easy enough to follow. If you leave this piece of machinery in the hands of an inexperienced operator, this equipment can be very dangerous.

And, it’s not only the operator who is at risk either. If they cannot control the piece of machinery, then they are also putting others at risk who are working in the surrounding area.

For instance, they could quite easily drive into a stack of shelves or forget to check their blindspot whilst maneuvering boxes, and crash into someone.

When an incident takes place and another staff member is injured, an inspection from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is highly likely, as they will want to investigate what has happened.

Typically one of the first questions asked will be what level of training did the equipment operator hold and how long ago did they last update their knowledge?

If a business has done the right thing, and invested wisely in ITSSAR instructor training for its operators, then it has acted in line with current legislation. However, if the business has opted for insufficient training for its operators, it could face heavy financial penalties.

You have put someone at risk unnecessarily by failing to provide the right training for your employees. This is certainly something to consider if you’re still skeptical about ITSSAR training, as it is worth the initial investment.

ITSSAR Training and Productivity

Whilst the most obvious benefit of ITSSAR training is being able to operate a forklift safely to reduce the chance of accidents on-site, it has other advantages too.

Part of a forklift training course involves teaching operators the most efficient way to use the equipment.

As such, knowing this knowledge can help streamline the way they work and enhance their workflow. Furthermore, by improving the skill set, operators are able to work safely at greater speed, increasing their productivity and output.

Approved ITSSAR training ensures that operators use equipment in the way it was designed for.

Using forklifts correctly can have an economic advantage for firms too, as machines usually require less maintenance and have increased service life.

This ensures businesses are not wasting money replacing pieces of equipment, as they will have a greater lifespan.

What ITSSAR Training Forklift Courses are Available?

There are a number of courses on offer, depending on what you require.

Take a look at the list below to decide which of these courses is right for you.

A – Powered Pallet Trucks

A1 – Pedestrian Pallet Trucks

A2 – Rider Pallet Trucks

A5 – Pedestrian Pallet Stacker

A6 – Pedestrian Straddle trucks

B – Counterbalance

B1 – Lift truck up to and including 5 tonne

B4 – Stand-on counterbalance

C – Sideloader

C1 – Up to and including 5 tonne

C2 – Lift truck over 5 tonne – up to and including 15 tonne

D – Reach

D1 – Reach & straddle trucks 3-8m

D2 – Reach & straddle trucks 8m lift

F – Very Narrow Aisle

F1 – Operator up

H – Tow Tractors & Trailers

H1 – Tow Tractors & Trailers

J – Rough Terrain

J1 – Masted lift truck

J2 – Variable reach/telescopic up to 9m lift 2 or 4 wheel steer/articulated

J3 – Telescopic above 9m lift 2 or 4 wheel steer/articulated

J6 – Variable reach/telescopic, rotating turret under 9m lift 2 or 4 wheel steer (360 Rotating Telehander)

J7 – Variable reach/telescopic, rotating turret over 9m lift 6 2 or 4 wheel steer (360 Rotating Telehander)

M – Multi-directional

M1 – Multi-directional lift trucks

M2 – Multi-directional side loader

P – Pivot Steer

P1 – Pivot Steer Rider operated

Categories of Accreditation for ITSSAR Training

ITSSAR offers several categories of accreditation, and you’ll find each of these classes below.

• Category 1: Registered Instructor
• Category 2: Operator Training Organisation Accredited
• Category 3: Instructor & Operator Training Organisation Accredited
• Category 4: Registered Tutor
• Category 9: Management & Supervisors

It’s important to understand which level of training you require for your business.

For example, Category 3: Instructor & Operator Training Organisation Accredited means that not only will your operators be trained, they will also be able to go on and train other operators within your own company to ITSSAR Standards.

This means even more of your workforce will understand how to use different items of machinery properly, which will reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents.

Forklift Operator Training Levels

There are a range of operator training levels which we have outlined below:

• Basic Training – This is specifically for untrained operators who will receive basic operator training.
• Experienced Operator training – This is for experienced operators who have not received basic training.
• Conversion Training – This is for operators who hold a forklift certificate and wish to train on a different machine
• Refresher Training for certificated operators – As the name suggests this is a refresher training course to ensure team members are up to date with best practices. It is recommended that this course is taken every 3 to 5 years.

How long does the training take?

In terms of how long it takes to complete an ITSSAR training course, it all depends on the required level.

Please read below for more information:

• Novices – 5 days training
• Experienced – 3 days training
• Conversion (from other truck type/capacities) – 2 days
• Refresher training – 1 day

Where Can You Access ITSSAR Courses?

There are a range of ITSSAR accredited training providers across England and Scotland.

To find a training provider near you, simply click here.

You will be able to find both Category 3 and Category 4 courses, depending on which course content is best suitable for your needs.

Some training providers offer either online training or on-site training which can be very beneficial as you can fit it around other work commitments.

However, there are various benefits to on-site training as operators can train on the machine they will be using. Furthermore, training can be conducted during quieter days to avoid managers losing their workforce completely, and weekend training is also available.

ITSSAR Training: How Your Team Can Benefit

ITSSAR training courses ensure that your operators are correctly trained before using any type of mechanical handling equipment.

Whether that’s cranes, forklift trucks, or plant equipment, these courses ensure your team are trained to the highest standards, which mitigates the likelihood of risk and injury.

As a construction manager, it is your responsibility to keep your team safe which includes making sure they are aware of current legislation and best practices.

Instead of just choosing a course at random, ITSSAR accredited courses ensure your team is receiving the best possible knowledge, so that they are safe and secure in the workplace.

Furthermore, they will learn practical skills which they can apply to other parts of their role, which can improve your business as a whole.

Whilst having staff who are properly trained is a priority for any construction manager, so is having the right equipment. Without tools, you’re unable to do your job, so you need a plant hire company you can trust.

Make way for YardLink – your one stop shop for all your construction needs. You can browse through hundreds of products in one place, and schedule your own delivery time. You can also manage all of your hires from one central hub which saves you time calling round several different suppliers.

To find out more, get in touch with the team!

PASMA training and IPAF training, both integral training programmes needed to meet Working at Height Regulations, but are so often confused with one another. This makes it difficult to decide on which course is the right one for you.

Knowing the difference between a PASMA training course and an IPAF course is essential, especially for construction managers who need to work out who can access what on site. This ensures the safety of workers and anyone located in the surrounding area.

The two involve working from high places, yes, but one involves working with mobile scaffold towers, while the other covers mobile elevating work platforms – which includes everything from cherry pickers to scissor lifts.

Can you tell which is which? It’s not a problem if you can’t, as we’re going to cover PASMA training in full, and where it differs from IPAF training.

What is PASMA Training?

Many refer to PASMA training as ‘the scaffolding course’ as it typically covers the assembly and erection of mobile access towers – towers that are pretty common in a wide range of construction projects.

PASMA stands for the ‘Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers Association,’ otherwise known as the nationally recognised body for mobile access towers safety and training.

These towers have no power running through them. Still, they require the right type of certification in order to put them together – a PASMA certificate and photo card, to be specific. You’ll need to complete the PASMA course first, of course, before these are issued.

The courses themselves consist of a theory test alongside practical training which is followed by a practical assessment to monitor your abilities of erecting and dismantling these metal towers.

PASMA training typically covers everything you need to put these pieces together, but also how to move and inspect mobile access towers to know when it’s safe to use, and when it isn’t.

Here’s the full list of what’s covered within a standard PASMA course:

• PASMA code of practice
• EN1004:2004 product standards
• Assembling towers
• Repositioning towers
• Dismantling of towers
• Best practice for fall protection
• Hazard awareness

We should point out that different courses will often cover different areas of PASMA training. Not every course you come across will cover the above. This is simply an example of what they might cover.

That being said, almost all of the PASMA courses we’ve come across do deal in assembly, inspection and dismantling.

Where Can I Complete PASMA Training?

You’ll find courses near you no problem, with countless options to pick and choose from at this current time. Most of the courses available last a day, although there are some that run for half a day maximum.

In terms of cost, courses range anywhere from £100 up to £150 depending on where you go to get your PASMA card. This card will last for up to 5 years as standard, which is the same for PAL cards, otherwise known as an IPAF licence. After that 5 years is up you will be expected to then run the course again for your card to renew.

Unlike other forms of training, PASMA courses will almost always include a real world element, as you’ll be expected to erect your own mobile access towers in front of the person running the session.

It is possible to fail PASMA training, either at the written assessment stage or when it comes time to assemble your tower. If, for whatever reason you do fail, know that you can keep going back to try again. However this will be at an additional cost.

Who Needs to Conduct PASMA Training?

Anyone that needs to use a mobile access tower should conduct PASMA training as standard. Understanding how to assemble, inspect, use, adjust and dismantle these portable access towers has countless benefits in that it protects you when when you operate it, as well as others around you.

Ideally, construction managers should also be taking this course, as other workers will often look to these figures for guidance and answers when on site, or on the clock.

Managers, supervisors, and workers, all have the capacity to take part in one of these courses and gain all the necessary skills needed to operate height-orientated equipment. It goes without saying, but if you work at height, generally, then you might want to consider getting your PASMA training card.

Again, they last for 5 years and add an additional layer of security to the projects you’re working on for you and your team.

What is IPAF Training?

So, we know what PASMA training is, where you can complete it and who needs to conduct it, but what about IPAF training?

One of the best ways of understanding IPAF training is to think of it as the older brother of PASMA training, or at least the evolution of it from a technology standpoint.

IPAF training is catered more towards operators, users, demonstrators and instructions who use mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPS). Like the PASMA training scaffolding course, IPAF training focuses on safety and efficiency when near equipment that involves working up a height.

The IPAF course could be considered a lot more complicated because it involves operating machinery, however, personal preference might say otherwise.

One of the main differences between IPAF training and PASMA training, is that the former deals in equipment that can scale much greater heights.

For reference, our Diesel cherry picker has a working height of 43.1m, which is far greater than your standard access tower. We know that not every project will require the largest work at height equipment, but it’s still worth mentioning.

This is one of the differences between a PASMA scaffolding course and IPAF training, but in the next section, we’ll be looking at more.

The Differences Between a PASMA Course and IPAF Training

Before we cover the differences, we should probably look at the similarities between the two courses – most of which we’ve already covered above. The most obvious similarity is that both involve keeping everything safe when using equipment that involves working at a height.

Here’s another: PASMA cards and IPAF licences cover you for 5 years at a time, you can also fail each course multiple times and try it again multiple times before receiving your licence. There’s no limit on how many times you can fail before eventually passing.

Another similiarity is how both courses have a physical requirement alongside a written one, requiring a certain level of research and study ahead of time.

Okay, let’s now shift focus to look at more differences.

Variations in Training

What do we mean by variations in training exactly? That’s simple: there are a lot more variations to standard IPAF training compared to PASMA training.

There are various IPAF training courses out there that are exclusive to all types of machinery, each as different as the last. A cherry picker IPAF course is a lot different to a scissor lift, for example, whereas most PASMA courses are rather similar to one another, maybe with the odd tweak here and there.

PASMA Training is Often Cheaper

Having come across various clients that have licences in both, we know that PASMA training is a lot cheaper than the alternative, just not by much, but enough to count as a difference.

On average, a PASMA training course sits at the £150 price point. Your standard IPAF training course, on the other hand, is priced around £180 on average, although this price can differ depending on where you conduct the course.

Most training centres set exclusive rates, making it pretty difficult to find an IPAF course for a much cheaper price. Speaking of difficulty, there are differences in that area too.

IPAF Training is Tougher

Difficulty-wise, IPAF training is known to be a lot tougher than PASMA training, which was always to be expected, given the type of machinery used and what you need to remember (this applies to both the written part and the physical part).

While a PASMA course can be complex in terms of what you have to remember, it pales in comparison to its work at height counterpart in terms of complexity.

That being said, some might find that it’s the other way around, as with PASMA training you are expected to assemble your own access tower, which could prove difficult.

Course Duration Differs

Course duration is the final difference we want to bring your attention to, as in how long you need to spend on each course in order to finish it. Can you guess which takes longer than the other?

If you guessed IPAF training then congratulations, you win. Some IPAF training courses can go on for 2 days, whereas PASMA courses typically run for a day, if not half a day – a notable difference indeed.

What is PASMA Training and How is it Different From IPAF Training?

We hope that we’ve stressed the importance of PASMA training to you, and how it differs from IPAF training. After all, knowing the difference between the two is vital, as it helps you determine the right one for you based on the type of machinery/equipment needed.

Similarities were also mentioned alongside the differences, to give you a better understanding of why PASMA courses are so often muddled with IPAF training.

Differences-wise, IPAF training will pose a greater challenge based on the complexity of certain equipment.

Keep in mind that how long it takes to complete your training also depends on if you pass the first time. If it requires multiple goes, then, by that logic, you’re more than likely going to spend more time working on IPAF training courses.

No matter which course you choose, YardLink can supply you with everything you need to get your projects up and running (emphasis on the up). We supply all kinds of mobile elevating platforms and mobile scaffold towers fit for a variety of projects – all available in multiple unique sizes.

Get in touch to learn more about what we can offer you!

PASMA Training FAQs

What is a mobile access tower?

A mobile access tower, often referred to as a mobile scaffold tower, is used in construction to work on areas that are too high up. When built, they can be used to safely carry and use heavier equipment at set heights.

How old do you need to be to conduct PASMA training?

Those that take any type of scaffolding-based course will need to be at least 16 years old to participate. Anyone younger won’t be able to earn their PASMA certificate and photocard. The pass will last for 5 years from the date of issue.

Why do I need PASMA training?

PASMA training is needed because it ensures that mobile access towers are assembled by and used/under the supervision of trained personnel. Working at a height comes with a number of risks and potential hazards, meaning everything needs to be considered to avoid injury to yourself and others.

IPAF training is important for anyone working at height as it’s imperative you understand how to use different pieces of machinery correctly. Not only is this important for your own health and safety, but also for those working in the surrounding area.

Mobile elevating platforms (MEWPs) are highly useful as they provide access to challenging areas. Type of MEWPs include scissor lifts, boom lifts, and any other type of aerial platform. However due to their size, weight, and mechanical nature of these machines, they can pose a potential risk to those operating them, especially if this person has not undergone sufficient training.

By attending an IPAF training course, workers are able to better assess risk, develop an emergency procedure, and implement a rescue plan quickly and efficiently if a problem should ever arise.

In this post we will explore what IPAF training is, what it involves, and how it can benefit both operators and managers. For any business using this type of machinery, providing the correct level of training to employees should be a priority.

What Is IPAF Training?

IPAF stands for International Powered Access Federation. Starting in 1983, the organisation provides training courses for those who work with power access equipment. The courses are varied depending on which equipment you use as they cover scissor lifts, boom lifts, construction hoists, and mast climbing platforms.

IPAF itself does not deliver the training. Instead, you can access accredited training from over 750 IPAF approved centres in nearly 50 countries and regions. Each centre is regularly audited by IPAF to ensure they are delivering the highest standards of teaching. The courses are aimed towards service technicians, operators, managers, demonstrators, installers, and instructors.

Although there is no legal requirement for employees working at height to obtain such certification, the Work at Height Regulations 2015 state that employers have a responsibility to ensure workers are competently trained or they must be supervised by a skilled person.

Who Needs IPAF Training?

To comply with health & safety regulations, anyone who operates a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWPs) must have IPAF training.

Anyone working at height will need to prove that they have received sufficient training otherwise they will be sent off site.

How Is IPAF Training Delivered?

If you’re undertaking IPAF’s MEWP operator course, then you can complete the theory element of your training either as eLearning or in the classroom prior to your practical training and test. If you choose to do eLearning, then this is a flexible and enhanced online learning experience which provides the same high quality training as the classroom.

A huge benefit of this is being able to complete training on a range of devices, at any time of the day, at your own pace. Therefore this works around your other commitments and gives you more control.

Similarly, if you’re completing IPAF’s MEWPs for management course then you have the option to participate in eLearning or the classroom. If you’re interested in the eLearning option then you should speak to yourIPAF approved training centre at the time of booking.

Different IPAF MEWP Training Courses

MEWP Operator Training

Course length: Half a day – 3 days

Course delivery: eLearning or classroom

Certificate at completion: PAL card

This training course instructs an operator to prepare and safely operate various types of MEWPs, also referred to as cherry pickers, aerial lifts or scissor lifts. Categories include Static Vertical (1a), Static Boom (1b), Mobile Vertical (3a), Mobile Boom (3b), Specialist Machines (SPECIAL).

The training course for Push Around Vertical (PAV) MEWPs takes half a day and Insulated Aerial Device (IAD) MEWPs takes two days.

IPAF’s MEWP Operator Training is certified by TÜV as conforming to the international standard ISO 18878 Mobile elevating work platforms – Operator (driver) training.

The time it takes to complete this course depends on the type of course, trainee experience, machine complexity, and the number of machine categories taken.

eLearning

IPAF’s eLearning for MEWP operators is available for all MEWP categories (1a, 1b, 3a, 3b) and takes around three hours to complete.

The eLearning is broken down into manageable sections that you can complete at your own pace. You can therefore save and resume your training at any time that suits you best.

IPAF MEWP Operator eLearning training course is available in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.

How to start your eLearning training course:

1. Find your nearest IPAF-approved training centre that offers ‘eLearning’
2. Contact your chosen training centre and register for IPAF MEWP Operator eLearning training
3. You will be sent an email to begin your eLearning training
4. At the end of your training you will need to complete a pre-theory test
5. Once you have passed your pre-theory test, contact your training centre to schedule your theory test, practical training, and assessment.

MEWP operator eLearning does not replace practical training. Trainees who complete the online training course must still pass a supervised theory test within 45 days, at an IPAF-approved training centre.

They must also successfully complete a minimum half-day of practical training and testing before qualifying for a PAL Card.

MEWPs for Managers

Course length: One day

Course delivery: eLearning or classroom

Certificate at completion: Certificate

MEWPs for Managers is the essential course for those who plan, supervise, and manage the use of mobile elevating work platforms MEWPs in the workplace. This is available as either eLearning or as a full-day course at an IPAF training centre.

eLearning

IPAFs MEWPs for Managers training course covers what managers need to know for safe and effective use of MEWPs on site, including planning a job, conducting a risk assessment, selecting the right equipment, and reducing all possible risks.

This course has been designed to be completed only as eLearning and takes between six and eight hours to complete. It is broken down into smaller, manageable sections that you can complete at your own pace.

How to start your eLearning training:

1. Find your nearest IPAF-approved training centre that offers ‘eLearning’
2. Contact your chosen training centre and register for IPAF MEWPs for Managers eLearning training course
3. You will be sent an email to begin your eLearning training
4. At the end of your training you will need to complete a test
5. Once you have passed your test, contact your training centre to apply for MEWPs for Managers certification

What Is a PAL Card?

The Powered Access Licence, also known as PAL Card, IPAF Card, and IPAF Licence, is a small photo card which should be carried at all times whilst onsite. Only registered IPAF training centres are able to deliver the accredited courses and issue official certificates and IPAF Cards.

The minimum age you need to hold a licence is 16. There are no restrictions on the size of the machine you are able to operate providing you hold the licence for that category. There is also no maximum age for someone to obtain an IPAF PAL Card.

IPAF certificates, also known as PAL cards are certified for 5 years from issue. Before your card expires, you will have to take a refresher course to enable you to continue using MEWPs. If you wait until after 5 years, you will need to take the full IPAF test again. If you wish to renew your license you will need to contact an IPAF accredited training centre.

What Are the Benefits of IPAF Training?

IPAF training has many benefits, regardless of whether you’re taking the management course or operator course.

Let’s take a look at these in more detail.

• Ensures that operators understand how to use the platform correctly. A trained operator will know how to position the equipment properly to ensure the safety of those present. They will also know the best lanyard and harness to use when operating the platform.
• Expands an operator’s knowledge when the machine is in use. Aside from setting up MEWPS, it is important to understand the risks involved when the platform is in use as this is when lots of accidents can happen. Thankfully, this is covered in the IPAF training courses.
• Guarantees the safety of people in the surrounding area. Large machinery comes with potential injury and damage which is not limited to the operator, but other workers too. As a result, emergency procedures should be put in place. In order to establish these procedures, operators must be able to recognise potential risks which are covered by IPAF training.
• Provides the skills required to identify potential hazards as well as equipping operators with the knowledge to create a rescue plan. This is essential in case an operator becomes stuck between a building and platform, as it helps retrieve the operator without exacerbating sustained injuries.

FAQ’s about IPAF Training

Does a passenger in a MEWP require a license before they can go in a MEWP?

No, only the operator requires a licence. However, the passenger will be required to wear the correct PPE.

Is it necessary for a ground based person (designated to help lower the MEWP in an emergency) to hold an IPAF PAL card?

A nominated MEWP ground rescue person should have undergone some form of training relevant to the task. However, as a minimum, the nominated person should have familiarised themselves with the MEWP in operation and the rescue procedure in place.

This ensures they are competent to lower the MEWP platform using the ground/ emergency controls.

Who keeps the card and certificate after training is completed?

The operator should keep their PAL card on their persons as proof that they are sufficiently trained to use MEWPS, and their employer should keep the certificate.

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

Yes, candidates can still participate in the course. However this could impact the length of the course and/or the candidates’ likelihood of passing it.

Can I use my PAL card abroad?

The PAL Card is increasingly recognised worldwide. However, the employer and usually also the self-employed, have a duty to know and abide by the legislation of the country they are planning to work in.

IPAF may be able to assist with a summary of the legislation for certain countries. Ultimately it will be down to the individual site manager in each country to decide whether they are willing to accept the training you have received. IPAF’s increasing worldwide reputation means that the PAL Card’s acceptance is continually growing.

IPAF Scissor Lift Training for Operators and Managers

IPAF training is important for anyone working at height. In these situations, workers are at risk and if they are not correctly trained, they could experience a serious fall or injury.

As a construction manager, it is your responsibility to ensure your team are properly trained and understand how to use different types of machinery safely.

IPAF training is a great way to ensure this happens and it can be carried out either remotely as elearning, or in a classroom setting, meaning it can fit around other job commitments. In the construction industry, time is very important, so having this flexibility is a huge benefit.

Once your staff are trained, they will be able to use a range of MEWPs safely, giving you assurance and peace of mind. At YardLink, we supply a range of mobile elevating platforms from scissor lifts, to boom lifts, to cherry pickers – all available in a range of sizes to suit your rental requirements.

To discuss your project in more detail, give us a call today!