The ‘International Powered Access Federation’, commonly referred to simply as IPAF, has developed a series of training courses designed to ensure anyone working from height has the appropriate skills to safely operate mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and powered access platforms. But what exactly does IPAF training cover?
In this article, our IPAF and PASMA Training Manager, Ben Hughes, explores who the training is for and what’s involved, as well as how to gain the qualification and the benefits of doing so.
What is an IPAF license and what does it cover?
An IPAF license, which is also known as a Powered Access License (PAL), is an internationally recognised certification that essentially indicates that the holder can competently and confidently operate mobile work platforms.
Who is IPAF training for?
IPAF training programmes cover all the essential information required to work safely at height when using MEWPs such as scissor lifts, cherry pickers, personnel lifts, and push around verticals. Across many of the courses, whether you’re an operator or supervisor, there are both theory (online or in-person) and practical elements, to ensure competence and compliance in line with regulations and safety expectations, such as site or company safety policies and the Work at Height Regulations 2005, which falls under the Health and Safety Act 1974.
MEWP operator training
The IPAF operator certification you receive depends on the training undertaken, of which there are a handful of common courses: 1b: Static Boom, 3a: Mobile Scissor, and 3b: Mobile Vertical. In addition, IPAF also offer combined courses for an all-encompassing qualification, including a 3a/3b: Combined Course and 1b/3a/3b: Combined Course.
Each of these courses includes a full introduction to operating a designated MEWP, including:
- Pre-use inspection and handover requirements.
- How to prepare and safely operate the machinery.
- Manoeuvring MEWPs, particularly within busy working environments where obstacles are present.
MEWPs for managers training
The four-hour programme, MEWPs for managers training is designed for supervisors and worksite managers. It’s designed around ensuring candidates:
- Are equipped to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Are familiar with all access platform machinery.
- Understand appropriate health and safety regulations (including, importantly, having the confidence and competence to enforce them).
This course is not just an extra layer of safety knowledge for supervisors and site leads. The knowledge gained support operators and businesses to stay efficient and effective through machine usage and selection best practice.
Loading and unloading training
This one-day in-person load and unload training programme covers everything you need to know to safely load and unload varying sizes and weights from different types of machinery. It also teaches the appropriate safety regulations to be aware of, to ensure you and all onsite workers are protected from accident and injury.
Loading and unloading MEWPs from trailers and trucks is one of the most dangerous activities. So, this course ensures you and your team are fully aware of what could go wrong.
Safety harness use and inspection training
IPAF doesn’t just offer training for machine operation – they also provide programmes that improve work-from-height harness safety. This module ensures workers are:
- Able to identify fall arrest equipment.
- Able to understand when it’s essential to be clipped on.
- Capable and confident in inspecting their own and others’ harnesses.
How does IPAF differ to PASMA training?
Both IPAF and PASMA (the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association) have both developed training programmes that are centred around safely working from height on elevated work platforms. But PASMA training relates to mobile scaffold towers and not MEWPs. If you’re interested in learning about the differences, explore our guide that dives into the details of IPAF vs PASMA training.
Did you know you can also get a combined IPAF and PASMA qualification through Horizon Platforms?
How long are IPAF training courses?
The time it takes to achieve IPAF qualification depends on the type of and number of machine categories you’re training for; but a typical course will take half a day or a full day to complete. However, more complex courses, such as IPAF demonstrator and instructor take longer.
Courses often includes either an online on classroom theory course and test, and a practical examination to demonstrate learning and understanding (onsite practical tests can be completed at a Horizon Platforms training location or at your workplace).
How long is an IPAF license valid for?
A Powered Access License distributed by IPAF is valid for five years from the date of issue – but, notably, is only valid for the machine category in which you were trained.
The reason the qualification doesn’t last a lifetime is that IPAF are keen to ensure operators and managers maintain a high standard of practical and theoretical understanding (including staying up to date with evolving safety regulations).
Fortunately, a renewal course is often less extensive than first-time training; but to qualify you’ll need to provide evidence of both relevant and consistent MEWP operation experience.
Is IPAF accreditation a legal requirement?
Though IPAF accreditation isn’t necessarily a legal requirement, the Work at Height Regulations 2005 insists that employers are legally required to ensure:
- All work from height is properly planned and supervised.
- All work from height is completed by competent people.
- Appropriate equipment is used when working from height.
To achieve points 1 and 2 when it comes to using access platforms, the right training is a must. Therefore, IPAF training is recognised and trusted as being the industry-leading standard for training MEWP operators and supervisors; helping them to demonstrate competence, expertise, and understanding when handling MEWPs.
Where can I book and complete IPAF training?
If you’re interested in completing an IPAF training programme, you can book online with Horizon Platforms or contact our team directly.
You can do courses at our world class IPAF training centre in Normanton near Wakefield (West Yorkshire) or at a centre UK-wide. Your team can even train at your own premises. Oh, and we have a pass rate of 96%, making us one of the industry’s leading providers!
Just book onto one of our IPAF training courses today, or reach out to our team to learn more.