For those working in height, employers often require a Powered Access License. Whilst it isn’t a legal requirement for operatives using powered access equipment to carry a Powered access license, employers are legally required to ensure all workers are correctly trained to be able to work at height safely and efficiently to safeguard their own lives and those around them.

What is an IPAF Training course?

IPAF training is one way that employers can ensure operatives are trained to a uniform standard that is recognized across industries.

It conforms to ISO 18878 Mobile Elevating Work Platforms – Operator (driver) training. And is run at centers around the UK.

Once a person has been through an IPAF course, they are awarded a PAL (Powered Access License) which, like a driving license is non-transferable.

Who needs IPAF Training?

Health and safety legislation require employers provide employees with proper and adequate training in the use of work equipment. However, legal compliance isn’t the only reason it’s worth booking your staff onto an IPAF course. IPAF training also ensures that MEWP operators will work more effectively and efficiently and more safely together as a team, as they will all be trained to the same high standard.

What format does IPAF training take?

IPAF training tends to take place in small groups and is usually conducted over a one day period.

IPAF courses are made up of a series of modules that can be tailored to everyone’s needs. Examples of these include Push Around and Vertical Lifts, Static Boom Lifts and Mobile Scissor lifts. You can choose up to three modules with the maximum number of four delegates (if training on three modules).

After the training has taken place, attendees are tested on their learning throughout the course by sitting both a written theory test and a practical test. Once attendees convince assessors that they’re safe using powered access equipment and working at height, they’ll be awarded their Powered Access License.

What to look for in an IPAF trainer?

More than 150,000 PAL cards are issued worldwide every single year to people who have passed the IPAF operators’ course. With a network of IPAF trainers, how can you be confident you’re booking onto a good course?

1. Check with IPAF that the training centre you’re considering using is a registered training center, like Mr Plant Hire.
2. Find a course that caters for your needs. There are many different IPAF courses available, from MEWP (mobile elevated working platforms) to the PAL+, or the Safety Harness Training Course.
3. Find a small course with a limit on the number of delegates they’ll take to ensure you get the practical attention that you need. At Mr Plant Hire’s IPAF courses, we limit each intake to six people (if training a single category, four delegates if training on two or three modules), to ensure everyone gets the attention that they need.
4. If several employees are to take the training at the same time you should consider us conducting the training at your own premises or building site. We can supply the machines to the premises, but you will need to provide an area for the theory test to take place in a meeting room or classroom for example.

Of course, you could always book with Mr Plant Hire. We’ve an established history of conducting IPAF training courses and regularly run a wide variety of modules. Our experienced trainers will conduct training at your place of work, or at our training Centre. To find out more, give us a call on 0208 278 7593 or have a look at our online training page where you can book a course directly within a couple of minutes. See here on how to book.