IPAF Operator Training Course 3a & 3b

The 1 day IPAF Operator Training Course (3a & 3b) is designed for anyone who operates a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP), such as scissor lifts or boom lifts. Delegates should take this course to comply with the duties placed upon employers and employees by law, and the International Powered Access Federation licence is recognised all over the world. This course covers the practical, hands-on side of MEWP operation, complementing the IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection Course (HA-HU-HI), which focuses specifically on the harness and fall protection side of the same equipment.

Delegates are required to bring specific PPE and photo ID to the IPAF Operator Training Course (3a & 3b): a passport or photocard driving licence, safety helmet, safety boots or shoes, gloves, hi-vis vest, and a full body harness with adjustable restraint lanyard. It's worth being clear on this point: you will not be able to complete the practical element of the training without a suitable harness, so it's essential to come prepared.

All IPAF certification is now issued electronically via ePAL, so students need to download the app onto their device to access any certification they hold with IPAF; it's recommended delegates do this before the course begins. Should a physical PAL card and/or certificate be required, this must be requested at the time of booking and will be charged at an extra cost.

On successful completion, candidates will be:

• Fully aware of the relevant Health and Safety regulations
• Able to manoeuvre the machine as required
• Fully aware of accident prevention and control
• Able to drive the MEWP proficiently and safely
• Fully aware of the needs regarding personal protection
• Able to correctly position and carry out the required tasks in a correct and proper manner

This IPAF course will cover the following topics:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Limitations of MEWPS
• Controls, Safety Devices and Warning Alarms
• Routine Inspection and Servicing Requirements
• Preparation for Work on a MEWP
• Ground and Site Conditions
• Safe Operating Techniques
• Emergency Lowering Procedures
• Manufacturers Instruction Manuals
• Fall Arrest/Restraint Equipment
• Practical Operating Test
• Multiple Choice Test Paper

This course requires candidates to undertake a written test and practical assessment. On successful completion, delegates access their certification via the ePAL app. Should a physical PAL card and/or certificate be required, this must be requested at time of booking and will be charged at an extra cost. The licence is internationally accepted and is valid for five years.

The course is designed for people who use Cherry Pickers and Scissor Lifts.

Candidates attending the IPAF Operator Training Course (3a & 3b) must meet the following entry requirements: be at least 16 years old, be literate with a good level of comprehension, and be physically fit.

Since the safe use of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms requires delegates to consult safety notices and thoroughly understand the manufacturer's instruction manual, literacy and language comprehension are important requirements for any MEWP user. Similarly, since the assembly and use of MEWPs can be physically demanding, users should be physically fit and in good health, and should generally not have problems with eyesight or hearing, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, fear of heights or vertigo, giddiness or difficulty with balance, impaired limb function, or alcohol, drug dependence or psychiatric illness.
If delegates have any problems with literacy or language comprehension, or have any doubts about their fitness to use a MEWP, they must bring them to the attention of their employer. This need not preclude them from using MEWPs, provided their employer conducts an assessment and puts adequate measures in place to account for any difficulties.

Each delegate attending the IPAF Operator Training Course (3a & 3b) must also bring the following PPE: photo ID, either a passport or photocard driving licence, a safety helmet, safety boots or shoes, gloves, a hi-vis vest, and a full body harness with adjustable restraint lanyard. You will not be able to complete the practical element of the training without a suitable harness.