Lift with platform work in warehouse hangar construction field.
IPAF Training is quickly becoming recognised as the safest way for anyone working at heights to ensure they are doing so safely.
What Is IPAF Training?
IPAF training courses are created for people whose line of work involves the use of powered access equipment. The courses vary in range, including the use of scissors, booms, construction hoists, mast climbing work platforms, machines of categories 3a, 3b and 1b. These training courses are geared towards service technicians, operators, demonstrators, managers, supervisors, instructors and installers.
Although there are no legal requirements for employees working at height to obtain such certification, the Work at Height Regulations 2015 said that employers must make sure concerned employees are competently trained or must be supervised by a skilled and experienced person.
Upon completion of an accredited IPAF course, a person of at least 16 years of age will be given a Powered Access Licence or PAL card. Thus, if an employee who is currently working or is planning to work at height wants to prove that they can safely operate powered access equipment, then they need this certification.
There’s no age limit as to who can get an IPAF PAL card and there are also no restrictions on the size of machine a person is operating if they hold a licence for the correct category. The PAL card is evidence that an employee has the necessary training.
If a trainee passes associated exams, they will be given a SMART PAL card, which comes with contactless RFID chips. This new feature in the card allows an operator to use a machine instead of using an ignition key. This feature can’t be utilised by untrained people.
A PAL card is expected to last for five years since the year it was issued. After such time, the card holder will be required to take a refresher course before the card expires. However, if the card has expired, a person must retake the full test.
What Are Its Benefits?
MEWPs provide access to challenging areas in construction sites. But because of their weight, size and mechanical nature, they pose a hazard unless an operator has undergone proper training. The proper training will help an MEWP operator to evaluate risks, make up an emergency procedure and establish a rescue plan that can be easily implemented.
There are numerous benefits in taking IPAF training courses. Let’s look at some of these:
- Ensures that operators know how to safely use the platform. This means that a trained operator ensures that the machinery is placed in a proper position, which guarantees the greatest safety of the user and other people. Safety also means knowing the best lanyard and safety harness to use when using the platform.
- Provide a solid foundation for machinery use. Regardless of how carefully an operator sets up a MEWP, there are still risks involved, and accidents can still happen. Thus, knowing the machine being operated is very important, which is covered by IPAF training courses.
- Guarantees the safety of other people working around the platform. Large machinery comes with potential injury and damage, which may involve people other than the operator. Because of such risks of large machinery, it’s crucial that emergency procedures are put in place. Although no one would wish to use these procedures, they’re still important. To establish such procedures, recognising potential risks is essential, which should be provided by an IPAF training course. Thus, a trained operator is expected to immediately recognise risks and know how to act during emergency situations.
- Provide skills and knowledge required to recognise hazards. An IPAF training course is crucial in providing knowledge to see potential hazards, as well as create a rescue plan that can be easily performed by people around the working area. A rescue plan is essential in case an operator becomes stuck between a building and platform. The rescue plan will retrieve the operator without adding to or exacerbating sustained injuries.
The International Powered Access Federation or IPAF, is an organisation that encourages the safe use of powered access equipment, also known as Mobile Elevated Working Platform or MEWP. Anyone working at height is encouraged to obtain this training certification. IPAF doesn’t provide training themselves, but there are many training centres available globally. For instance, Eagle Platforms provides IPAF training for Sheffield and nearby residents in the UK.
Final Thoughts
People who work with MEWPs are encouraged to have a PAL card, which will be provided after successfully passing an IPAF training course. The card is valid for use for five years, which will serve as proof that the holder is qualified to operate the appropriate machinery they’re trained for. IPAF training will ensure that not only MEWP operators are safe but also the people around the area. E-learning training courses are also available online.