IPAF Operator 1b, 3a and 3b – 1 Day

IPAF MEWP Operator training is for anyone working at height using MEWPs.

It teaches how to manage risk and stay safe while also making sure you work to the Work at Height Regulations 2005. It is ideal for operators and also essential for those wishing to take other courses such as the IPAF Demonstrator and IPAF Load and Unload.

Note: This is a classroom based theory session at our training centre, followed by the practical session.  We recommend that the eLearning module is taken, followed by the half day practical assessment, which is socially distanced at our training centre. 

The course covers MEWPs within the following categories, with candidates able to choose any combination of the three.

• 1b Static Boom: Vehicle-mounted platforms, trailers/push-arounds and self-propelled booms (outriggers).
• 3a Mobile Vertical: Scissor lifts and vertical personnel platforms (mobile).
• 3b Mobile Boom: Self-propelled booms.

Aims and Objectives

The aim of IPAF’s Operator training is to learn how to safely operate a MEWP in order to obtain an IPAF MEWP operator licence.

On completion of both the theory and practical sessions, you will:

• Understand the relevant health and safety regulations.
• Be aware of accident prevention and control measures.
• Know the requirements for personal protection.
• Understand the importance of the machine operating manual.
• Be able to drive and then manoeuvre the MEWP safely and correctly into position to carry out required tasks.

Course duration

How long the course takes depends on the number of machine categories you are training in.

Course structure

IPAF MEWP Operator training includes both theory and practical elements. It is available at our training centres in Newcastle and Huntingdon or, alternatively, onsite at your premises.

The theory session is also available online through IPAF’s eLearning program. This offers the same high standard of training but in a flexible way that allows you to complete it from anywhere in your own time.

eLearning theory Practical session

Theory

The theory session covers:

• Course aims and objectives.
• An introduction to IPAF and the PAL card.
• IPAFs health and fitness statement.
• Regulations and guidance.
• MEWP categories.
• Structural parts of MEWPs.
• Familiarisation and also pre-use inspections.

Practical

The practical session covers:

• An introduction to the major components of a MEWP.
• Carrying out pre-use checks and inspections.
• Starting and stopping the MEWP.
• Road travel and how to plan your route.
• Driving and manoeuvring the platform.
• How to set the machine for work as well as basic operational practice.
• Typical work applications of your chosen MEWP.

There is a practical assessment at the end of the course, which you need to pass to receive your certification. If you fail, you will have to resit the course another day.

Course outcomes

You will receive a digital ePAL Card (Powered Access Licence), if you require a physical card and certificate, please advise upon booking your course, this will also come with a safety guide and logbook. The PAL Card is valid for five years.

Available grants

This course is eligible for CITB training grants. Find out more.