IPAF 3a and 3b Mobile Vertical and Boom

This course is designed for anyone who operates scissor lifts, telescopic and articulating booms, vertical platforms, vehicle mounted platforms and tele-handlers with integrated controls. The course outlines relevant health and safety regulations, as well as potential risks, the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) and concludes with a theory test.

Description

Overview

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) Operator Training Course is designed for anyone who operates scissor lifts, telescopic and articulating blooms, vertical platforms, vehicle mounted platforms or tele-handlers with integrated controls. It covers current legislation as well as the skills and knowledge needed to operate these platforms safely, and is designed to train operators to obtain an IPAF MEWP Operators’ Licence.

Aims and Objectives

The aim of this course is to instruct operators to prepare and safely operate a variety of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) to successfully obtain an IPAF MEWP Operators’ Licence.

At the end of the course, the operator will:

  • Be aware of the relevant Health and Safety regulations
  • Be aware of accident prevention and control
  • Be aware of the needs regarding personnel protection
  • Be aware of the need to refer to the machine operating manual
  • Be able to drive the MEWP safely and manoeuvre the machine as required to correctly position and carry out required tasks in a correct and proper manner, both inside and outside a building.

Duration

This is a one-day course.

Prerequisites

As assembly and use of MEWPs can be physically demanding, attendees should be physically fit and in good health and should generally not suffer from problems with eyesight or hearing, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, fear of heights/vertigo, balance problems, impaired limb function, alcohol or drug dependence, or psychiatric illness. In addition, attendees should have a good understanding of both written and spoken English.

If you have any issues with literacy or language comprehension, or doubts about your fitness to use MEWPs, you must bring these to the attention of your employer. While this need not prevent you from using MEWPs, your employer is required to conduct an assessment and put in place adequate measures to deal with any difficulties you may have.

Each delegate MUST bring with them the following: Date of Birth and National Insurance Number. For the practical assessment, candidates are required to bring the following: 

  • Full body harness
  • Hi-visibility vest/jacket
  • Hard hat
  • Safety boots
  • Safety glasses/goggles

Other PPE will be issued during the practical session as required. Required PPE will also be available for purchase on the day.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for those who use, supervise or manage the use of powered access platforms, including scissor lifts, boom lifts, trailer mounted boom lifts and aerial work platforms.

Those who only need to use one category of powered access equipment should attend the Single Category course, while those who need to use two categories of powered access equipment should attend the Dual Category course.

Content

This course contains the following topics:

  • Introduction
  • MEWP categories
  • Structural parts
  • Regulations
  • Pre-use inspection and handover
  • Safe operating methods and hazards
  • Theory test (pass or fail)
  • Practical training
  • Practical assessment (pass or fail)
  • Licence renewal and Log books
  • Course evaluation

Course Benefits

This course will enable participants to learn the basic principles of MEWP operation, and gain an IPAF powered access license, valid for five years.

Certification

Successful candidates receive an IPAF Powered Access Licence (PAL card) to operate scissor lifts and boom lifts (IPAF categories 3a & 3b). The IPAF operator licence is valid for 5 years from the date of training.

Prerequisites

As assembly and use of MEWPs can be physically demanding, attendees should be physically fit and in good health and should generally not suffer from problems with eyesight or hearing, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, fear of heights/vertigo, balance problems, impaired limb function, alcohol or drug dependence, or psychiatric illness. In addition, attendees should have a good understanding of both written and spoken English.

If you have any issues with literacy or language comprehension, or doubts about your fitness to use MEWPs, you must bring these to the attention of your employer. While this need not prevent you from using MEWPs, your employer is required to conduct an assessment and put in place adequate measures to deal with any difficulties you may have.

Each delegate MUST bring with them the following: Date of Birth and National Insurance Number. For the practical assessment, candidates are required to bring the following: 

  • Full body harness
  • Hi-visibility vest/jacket
  • Hard hat
  • Safety boots
  • Safety glasses/goggles

Other PPE will be issued during the practical session as required. Required PPE will also be available for purchase on the day.

Additional Extras 

With the introduction of IPAF E-PAL, hard copy cards/certificates will no longer be provided.   We can offer a hard copy of your IPAF Card/Certificate for an additional £40 (+VAT), if you would prefer.  Please select this option at the bottom of the booking form, or let a member of our team know.

We also offer the option to purchase a SPANSET Harness & Lanyard, suitable for MEWP operation, for £100 (+VAT). 

If you require additional Harness Training, we can provide the IPAF Harness Awareness & User Training on the same day as your 3a & 3b course. In order to do this, a Harness Awareness course needs to be completed via E-Learning prior to your course date, with the IPAF Harness User being completed before your 3a & 3b practical on the day.  The price for this is £110 (+VAT). 

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