IPAF 1a Operator Training (Classroom)

The course enables trainees to become competent to operate 1a MEWPs safely and in the correct manner.

The IPAF training program, renowned globally, aims to promote the safe and efficient utilisation of powered access equipment worldwide. Holding an IPAF PAL card not only meets the standards of regulatory bodies such as the HSE, CITB, HAE, and MCG but also ensures compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and PUWER regulations 1998.

The IPAF 1a Operator Course is designed for individuals who need to operate static vertical Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), such as push-around vertical lifts. The course aims to ensure safe and efficient operation of 1a MEWPs in line with industry standards and safety regulations.

  1. Safe Operation of 1a MEWPs: Equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to safely operate static vertical (1a) MEWPs, ensuring compliance with relevant safety protocols.
  2. Understand Legal Responsibilities: Ensure operators are aware of their legal obligations under relevant health and safety regulations, including the Work at Height Regulations, to operate MEWPs safely.
  3. Familiarization with Equipment: Teach participants the essential components, controls, and functions of static vertical MEWPs, enabling them to fully understand their equipment.
  4. Pre-use Inspections: Instruct participants on how to perform thorough pre-use checks and routine maintenance to ensure that the MEWP is in safe working condition before operation.
  5. Practical Use and Manoeuvring: Provide hands-on experience in manoeuvring, positioning, and operating static vertical MEWPs, including safe driving practices and working on stable surfaces.
  6. Hazard Awareness and Risk Management: Educate participants on how to identify potential hazards on-site and conduct proper risk assessments to reduce the likelihood of accidents.
  7. Emergency Procedures: Train operators to handle emergency situations, such as platform failure, and understand emergency descent systems and evacuation procedures.
  8. Load Handling and Platform Safety: Teach operators safe load handling, including weight distribution and platform stability, to avoid overloading or unbalancing the MEWP.
  9. Theory and Practical Assessment: Participants will complete a combination of theory and practical assessments to demonstrate their knowledge of safe working practices and equipment operation.

 

Our IPAF 1a operator training courses instruct how to prepare and safely use various types of access platforms, including scissors and boom lifts. You will be trained in the correct operation of the equipment, and how to carry out pre-inspection and emergency descent operations. As well as being given an understanding of employers and employees responsibilities.

Please note:  IPAF PAL Cards will be issued electronically by default and can be accessed using the new IPAF ePal App, available to download from the App Store or Google Play.

Should you wish to receive a plastic PAL card, these are available at an additional £10+VAT.  Please remember to add this option when making your booking.

Our IPAF operator training courses provide comprehensive training on the preparation and safe operation of various access platforms, including scissor lifts and boom lifts. Participants will learn proper equipment operation, pre-inspection procedures, and emergency descent protocols. The course also emphasises the responsibilities of both employers and employees in ensuring safety.

Course Agenda:

  1. MEWP Categories:
    • Understanding different MEWP types and their descriptions, along with available courses including IPAF 3a, 3b, and others.
  2. Structural Parts:
    • Exploring stabilising methods, chassis drive options, turntables, and structural components.
  3. Regulations:
    • Detailed examination of regulations governing MEWP usage.
  4. Pre-Use Inspection/Handovers:
    • Conducting thorough pre-use inspections, familiarisation, and identifying safety controls and items.
  5. Safe Operating Methods and Hasards:
    • Addressing various hasards and safe operating practices, including terrain considerations, weather conditions, and harness usage.
  6. Theory Test:
    • Written test administered by the instructor, with explanations of pass requirements.
  7. Practical Training:
    • Detailed practical sessions covering machine introduction, major component identification, pre-use checks, starting/stopping procedures, route planning, operational practices, and parking.
  8. Practical Assessment:
    • Individual verbal questions and a practical test based on the Operator Practical Test Plan.
  9. Course Evaluation:
    • Utilisation of IPAF logbooks to track training progress.

Upon successful completion, candidates receive a Powered Access License (PAL) card, recognised by regulatory bodies including the HSE and MCG, valid for five years. The course is also endorsed by CITB and HAE, ensuring compliance with Work at Height Regulations 2005 and PUWER 1998.

A failure of the theory test means that the applicant will have to re-sit the entire course on another day.

Yes, the operator requires a licence. However, the passenger will only be required to wear the correct PPE.

An IPAF licence is valid for 5 years at which it will then need to be renewed. You will need an up-to-date log book and your old IPAF certification to renew your licence.

There is no specific legal requirement for an employee working at height to have IPAF training certification, however it is recommended. IPAF training provides a user with all the information you need to stay safe while operating a powered access machine.

The IPAF 1b Operator category covers the safe use of Static Booms which generally have outriggers, trailers/push-arounds and vehicle-mounted platforms.

Our IPAF MEWP operator training is available for all categories (1a, 1b, 3a, 3b). IPAF 3a and 3b teaches an operator how to prepare and operate various types of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs). Mobile Vertical (3a, 3a+): Scissor lifts, vertical personnel platforms (mobile). Mobile Boom (3b, 3b+): Self-propelled booms.

Independent Platforms and Aerial Work Platforms (IPAF) training is the instruction and certification process for operating and working safely with aerial lifts and other mobile elevated platforms.

IPAF training is recommended for anyone who works with aerial lifts or other mobile elevated platforms, such as professional contractors, equipment operators, and technicians.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST

£200.00

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Course Duration: Full Day
Course Type: Classroom/Practical Session
Maximum Class Size: 6 Delegates
Course Registration: 7:45am
Course Start Time: 8:00am
Course Finish Time:§ 4:30pm
† If doing more than 1 category then the maximum class size reduces to 4
‡ Delegates must arrive 15 minutes prior to course start time for registration.
§ Finish time is approximate and may be longer dependent on competency of delegates.

TRAINING LOCATIONS
Cannock, Thirsk

CERTIFICATION – Please note that all IPAF cards are issued via an app and called EPAL, if you require a hard copy then an additional £10 will be charged on day of training.

REQUIREMENT
Delegates should be physically fit and able to bring along safety shoes, hard hat and gloves for the practical part of the training. A full body safety harness with adjustable restraint lanyard and proof of inspection within the last 12 months must be brought with the delegate on the day of training for 1b and 3b categories.

REFRESHMENTS
Tea and coffee will be provided throughout the day on all courses at all of our training centres.  Please note that lunch is not provided.

CANCELATION POLICY
Courses cancelled less than 7 days prior to the course date but exceeding 48 working hours will incur a 50% charge. Courses cancelled less than 48 working hours before the course date will incur full payment. Premier Platforms, reserves the right to cancel a training course at any time due to unforeseen circumstances. Should a course be cancelled alternative dates will be offered or a full refund given.

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You can contact us direcly using the following:

Premier Platforms
Platform House,
Walsall Road,
Norton Canes Business Centre,
Cannock WS11 9UH

Telephone: 01543 271443 (Option 4)
Email: [email protected]

 

Our Accreditations

IPAF Approved Training Centre

What Our Customers Say

"One of the best companies we deal with, from the office to the workshop, we feel very well looked after"

"Machine delivered on time as requested, great service, thanks Premier"

"If you need IPAF training, this is the company to do it with, excellent instructors"

"Needed a machine very quickly, Premier Platforms pulled out all the stops and had a machine to us within 2 hours, top company"

“Very easy company to deal with, from order to delivery to collection of machines, keep doing what you’re doing guys, it works!!!”

“Servicing and maintaining our own machine used to be hard work, Premier Platforms took the headache away from us, now they inform us when it needs to be inspected and serviced”

Our Manufacturers

Skyjack
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