|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
 |
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
Resources |
|
 Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add a category to my PAL Card?If operators want to add a category to their PAL Card, they need to successfully complete the IPAF approved Theory Test Paper. In addition to this, they must achieve the required standard when operating each of the machine categories that they wish to add on to their PAL Card. If demonstrators want to add a category to their PAL Card, they must do the operator theory test and practical test on that category, then do the demonstrator course. Does a passenger in a MEWP require a licence before they can go in a MEWP?No. Only the operator requires a licence, however the passenger will be required to wear the correct PPE. Is it true that IPAF has introduced new training categories?Click here for news about IPAF's new training categories. Should MCWP trailing power cable be steel armoured?No – the armour would prevent the cable from collecting in the drum provided by the manufacturer and could cause additional hazards. Is it appropriate to leave the platform when working at height?See this extract from BS 8460 on the subject. What are the new IPAF categories and how do they affect existing PAL Cards?See the FAQ on the IPAF categories. Do access platforms have to comply with the Low Emission Zone (LEZ)?See this news item on the current situation. How do I obtain a replacement for a lost PAL Card?If you contact the IPAF training centre where you were trained, they will be able to replace your licence for a small fee. How do I renew my PAL Card when it expires? (NB: PAL Cards are valid for 5 years.)Contact an IPAF training centre. Only operators or demonstrators who have been filling out their log books (60 entries over 5 years) will be eligible for a renewal test. Those who have not been filling out their log books will have to re-sit the operator course again. All renewals must be done before the expiry date. Otherwise, an operator will have to do a full operator course and a demonstrator must do the full operator and demonstrator course. Do users of mast climbing work platforms need a PAL Card?The users of a Mast Climbing Work Platform (MCWP) would be expected to have undergone as a minimum:
Demonstration should be completed by a competent person (Demonstrator) who has sufficient knowledge and experience of the MCWP to be used. This demonstration is best completed on site with the specific make and model of MCWP to be used. IPAF has a training course specific to demonstrators of MCWPs but does not issue licences for Users as their tasks with the MCWP are not deemed sufficient to warrant this level of certification. *Drawn up after consultation with the HSE Do I need training on a small static vertical machine without drive, also know as a Push Around Vertical (PAV)?Yes, you need training, and there is a half-day course for this. If you have an existing licence with 1a or 3a, you will only require familiarisation on the machine. Is IPAF recognised on site?The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) scheme is an operative record scheme approved by the UK Contractors Group (UKCG) and individuals holding an IPAF qualification should be welcomed on UKCG sites. Click here for further information. How frequently should a MEWP be inspected?A MEWP should be inspected every morning prior to use. However, see below for legislation on "thorough examinations": Who is responsible for ground conditions?It varies from job to job - check. Do trainees need a safety awareness course before going on an IPAF course?Safety awareness relevant to MEWPs is an integral part of the IPAF course and therefore previous safety awareness is not necessary for the operator, demonstrator and instructor courses. Is it necessary to wear a harness?Please refer to the IPAF Technical Guidance on Harnesses on the link below: IPAF Technical Guidance on Harnesses What is the legal requirement for training in Europe?Referring to Council Directive 89/655/EEC, amended by Council Directive 95/63/EEC, article 7 states the following: "Without prejudice to article 12 of Directive 89/391/EEC, the employer shall take the measures necessary to ensure that:
The second indent of Article 5 refers to repairs, modifications, maintenance or servicing and reads as follows: "When the use of work equipment is likely to involve a specific risk to the safety or health of workers, the employer shall take the measures necessary to ensure that:
Who keeps the card and certificate after training is completed?IPAF suggests that the operator should have the issued card on his/her person at all times when working with MEWPs and the employer should keep the certificate. Is it legal to work alone and is it safe?Please refer to the HSE guidance paper - Working Alone in Safety: Controlling the risks of solitary work. www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg73.pdf In what wind speed can a machine work?All MEWPs (except those designed specifically for indoor use) are designed to operate in wind speeds up to a maximum which should be marked on the machine. Operation in wind speeds above this maximum may cause instability. The generally accepted design wind speed, and also the maximum in which an operator can work comfortably, is 12.5 m/s (28 mph). Wind speed can be measured from the platform with a hand held anemometer but it is more usual to estimate using the Beaufort Scale of Wind Force (see below). It is very important to realise that wind speed increases with height and may be 50% greater at a height of 20 metres above ground level. Wind chill factor. On a calm day 10 degrees Centigrade is cool but not unpleasant. But with a wind of 20 mph, the temperature experienced on the face and hands is 0 degrees Centigrade, and at freezing, the temperature is -15 degrees Centigrade. This makes it very important to wear warm clothing even though it might feel relatively warm at ground level before starting work. Care must be taken when handling building cladding, sheet materials, panels and other such materials which can act as "sails" and seriously affect the stability of a MEWP, especially in gusty wind conditions. For the same reason, signboards and the like must not be applied even temporarily to the platform. You should be aware of the shielding and funnelling effects of high buildings which may cause high wind speeds on days when the wind speed in open areas is low. Other sources of local high wind speed to consider are aircraft slipstreams at airports and high sided vehicles on motorways. Beaufort ScaleThe Beaufort Scale of wind force is accepted internationally and is used when communicating weather conditions. It consists of number 0 - 17, each representing a certain strength or velocity of wind at 10m (33 ft) above ground level in the open.
Do I need to have a HGV licence to drive a truck/vehicle mounted machine?As a general rule a truck/vehicle mounted machine over the length of 26 metres or the weight of 3.5 tonnes must only be driven by heavy goods vehicle licensed people. Do I need to have a tachograph in a vehicle mounted machine?The European law relating to the fitting and use of tachographs to record drivers' hours of work is contained in EC Council Regulation 3821/85. What guidelines are there for the driving of MEWPs on public highways? What about weights and loads?IPAF provides the following quick reference guides for suppliers and users.  |
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
