About Training

'Training Saves Lives' Video

Training in the use of work equipment is required by most health and safety legislation and work at height regulations. Employers are obliged to train employees. The IPAF training programme for platform operators was developed by leading industry professionals. It is certified by TÜV as conforming to the international standard ISO 18878:2004 Mobile elevating work platforms – Operator (driver) training. More than 90,000 operators are trained each year through a worldwide network of over 550 training centres. Successful trainees receive a PAL Card (Powered Access Licence), a safety guide, a log book and a certificate.

IPAF itself does not provide training. Training is provided by approved training centres, mostly manufacturer and rental members of IPAF. Approved training centres set the course fees independently for training provided. They are regularly audited by IPAF. Class sizes are kept small. Courses generally last one to two days and are a mixture of theory and practice, with a written and a practical test. Course material is available in many languages and training centres receive regular updates.

This course instructs an operator to prepare and safely operate various types of MEWPs.

PAL+ is an optional, additional one day of category-specific training aimed at operators working in higher risk or challenging environments.

This course trains a demonstrator to familiarise operators with their responsibilities and demonstrate pre-operational and safe operating procedures, and the limitations of MEWPs.

This course trains and assesses an instructor to understand the delivery of the IPAF training programme, and assesses knowledge on machines and ability to convey information to candidates.

This course instructs a user to select, inspect and use a harness and associated equipment safely when using a MEWP.

This course instructs an operator in the correct safety procedures for the loading, unloading and securing of machinery prior to or following transportation by road.

MEWPs for Managers is the essential, one-day course for those who plan, supervise and manage the use of mobile elevating work platforms in the workplace.