• What are the new categories?
• How do they affect existing PAL Cards?
• Can existing PAL Card holders get their cards changed?
• What about replacements; are these issued with the correct old categories?
• I have TP on my licence. Can I now operate a vehicle mounted machine?
• I have Static Boom (1b) on my licence and trained on a trailer mount. Can I use a large vehicle mount?
• I have Mobile Boom (3b) on my licence. Can I use a Static Boom (1b)?
• Why can I only train 6 people on a Static Vertical (1a) when it is possible to train 12?
• I want to replace an old category on my card. Can I have the new category on it?
• What category does a self-propelled boom with outriggers fall into?
• What category covers operation of a scissor lift with outriggers?
• A customer has a truck mounted and a spider type machine which can be driven from the platform up to 6m height. Over 6m they need to set up jacks. What category do they come under?

Static Vertical (1a)    Static Boom (1b)
Mobile Vertical (3a)  Mobile Boom (3b)

Existing PAL Cards remain valid as specified and will be recognised. The category change does not affect the training received. Existing PAL Cards will only change when they are renewed after successful re-training.

No, there is no need for existing PAL Card holders to get their cards changed. Existing PAL Cards are valid until their expiry date.

Current PAL Card holders who need to replace lost cards will be issued duplicate cards with the original categories they have been trained in. This is because the categories listed on the PAL Card reflect the training received. Those who re-train or do upgrades from 1 January 2008 onwards will be issued with the new categories.

No, because you have been trained in the category TP and not VMP. You can only operate a machine for which you have been trained in.

The training you have received includes sections on the use of vehicle mounts. However, before using equipment that is different from platforms that you have previously operated, you must undergo appropriate familiarisation from a suitably qualified person. Click here to read IPAF's policy on familiarisation.

No, because they are different categories and require different training.

This is because the training is aimed at all 1a’s and therefore covers considerably more concepts. The class size is thus kept intentionally small.

No, if you need to replace a lost card, you will be issued a duplicate card with the original categories you have been trained in.

If a self-propelled boom with outriggers can only travel with its platform in the lowered, i.e. transport, position it is classed as a Static Boom (1b). However, if a self-propelled boom with outriggers can travel with the platform raised, then it is classed as a Mobile Boom (3b).

[NOTE: If the outriggers/stabilisers have to be deployed before the platform can be raised beyond a specified height, but it can travel with the platform raised below this height, then it is still classed as a Mobile Boom (3b).]

If a scissor lift with outriggers can only travel with its platform in the lowered, i.e. transport, position it is classed as a Static Vertical (1a). However, if a scissor lift with outriggers can travel with the platform raised, then it is classed as a Mobile Vertical (3a).

[NOTE: If the outriggers/stabilisers have to be deployed before the platform can be raised beyond a specified height, but it can travel with the platform raised below this height, then it is still classed as a Mobile Vertical (3a).]

If a self-propelled boom with outriggers can only travel with its platform in the lowered, i.e. transport, position it is classed as a Static Boom (1b). However, if a self-propelled boom with outriggers can travel with the platform raised, then it is classed as a Mobile Boom (3b). So the answer to the question would be 3b.