IPAF MEWP Training Courses
IPAF’s comprehensive range of mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) training courses is detailed below. IPAF also has courses for mast climbing work platforms (MCWP) and hoists.
Find your nearest IPAF-approved Training Centre
MEWP Operator Training
- Course Length: From half a day up to three days (depending on machine category)
- Theory eLearning available
- PAL Card on completion
This training course instructs an operator to prepare and safely operate various types of MEWPs, also referred to as cherry pickers, aerial lifts or scissor lifts. Categories include Static Vertical (1a), Static Boom (1b), Mobile Vertical (3a), Mobile Boom (3b), Specialist Machines (SPECIAL).
The training course for Push Around Vertical (PAV) MEWPs takes half a day and Insulated Aerial device (IAD) MEWPs takes two days.
IPAF’s MEWP Operator Training is certified by TÜV as conforming to the international standard ISO 18878 Mobile elevating work platforms – Operator (driver) training.
Duration of the course is variable depending on the type of course, trainee experience, machine complexity, and the number of machine categories taken. One day is a minimum of seven hours.
PAL+ Advanced MEWP Operator Training
- Course length: One day
- Virtual Reality Simulator course available*
- PAL Card on completion
PAL+ is an optional, additional one day of category-specific training aimed at operators working in higher risk or challenging environments. Machine categories available are 1b+, 3a+, 3b+.
*Approved training centres delivering IPAF’s PAL+ advanced Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) operator course now have the option of assessing candidates in a VR environment as an alternative to the standard assessment using real MEWPs and a specially constructed superstructure to operate around. Read more about VR PAL+.
MEWP Demonstrator Training
- Course length: One day
- PAL Card on completion
This course trains a demonstrator to familiarise operators with their responsibilities and to demonstrate pre-operational and safe operating procedures, and the limitations of MEWPs.
Harness Use and Inspection
- Course length: Half a day
- Certificate on completion
This course instructs a user to select, inspect and use a harness and associated equipment safely when using a MEWP.
Loading/Unloading MEWPs
- Course length: One day
- Certificate on completion
This course instructs an operator and/or driver in the correct safety procedures for the loading, unloading and securing of machinery prior to or following transportation by road.
MEWPs for Managers
- Course length: One day
- eLearning available
- Certificate on completion
MEWPs for Managers is the essential course for those who plan, supervise and manage the use of mobile elevating work platforms MEWPs in the workplace. Available as either eLearning or a full-day course at an IPAF training centre.
MEWP Supervisor
- North America only
- ANSI-compliant course
- Course length: Half a day
- eLearning available
- Certificate on completion
For those in North America, who plan, supervise and manage the use of mobile elevating work platforms MEWPs in the workplace. Available as either eLearning or a half-day course at an IPAF training centre.
Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI)
- Course length: One to two days, dependant on experience
- Certificate on completion
IPAF’s one-day pre-delivery inspection course enables trainees to perform PDIs of MEWPs in a structured and systematic way.
Competent Assessed Person (CAP) Certification
- Course length: One day
- CAP Card on completion
The IPAF Competent Assessed Person (CAP) programme focuses on a crucial aspect of safety – that of the machine itself. It is an assessment of skill in the thorough examination of MEWPs.
Site Assessment (for MEWP Selection) Training Course
- Course length: Half a day
- eLearning available
- Certificate on completion
The course guides candidates through the process of determining the optimum MEWP for a given task. Factors covered include height, reach, up-and-over height, the weight of people, required materials & tools, environment, restrictions, set-up, hazards, permits, accessories, delivery, and completion of documentation to justify the selection. The course is theory-based only and incorporates an exam.
MEWP Instructor Training
- Course length: Five days
- PAL Card on completion
For people wishing to become an IPAF Instructor, employed by an IPAF Approved Training Centre or as an Independent Instructor delivering training through one or more training centres.This course trains and assesses an instructor to understand the delivery of the IPAF training programme and assesses knowledge on machines and the ability to convey information to candidates.
For more information and to find a training course happening near you, please contact training@ipaf.org.
