Working at a height certainly comes with its risks and there are a number of factors to consider when working in this particular role, to keep yourself safe as well as others around you.
Having a thorough knowledge and understanding of what makes a safe environment for these working conditions is the first step to ensuring your role is carried out in the best way possible. This is something which the IPAF and their training programmes can help with.
If you’re unaware of IPAF and what they provide, read our post which offers key information concerning the federation as well as when their training is required.
About the IPAF training programmes
Health and safety standards require both the employer and their employees to have a thorough understanding of how to operate powered access equipment in the correct way, to prevent as many risks that are associated with the role and to reduce the chances of accidents from occurring.
As health and safety regulations are regularly assessed and updated, it’s worthwhile keeping in the know with the latest updates, to make sure you are qualified to make proper use of these pieces of equipment. That’s where the IPAF and their training programmes come in especially handy.
IPAF training programmes typically take a day and the programmes are accessible at over 450 centres across the country, including here with us. The convenience and accessibility of these training programmes means that IPAF is able to train over 150,000 workers every year world wide.
What does the IPAF training programme consist of?
When you sign up for our IPAF training, you will be required to take part in both the practical and theoretical elements of the programme, before you can qualify. You’ll typically make it through both stages of the course within one to three days, depending on the specific course you sign up for and depending on your experience using MEWPS.
The skills and knowledge that you learn as part of your IPAF qualification depends entirely on the course and machine category you sign up for. There are a number of courses available, including the MEWP operators course, the MEWP demonstrators course, the MEWP instructors course, Harness Use and Inspection course and MEWPS for managers course
Make use of IPAF to refresh your knowledge
Not only can new employees benefit from the IPAF’s training programmes, but so too can existing workers with years of experience in the field. Routine work with powered access equipment can very often lead to complacency, something which the training programme works to reduce. By attending a training session, experienced workers can learn about any new updates to health and safety standards, as well as refreshing their memory on the dangers that exist due to complacency.
Training has to be refreshed every 5 years – every time someone uses a new machine, it is advised that they are given some familiarisation training by someone who has used the machine before (delivery driver, supervisor, work colleague)
Training is relevant for other roles too
Other team members would also benefit greatly from taking part in the IPAF training programme. Managers are able to develop an understanding of how their staff should be making use of the powered access equipment, whilst staff on the floor will know what dangers to be aware of, as well as how to react in an emergency.
Receive a recognised qualification
Qualified students receive a PAL (Powered Access Licence) card, which provides assurance that you are equipped with the skills and knowledge to safely operate powered access equipment. You will also receive a safety guide, certificate and log book when you qualify.
Your PAL card is unique to you and can be taken with you from one job to another, to highlight your capabilities and to improve your chances of being offered your next job.
Whether you’re starting your very first role using powered access equipment, or you’re an established professional looking to give your knowledge a boost, the IPAF and their training programmes can benefit you and your work colleagues greatly. By having a fresh understanding of what risks are present in your area of work and how your own efforts can help to minimise them, you’ll feel much more comfortable in your working environment all whilst proving yourself as a trusted professional in the field.