The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) promotes the safe and effective use of powered access equipment worldwide in the widest sense – through providing technical advice and information; through influencing and interpreting legislation and standards; and through safety initiatives and training programs. IPAF is a not-for-profit organization owned by its members, which include manufacturers, rental companies, distributors, contractors and users. IPAF members operate a majority of the MEWP rental fleet worldwide and manufacture about 85% of platforms on the market.
The IPAF operator course instructs a candidate 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), Push Around Vehicle (PAV), Insulated Aerial Device (IAD). Categories include Static Vertical (1a), Static Boom (1b), Mobile Vertical (3a), Mobile Boom (3b), Specialist Machines (SPECIAL), Push Around Vehicle (PAV), Insulated Aerial Device (IAD).
Static verticals are any vertical personnel platform that remains static.
Static booms are any self-propelled boom, trailers/push around or vehicle-mounted platforms; these machines may have outriggers attached to them.
Mobile verticals are any mobile scissor lifts or vertical mobile personnel platforms.
Mobile boom machines are any self-propelled booms
According to IPAF data, falls from the platform is one of the major causes of injury or fatality associated with using MEWPs. Awareness and understanding of how to correctly use a harness is critical to safe operation of boom-type MEWPs. IPAF offers three harness courses to meet the needs of different candidates
Select harnesses and Lanyards for use in MEWPs
Manage and supervise use of harnesses and lanyards for use in MEWPs
Create safe systems of work for harness and Lanyard use in MEWPS
Use harnesses and Lanyards in MEWPS
Conduct pre-use checks of harnesses and lanyards for use in MEWPs
Conduct statutory inspections of harnesses and lanyards for use in MEWPs
This course trains a demonstrator to familiarize operators with their responsibilities and to demonstrate pre-operational and safe operating procedures, and the limitations of MEWPs.
EWPs for Managers is aimed at those who plan, supervise or manage work at height with Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs). Companies that use MEWPs need to know what their management and legal responsibilities are and how to ensure the most effective use of MEWPs. This course covers what managers need to know for safe and effective use of MEWPs on site, including planning the job, conducting a risk assessment, selecting the right equipment for optimum cost-efficiency and mitigating all possible risks.
