ePAL will notify you of any licences that are due to expire. The training centre that originally trained you will be listed in the ePAL app under 'Training' or use the IPAF website to find a training centre near you.
No – the armour would prevent the cable from collecting in the drum provided by the manufacturer and could cause additional hazards.
It is not necessary that passengers are trained to operate the Mast Climbing Work Platform (MCWP), but at least two trained and familiarised operators should be on the MCWP at any one time. It is the employer’s responsibility of determining the training needs of all personal on and around the platform, however, passengers should be knowledgeable on the risks associated with their job and with working at height.
The British Standard BS 7981, the Code of practice for the installation, maintenance, thorough examination and safe use of MCWPs, states the following:
“The responsibility for determining the training needs of persons in respect of safety, and for making the necessary arrangements for training, rests with the individual employer. In the case of self-employed persons, the responsibility rests with themselves.”
“Training should be provided on the operation, including pre-use checks.”
“All trained operators working from an MCWP should as a minimum be familiarized by a demonstrator, to enable emergency lowering and rescue. At least two operators should be present on the platform to enable emergency lowering and rescue. Only operators familiarized in specific aspects of the MCWP should be allowed to operate it.”
See the Member Services and Benefits section.
The latest version of ePAL for Android (available from Google Play) supports the following browsers:
If you need help with the ePAL app, please raise a support ticket through ePAL under the ‘More’ section, at www.ipaf.org/support or email support@ipaf-pal.org.
There are four basic types of underbridge unit:
1. Gantry type: IPAF category = Special
2. Static boom type: IPAF category = Static Boom (1b)
Type 1: Travelling is only allowed with the MEWP in its transport position. Group B: MEWPs where the vertical projection of the centre of area of the platform at the maximum chassis inclination specified by the manufacturer may be outside the tipping lines.
3. Mobile boom type: IPAF category = Mobile Boom (3b)
Type 3: Travelling with raised work platform is controlled from a point of control at the work platform. Group B: MEWPs where the vertical projection of the centre of area of the platform at the maximum chassis inclination specified by the manufacturer may be outside the tipping lines.
4. Boom type with travelling with raised work platform controlled from a point of control at the chassis (Type 2): IPAF category = Special.
ePAL requires a smartphone running Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android operating system (that can access Google Play).
It is available on the latest two major Apple iOS versions. The minimum operating system for Android, is version 6 (Marshmallow).
IPAF provides the following quick reference guides for suppliers and users.
Issues covered include:
• Machine weights and permissible loads
• Taxation and regulations affecting vehicle mounted MEWPs used in the highway
• Schedule 3, Engineering Plant
• Extracts from Statutory Instrument 2003 No. 1998, The Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003 s49-(1) - Vehicles fitted with a moveable platform.
For the UK see this information sheet from the UK Government
On some MEWPs, activating the emergency stop switch at the platform controls can affect the warnings given to the occupants of the platform.
The much-coveted CAP (Competent Assessed Person) Card is proof of passing the CAP assessment and the engineer's ability to plan, manage or carry out thorough examinations of powered access equipment. CAP Cards are valid for five years.
IPAF’s PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) is the proof provided to all persons who successfully complete training and testing on an IPAF machine-based course.
ePAL is the name of IPAF's new mobile phone app through which the PAL Card, and many other operator-focused features, can be accessed. View more information at www.ipaf.org/ePAL
In order to deliver IPAF training courses, you need to be employed by an IPAF training centre or become a registered IPAF independent instructor member.
To become an IPAF instructor, you must meet the following criteria:
To become an independent instructor member, please e-mail the IPAF Training Operations Coordinator.
IPAF is registered with the UK Financial Services Authority as an industrial and provident society (No. 30998R) and therefore must have two levels of membership:
Practical tests not taking place immediately following the theory test must be undertaken within the subsequent four-week period.
After the four-week period, in order to renew or upgrade a licence, an operator must successfully complete the IPAF Renewal/Upgrade theory course and test, which is shorter than the theory part of the main operator course.
If the practical part of the course has been rescheduled due to poor weather etc., then practical tests not taking place immediately following the theory test must be undertaken within the subsequent 90 day period.
The log book is an operator’s record of machine usage/experience. The printed log book has been replaced with the digital log book through the ePAL app.
An expired operator or demonstrator PAL Card cannot be renewed and will require full re-training and testing.
ePAL displays the training centre that provided your training for that licence or qualification. If you complete additional training categories and these are added to an existing licence, it will show the most recent training centre.
To link an existing licence you will need to provide your licence number. This will be printed on your PAL Card or certificate.
If you cannot find your IPAF licence number you can contact us directly at support@ipaf-pal.org.
Responsibility for ensuring a PAL Card is current remains with either the operator or the employer (this will vary depending on their contractual relationship). The relevant training centres will however often endeavour to remind the operator or employer. Users of the ePAL app will be notified when their licence is expiring.
