IPAF PAL Cards will be able to carry CSCS logo in 2019
From 2019, the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) will be able to offer the CSCS logo on its internationally recognised PAL Card operator licence in the UK, in line with a requirement from Build UK stipulating that access to construction sites should be restricted to holders of accredited licences or competency cards. The system allowing IPAF to produce PAL Cards with a CSCS logo is currently being tested, and should be available from 3 January 2019.
Not every operator of Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) equipment that holds a PAL Card requires access to construction sites, while others may already hold an associated trade or recognised CSCS partner card. IPAF does acknowledge that in some instances operators or delivery drivers of MEWP equipment may be required to have the CSCS logo on their PAL Card to allow access to UK construction sites.
Giles Councell, IPAF’s Director of Operations, comments: “Following an agreement with the Construction Skills Certification Scheme, IPAF is pleased to announce that from 2019 it will be possible to apply the CSCS logo to PAL Cards issued in the UK, provided the holder has undertaken a CITB or other recognised Health, Safety & Environment test, valid at the point of application for the card.
“Operators of MEWPs who are members of any construction trade body that affords CSCS accreditation will not need a CSCS logo to be added to their PAL Card. MEWP delivery drivers, maintenance or MCWP installation engineers, on-site instructors or operators who do need even occasional access to UK Construction sites and who do not already hold another accreditation recognised under the CSCS partner scheme are advised to contact the training centre where their current PAL Card was issued.”
Candidates who are undergoing training or a refresher course with the goal of obtaining a new or updated PAL Card are likewise advised to enquire of their IPAF-accredited training centre as to how to obtain a PAL Card with the CSCS logo. Please note that individual training providers are liable to charge a fee to reissue a current PAL Card, which will be the same as the standard charge for reissuing a replacement PAL Card.