FAQs

  • 5823: Do I need training on a small static vertical machine without drive, also known as a Push Around Vertical (PAV)?

    Yes, training on a PAV is a direct legal requirement, and there is a half-day course for this. If you have a valid licence with Static Vertical (1a) or Mobile Vertical (3a), you will only require familiarisation on the machine, which should be recorded in your IPAF log book, or through the ePAL app.

    This is due to the PAV being a simpler version of a 1a which operates in the same way as a 3a but without the ability to drive.

    This principle cannot be applied to any other categories due to the operational methods and risks differing significantly between the categories. For example, if an operator is trained on a 1b only, this MEWP cannot be driven elevated where a 3b can, and the operator would not have been trained on that skill. Similarly, if they are trained on a 3b only, they have not been trained on setting up a 1b effectively on spreader pads.

    See IPAF technical guidance F1 on familiarisation. 

  • 5839: Does a passenger in a MEWP require a licence before they can go in a MEWP?

    No, only the operator requires a licence. However, the passenger will be required to wear the correct PPE.

  • 5838: Does the operator course include harness training?

    The IPAF MEWP Operator Training course is specifically designed to train people to operate MEWPs however, as a part of the content the course includes a short section of basic harness training on these areas:

    - Before use: Pre-use checks of a harness and lanyard, checking for proof of Statutory Inspection
    - Harness wearing: How to put a harness on
    - Harness adjustment: Ensuring candidates have no slack in a correctly fitted harness
    - Lanyard adjustment: Adjusting for machine and candidate
    - Attachment to MEWP: Designated anchor point and karabiner locked
    - IPAF technical guidance H1 on harnesses

    Harness inspection is not covered in the IPAF MEWP Operator Training course.

    For any person that needs comprehensive harness training, IPAF offers awareness level harness training suitable for everyone, user level training for those that will use a harness in a MEWP, and inspector level training for those that will be required to conduct Statutory Inspections of PFPE for use in a MEWP. Click here to learn more

  • 7934: How do I get help with the ePAL app?

    If you need help with the ePAL app or digital licences in general, please raise a support ticket through ePAL under the ‘More’ section, at www.ipaf.org/support or email support@ipaf-pal.org.

  • 5855: Is it acceptable for someone to operate a MEWP from the ground controls with a passenger in the platform?

    This is NOT usually allowed as the operator will be unable to judge distances from objects whilst on the ground. However, under certain circumstances and in accordance with a thorough risk assessment, it might be justifiable. An example is that of a cameraman at an event in a position away from all aerial hazards, all possible safety measures having been taken such as briefing the passenger about the emergency lowering controls and having the operator close to hand at the chassis.

  • 5857: Is it necessary for a ground-based person (designated to help lower the MEWP in an emergency) to hold an IPAF PAL Card?

    It is preferable for any nominated MEWP ground rescue person to have undergone some form of formal training relevant to the task. However, all nominated MEWP ground rescue persons should, as a minimum, have been familiarised with the MEWP being used and the rescue procedures in place, in order that they are competent to lower the MEWP platform using the ground/emergency controls in the work situations to which they are exposed.

    Further information on rescue procedures can be found in the Best Practice Guidance for MEWPs on Avoiding Trapping/Crushing Injuries.

  • 5824: Can candidates who have never used a MEWP participate in the operator course?

    Yes, however, this may affect the length of the course and/or the candidates’ likelihood of passing.

  • 7915: Can I get my MEWPs for Managers, or Harness or CAP licence on the ePAL app?

    Yes, any issued IPAF licence and qualifications can be shown within ePAL. All newly issued licences will automatically be linked to your IPAF profile (if you have provided your IPAF ID at the time of training). Existing licences can be linked by entering your licence number from your certificate within ePAL.

  • 6740: Can I get the CSCS logo on my PAL Card?

    IPAF is able to offer the CSCS logo on the 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. 

    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.

    In all cases operators will have to supply proof of having passed the CITB Health, Safety & Environmental touch screen test within the two years prior to application for the card.

  • 7917: Can I update my name that is shown on my licence in the ePAL app?

    To update your name you will need to contact the IPAF training centre that trained you. To find the training centre contact details, open the ePAL app and go to the ‘Training’ section.

  • 7916: Can I update my photo that is shown on my licence in the ePAL app?

    To update your photo you will need to contact the IPAF training centre that trained you. To find the training centre contact details, open the ePAL app and go to the ‘Training’ section.

  • 8105: Can I use ePAL on multiple devices?

    Yes, you can download ePAL and log in to your account on more than one device, for example, both your work and personal phones.

  • 5820: Can I use my PAL Card abroad?

    The PAL Card is increasingly recognised worldwide. However, the employer and usually also the self-employed have a duty to know and abide by the legislation of the country they are planning to work in. IPAF may be able to assist with a summary of the legislation for countries in which we operate (please contact the IPAF head office in the UK). Ultimately it will be down to the site manager or equivalent at the differing work sites in each country to decide whether they are willing to accept the training you have received. IPAF's increasing worldwide reputation means that the PAL Card’s acceptance is growing daily.

  • 9922: Can I use the emergency stop in the MEWP platform to isolate the controls while the platform is elevated?

    The practice of using the emergency stop to isolate controls may no longer be appropriate on some MEWPs. MEWP operators should be trained and familiarised, and they should follow the MEWP manufacturer’s operating instructions as to how this should be achieved, and if it is recommended.

  • 5818: Can IPAF training be done on site?

    Yes, provided that there are suitable facilities and equipment. Please discuss with your selected training centre.

  • 5846: Can you have a shock absorbing pack in a restraint lanyard?

    Yes – if it is adjustable and used correctly as a restraint device (adjusted to be as short as possible), the lanyard will not be able to gain sufficient force/momentum to deploy the shock absorbing pack, thereby acting as a restraint lanyard.

  • 7905: Do I have to have a digital licence?

    No, IPAF still offers a physical printed PAL Card and certificate. Please speak to your IPAF training centre when booking your training.

    You can link your IPAF issued licence and get a digital version if you choose to download ePAL in the future.

  • 5845: Do I have to wear a harness or life jacket when working over water in a MEWP?

    Working next to or over water must be assessed to identify whether the greatest risk of injury to the operator is from falling from the MEWP basket or drowning if the MEWP falls into the water.  The decision can then be made as to whether it is most appropriate to wear a harness to address the fall risk or whether a harness should not be worn due to the risk of drowning. Life jackets, not harnesses, should be worn where there is a risk of drowning.

  • 5821: Do trainees need a safety awareness course before going on an IPAF MEWP course?

    Safety awareness relevant to MEWPs is an integral part of the IPAF course and therefore previous safety awareness is not necessary for the operator, demonstrator and instructor courses.

  • 5862: Do users of mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs) need a PAL Card?

    The employer should ensure that all Operators using the equipment are trained to operate the MCWP, with full knowledge of the controls of the equipment, safety systems and emergency procedures, risk assessment guidance and they are able to carry out pre-use/daily inspections and perform the emergency descent. The employer should also ensure that all Operators receive adequate machine-specific familiarization, which should be conducted by a competent Demonstrator with the correct certifications, to ensure operators understand the specific machine controls and safety systems.

    Demonstrators are persons, with full knowledge on the operating commands of the equipment, they are able to perform the emergency descent, carry out pre-use/daily and weekly inspections and ensuring that these take place.

    In addition, they are trained in the demonstration of MCWP to others in a documented scheme, to ensure Operators understand the specific machine controls and safety systems.

    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.

    IPAF training programs include MCWP Operator and MCWP Demonstrator, and its successful completion at an IPAF-approved training center leads to a PAL Card, the highest international standard of quality training.

  • 7914: Does ePAL require an internet connection?

    Yes, ePAL requires an internet connection to log in, however once logged in you can view your licences and experience offline. Sharing of licences and logging experience requires an internet connection.

  • 7991: Does ePAL support Huawei phones?

    As of March 2020, new Huawei phones no longer use Google services and cannot access the Google Play store.

    At present, the Android ePAL app is only available through the Google Play store and is not available on Huawei’s AppGallery store.

  • 7918: How do I add a category to my digital licence in the ePAL app?

    Your digital licence will show all of the categories that you have been trained in. If you wish to get trained in additional categories, contact an IPAF training centre.

    Your additional categories can be added to your existing licence, but these will be backdated to the original training date. Alternatively, ePAL allows multiple digital licences.

  • 5815: How do I add a category to my PAL Card?

    If operators want to add a category to their PAL Card, they need to successfully complete the IPAF approved Theory Test Paper. In addition to this, they must achieve the required standard when operating each of the machine categories that they wish to add on to their PAL Card.

    If demonstrators want to add a category to their PAL Card, they must do the operator theory test and practical test on that category, then do the demonstrator course.

  • 5816: How do I obtain a replacement for a lost PAL Card?

    If you have lost your PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) you will need to order a replacement, there will be a fee for a replacement card. Please see the Lost PAL Card page.

  • 5817: How do I renew my PAL Card when it expires? (NB: PAL Cards are valid for 5 years.)

    Contact an IPAF training centre. Only operators or demonstrators who have been filling out their log books (hard copy or digital via the IPAF ePAL app) will be eligible for a renewal test. Those who have not been filling out their log books will not be eligible for a renewal test and will have to re-sit the full operator/demonstrator course again.

    All renewals must be done before the expiry date. Otherwise, an operator will have to do a full operator course and a demonstrator must do the full operator and demonstrator courses.

    From 1 July 2022 all MEWP operators applying for a renewal course will be required to show ten (10) entries as evidence of their experience recorded in their log book (either hard copy or digital via the IPAF ePAL app). Subsequently, in order for an operator to be able to take a MEWP Operator renewal course they will need to show:

    • From 1 Jan 2023 evidence of a minimum of twenty (20) entries
    • From 1 Jan 2024 evidence a minimum of thirty (30) entries
    • From 1 Jan 2025 evidence of a minimum of forty (40) entries
    • From 1 Jan 2026 onward: evidence of a minimum of sixty (60) entries over 5 years

    For regions where the PAL Card operator licence has a two-year expiry period, operators must have evidence of 24 entries in order to qualify for a renewal course.

  • 7920: How do I use the log book on the ePAL app?

    To use ePAL’s digital logbook to record your operating experience, first create the machine, you will need to do this for each new machine you use. Then create your manual work log entry and fill in any relevant details.

  • 7910: How does an existing PAL Card holder get their digital PAL Card? Does a training centre have to issue it?

    All existing PAL Card holders can use the new ePAL app, they simply have to create an IPAF ID account and claim their licence either by scanning their PAL Card on their phone using NFC (like a contactless payment tap) or manually typing in their licence number. As long as their profile details match their licence details, it will be linked and visible within ePAL.

  • 5810: How much does IPAF membership cost?

    See the Become a Member section.

  • 7922: I can't delete my machine or work log in the ’Experience’ section

    Once created, you can only edit a machine or worklog.

  • 7923: I can't see my Safety Guide (Operator Safety Guide or Site Safety Guide)

    IPAF Safety Guides (Operator Safety Guide or Site Safety Guide) are available to view in ePAL under the ‘Experience’ section. Make sure you have created your first machine then the ‘Safety Guides’ button will show.

    For further help, please raise a support ticket through ePAL under the ‘More’ section, at www.ipaf.org/support or email support@ipaf-pal.org.

  • 7924: I did my training but no PAL Card is showing in the ePAL app

    Your digital licence will show once it has been processed by IPAF and the training centre. Please wait for your notification (email or SMS) that it is ready.

    For further help, please raise a support ticket through ePAL under the ‘More’ section, at www.ipaf.org/support or email support@ipaf-pal.org.

  • 7925: I didn't get my email or SMS to validate my IPAF ID account

    Please double check your junk folder for an email from IPAF or your messages. If you still do not see an email or SMS from IPAF, please raise a support ticket at www.ipaf.org/support or email support@ipaf-pal.org

  • 7909: I forgot my password for my IPAF ID account

    Open ePAL and click ‘Login’, then select ‘forgot my password’ and follow the steps provided. For further help, please raise a support ticket at www.ipaf.org/support or email support@ipaf-pal.org.

  • 7919: I have a digital PAL Card through ePAL but now require a physical PAL Card.

    If you require a physical PAL Card after completing your IPAF training and receiving your digital licence, you will need to contact the IPAF training centre that trained you to order a physical PAL Card - the training centre will charge a fee for this.

    To find the training centre contact details, open the ePAL app and go to the ‘Training’ section.

  • 7926: I have two IPAF licences can I have them both on the app?

    Yes, ePAL allows you to display multiple IPAF issued licences and qualifications.

  • 7908: I made a mistake with my email or mobile number when creating my IPAF ID account

    Please raise a support ticket through ePAL under the ‘More’ section, at www.ipaf.org/support or email support@ipaf-pal.org.

  • 7933: I no longer have access to my email address or mobile phone number that I used to sign up for an IPAF ID. What do I do?

    Please raise a support ticket through ePAL under the ‘More’ section, at www.ipaf.org/support or email support@ipaf-pal.org.

  • 7929: I shared my PAL Card but they didn’t get it.

    The sharing of the PAL Card is done over your communication apps (email, iMessage, WhatsApp etc). Please double check to see if the message was sent. You will need data enabled to send the PAL Card and certificates.

    All IPAF licences can be verified at www.ipaf.org/checkpal

  • 5825: If a candidate does not pass either the theory or practical test, how long should he or she wait before repeating the course and tests?

    It is possible for the candidate to re-take the course the following day. However, it is recommended that the candidate, employer and instructor discuss the reasons for failing prior to a re-take so that any appropriate corrective action can be taken. A failure of the theory test means that the applicant will have to re-sit the entire course on another day.

    If the theory test has been passed but the practical test(s) failed, the applicant would be required to retake the practical test(s) within 90 days of passing the theory test. Failure to retake the practical test(s) within 90 days of passing the theory test would mean the applicant would need to re-sit and pass the theory test prior to taking the practical test(s).

  • 5848: In what wind speed can a MEWP work?

    All MEWPs (except those designed specifically for indoor use) are designed to operate in wind speeds up to a maximum which should be marked on the machine. Operation in wind speeds above this maximum may cause instability.

    Under BS EN280:2001+A2:2009 (Mobile elevating work platforms – Design calculations – Stability criteria – Construction – Safety – Examinations and tests) the maximum design wind speed in which a MEWP can work is 12.5 m/s (28 mph). Wind forces are assumed to act horizontally at the centre of area of the parts of the MEWP and persons and equipment on the work platform, and shall be taken to be dynamic forces. This does not apply to MEWPs intended for indoor use only.

    Wind speed can be measured using an anemometer.

    It is very important to realise that wind speed increases with height and may be 50% greater at a height of 20 metres above ground level.

    Care must be taken when handling building cladding, sheet materials, panels and other such materials which can act as "sails" and seriously affect the stability of a MEWP, especially in gusty wind conditions. For the same reason, signboards and the like must not be applied even temporarily to the platform.

    You should be aware of the shielding and funnelling effects of high buildings which may cause high wind speeds on days when the wind speed in open areas is low.

    Other sources of local high wind speed to consider are aircraft slipstreams at airports and high-sided vehicles on motorways.

  • 5864: In what wind speed can an MCWP work?

    All MCWPs used out-of-doors or otherwise exposed to wind whilst in service shall be regarded as being affected by a minimum wind pressure in accordance with:

    Minimum design wind data, in service
    Freestanding or MCWP during erection/dismantling: 12,7m/s (Wind velocity), 100N/m2 (Wind pressure)
    Tied MCWP: 15,5m/s (Wind velocity), 150N/m2 (Wind pressure)

    Wind forces are assumed to act horizontally at the centre of the wind area of the exposed structural parts of the MCWP.

  • 7746: Is ePAL available for existing PAL Card holders?

    Yes, ePAL will be available to both new & existing PAL Card holders in the UK and Ireland when it is launched. View more information at www.ipaf.org/ePAL

  • 5856: Is it acceptable to place netting around a vertical lift to prevent items being dropped through the railings?

    The use of netting will be a decision based upon a site, job and machine specific risk assessment.

    The attaching of netting or other materials to the handrails of a MEWP to prevent tools and materials falling from height will increase the wind resistance of the raised platform. Thus the manufacturer's recommended maximum wind speed will have to be downrated to compensate for any increased resistance of the platform when raised.

    The amount it will be reduced will depend on the material fitted. Any reduction in manufacturer's recommended wind speed rating will have to be made known to potential operators of the MEWP. The weight of the material fastened to the handrails will have to be taken into account when considering the safe working load limitations of the MEWP.

    The correct positioning of the platform at height in relationship to the task to be performed will be influential in preventing the possibility of tools and materials falling from the platform.

    The tethering of tools and materials should be also considered as a possible option to prevent objects falling from the raised platform.

    Where netting is fitted to the handrails, it may increase the possible trip hazard to occupants of the platform and also increase the risk of “snagging” from internal or external objects.

  • 5840: Is it acceptable when in the platform of a MEWP to stand on a guard rail?

    No.

  • 5861: Is it appropriate to exit the MCWP platform when working at height?

    No, unless a rigorous risk assessment carried out as part of planning the job indicates that this is the safest and most effective means of accessing a particular location, taking into account the availability on site of other more suitable access equipment and the practicability of providing the same within the required timescales for the task to be carried out. This will need to be taken into account during the installation process.

  • 5841: Is it appropriate to exit the MEWP platform when working at height?

    No, unless a rigorous risk assessment carried out as part of planning the job indicates that this is the safest and most effective means of accessing a particular location, taking into account the availability on site of other more suitable access equipment and the practicability of providing the same within the required timescales for the task to be carried out.

    See IPAF's technical guidance E2 on exiting the platform at height and this extract from BS 8460 (the British Standard on “Safe use of MEWPs – Code of practice”) on the subject.

  • 5847: Is it legal to work alone and is it safe?

    Employers have responsibility for the health, safety and welfare at work of all of their employees. It is the employer’s duty to assess risks to lone workers and take steps to avoid or control risks where necessary.

    Please refer to the UK HSE guidance paper - Working Alone in Safety: Controlling the risks of solitary work: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg73.pdf

  • 5863: Is it necessary to wear a harness in an MCWP?

    It is not normally necessary for personnel working from a vertical lift to wear fall protection equipment, other than in exceptional circumstances. 

    During installation, alteration and dismantling

    The work platform of an MCWP is provided with guard-rails and toe boards to protect the occupants from falling. Consequently the use of harnesses is not required during use of MCWPs unless any part of the guard-rail system has been removed by a competent person (e.g. to enhance access to the façade of a building), in which case a risk assessment should be carried out to ascertain the need for, and specification of, fall arrest/work restraint equipment. The risk of falling during installation, alteration and dismantling should be addressed in the installation, alteration and dismantling method statement.

    In the event of a risk assessment requiring an anchor point for a harness, the manufacturer should be consulted.

    Before attaching fall protection equipment to the work platform, the user organisation‑appointed person should ascertain both the location and suitability of anchor points.

  • 7911: I’m getting a ‘Could not validate user against the licence provided’ error when adding my licence to ePAL

    The licence security check has failed for one or more reasons. Please raise a support ticket through ePAL under the ‘More’ section, at www.ipaf.org/support or email support@ipaf-pal.org.

  • 7913: I’m getting a ‘Licence could not be found’ error when adding my licence to ePAL

    The licence number you entered is not valid, double-check you entered it correctly or if using NFC  (like a contactless payment tap) on a PAL Card, try entering it manually.

    If you are still experiencing issues, please raise a support ticket through ePAL under the ‘More’ section, at www.ipaf.org/support or email support@ipaf-pal.org.

  • 7912: I’m getting a ‘Licence has already been claimed’ error when adding my licence to ePAL

    The licence is already linked to an IPAF ID, please double-check you haven’t provided a different IPAF ID to your training centre or signed up again using a new email address or mobile number.

    If you are still experiencing issues, please raise a support ticket through ePAL under the ‘More’ section, at www.ipaf.org/support or email support@ipaf-pal.org.

  • 7930: My digital PAL Card doesn't unlock my MEWP.

    Due to mobile phone manufacturer's restrictions, ePAL cannot behave like a Smart PAL Card and unlock an RFID access control enabled MEWP.

    If you require a PAL Card for machine access control, this can be requested at the time of training. If you require a physical PAL Card after completing your IPAF training and receiving your digital licence, you will need to contact the training centre that trained you to order a physical PAL Card. The training centre will charge a fee for a physical PAL Card.

    To find the training centre contact details, open the ePAL app and go to the ‘Training’ section.

  • 7928: My ePAL app is not working and I need to get on site.

    If the ePAL app is not working, please try to log out and log in again, or remove and reinstall the app.

    If you are still having problems please raise a support ticket at www.ipaf.org/support or email support@ipaf-pal.org.

    All IPAF licences can be verified at www.ipaf.org/checkpal

  • 7907: My IPAF ID account is not working

    Check you have activated your account, an email or SMS will have been sent. If not, please raise a support ticket at www.ipaf.org/support or email support@ipaf-pal.org

  • 7931: My licence is coming up for renewal how do I contact the training centre?

    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.

  • 5860: Should MCWP trailing power cable be steel armoured?

    No – the armour would prevent the cable from collecting in the drum provided by the manufacturer and could cause additional hazards.

  • 8304: Should passengers on a MCWP be trained to operate the platform?

    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.”

  • 8827: What browsers does ePAL support on Android?

    The latest version of ePAL for Android (available from Google Play) supports the following browsers:

    • Google Chrome
    • Samsung Internet
    • Firefox
    • Microsoft Edge

    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.

  • 5837: What category does an underbridge unit come under?

    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.

  • 7927: What devices can run the ePAL app?

     

    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).

  • 5851: What guidelines are there for the driving of MEWPs on public highways? What about weights and loads?

    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

  • 9921: What hazard can be introduced by pushing in the emergency stop?

    On some MEWPs, activating the emergency stop switch at the platform controls can affect the warnings given to the occupants of the platform.

  • 5866: What is a CAP Card?

    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.

  • 5813: What is a PAL Card?

    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.

  • 7744: What is ePAL?

    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

  • 5814: What is required to become an IPAF instructor?

    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:

    • 36 months’ MEWP operating experience 
    • IPAF Operator Licence held for 6 months minimum
    • IPAF Demonstrator Licence held for 3 months minimum
    • IPAF MEWPs for Managers course successfully completed
    • Evidence of Acceptable Instructional Techniques training (3 days minimum)
    • Successful completion of an approved Harness Instructor course
    • Evidence of IPAF MEWP-specific Instructor training (4 days minimum) 
    • Evidence of HSE required standard for First Aid at Work training level
    • Successful completion of IPAF Instructor Examination
    • Mentoring

    To become an independent instructor member, please e-mail the IPAF Training Operations Coordinator.

  • 5811: What is the difference between full members and associate members?

    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:

    • Full members who have full voting rights and full access to all member services, and
    • Associate members (associations, company associates, press, individual associates and small users) who do not have full voting rights, but have full access to all member services. 

  • 5826: What is the maximum time period allowed between the theory and practical parts without having to repeat the whole course?

    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.

  • 5828: What is the purpose of the operators' log book?

    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.

  • 5833: What should be done to renew the PAL Card if it is already expired?

    An expired operator or demonstrator PAL Card cannot be renewed and will require full re-training and testing.

  • 7932: Where did I do my training?

    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.

  • 7921: Where do I find my licence number?

    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.

  • 5829: Who is responsible for alerting the holder of a PAL Card when the card is expiring?

    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.

  • 5843: Who is responsible for ground conditions?

    It varies from job to job - check. 
    Invariably the party paying for the MEWP will be responsible - so check the ground conditions. 
    Assuming otherwise could be expensive if not accounted for in the quote.

  • 5827: Who is the legal owner of the PAL Card?

    PAL Cards remain the property of International Powered Access Federation Ltd.

  • 5822: Who keeps the card and certificate after training is completed?

    IPAF suggests that the operator should have the issued card on his/her person at all times when working with MEWPs and the employer should keep the certificate.

  • 5852: Why are some MEWPs fitted with anemometers and others not?

    Some MEWPs are purchased with the anemometer at the point of order as anemometers are not usually fitted as standard by the manufacturer. In addition, an anemometer can be expensive, can be damaged, and requires regular calibration.

  • 7906: Why does IPAF need my contact details?

    To create an IPAF ID account you need to use and validate your email address or mobile number. These details are required on your training assessment booklet, so your licence is linked to your IPAF ID. You will get notified when your licence is ready.