IPAF 3A and 3B Operator Training Course

The IPAF 3a and 3b Training Course instructs an operator to prepare and operate various types of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) including cherry pickers, scissor lifts, and mobile booms such as articulated & electric boom lifts.  

The machine categories included are:

• Mobile Scissor Lifts (3a): Scissor lifts, mobile vertical personnel platforms

• Mobile Boom Lifts (3b): Including self-propelled booms and articulated booms (also known as cherry pickers)

Upon successful completion of this course delegates will be issued with a powered access license smart card also known as a IPAF PAL (Powered Access License) card.

The IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) PAL card is accepted and recognized as proof of MEWP operator training throughout the world.

Course Objectives

To instruct an operator to prepare and operate various types of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs). This includes any scissor lifts and personnel lifts that do not have outriggers so that you can drive the machine while elevated (manufacturer specification permitting).

Candidate Requirements

Candidates will be required to have a level of literacy that enables them to fully understand safety notices and manufacturer’s instruction manuals.

Candidates also need to be physically fit, in good health and should not have problems with eyesight or hearing as the course involves the operating of MEWPs.

No formal qualifications are required.

For the practical session candidates will need suitable head (hard hat with a chin strap is preferable), eye and footwear including a hi-vis jacket/vest, harness and lanyard, with short adjustable lanyard.

Teaching Method

• The course will consist of classroom-based tutorials, demonstrations and practical and written tests.

Duration

• 1 full day.

Course Programme & Assessment

The IPAF Operator Training Course is based on four sections:

• Classroom tutorials

• Theory assessment

• Practical training

• Practical assessment

Arrival

On arrival at the training centre candidates will be welcomed by one of our experienced trainers who will carry out a course induction and be available to answer any questions attendees may have.

Before training begins candidates will be given a practice assessment paper consisting of multiple-choice questions to check current levels of understanding, allowing the trainer to focus the course on specific areas that will be beneficial to the candidate.

Classroom Tutorials

The classroom tutorials will cover best practice and industry guidance on subjects including:

• Health & Safety regulations and legislation

• Working at Height Regulations

• Accident control and prevention

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

During the theory section of the course, candidates will have the opportunity to take notes and discuss topics that may arise during the training in more detail. They will also be presented with an operator safety guide which can be used as a reference tool when back in the workplace. 

Following the tutorials there will be an open-book theory assessment on the topics that have been covered.

Practical Training

Upon successful completion of the theory assessment candidates will progress to the practical element of the training.

This will provide candidates with the expertise to:

• Carry out a pre-use inspection check on a machine to ensure it is safe to use

• Learn how to correctly wear a safety harness: Auxiliary and manual descent procedures

• Operate a MEWP safely and effectively, and manoeuvre the machine as required

Practical Assessment

• At the end of the practical training session, candidates are assessed in accordance with the IPAF practical test standards.

Certification

Successful candidates will receive the 3A and 3B IPAF qualifications, and an IPAF Certificate of Training for these. These will both be accessible via the IPAF ePAL app, available on Android and iOS smartphones, which also includes a logbook and safety information. If a physical PAL card and certificate are required these must be arranged with the training department prior to the course start date, at an additional charge of £15 plus VAT.

Who Should Attend

The IPAF 3a and 3b course is designed for operators of powered access equipment, also known as cherry pickers or mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) to demonstrate that they are trained and competent to operate MEWPs.

Related Courses

As Europe’s largest provider of IPAF training we have the knowledge, experience and expertise to help you work more safely and productively at height. We also offer IPAF courses such as  MEWPs for Managers and the IPAF 3a, 3b and 1b Operator course which as well as covering mobile vertical & mobile booms includes static booms.