Introduction

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms or MEWPs are in use across industries and sectors for various purposes. They are highly versatile machines, working at heights from 4m to 60m. But with height comes risk, and safety is of primary concern. A responsible person must plan and manage these operations and ensure equipment is in working order, and operatives aren’t at unnecessary risk.

This IPAF Competent Assessed Person (CAP) qualification provides up-to-date guidance for platform engineers. The course focuses on regulatory compliance and ensuring individuals are competent to plan, manage or conduct thorough examinations of powered access platforms (MEWP and MCWP).  

As a result, the powered access industry recognises the CAP qualification as confirmation of an engineer’s proficiency, experience, and commitment to excellence. In addition, CAP complements IPAF’s operator training courses by promoting a ‘safety culture’ with machine maintenance and operation. 

Course Outline

With a mix of practical and theory-based exercises and tutorials, delegates will cover manufacturer information and general knowledge of MEWPs and CAP responsibilities and participate in practical activities to recognise best practices and operating methods.

The course reflects national standards and industry best practices and is fully accredited with IPAF.

Our occupationally and technically-experienced trainers coach delegates on this course, completing the session with a practical observation and theory examination. Delegates must pass all assessments to receive a powered access license smart card, an IPAF PAL (Powered Access License) card.

Course Programme

Our experienced training instructors will guide candidates through an IPAF CAP presentation, including all the legal duties of a CAP Assessor. 

There are three distinct CAP programmes, each focusing on a different machine category – MEWP, MCWP or Construction Hoist. During each programme, experienced IPAF-approved engineers train delegates relating to the relevant machine category. The course content also offers extensive information on LOLER and PUWER Regulations and the HSE Regulations required to carry out Thorough Examinations. Finally, the training will assess the delegate to ensure they have the appropriate theoretical and practical knowledge and experience in examining the machines.

Upon successfully completing the theory test, delegates will take a practical assessment for each category of machine they wish to qualify for, observed by the CAP Instructor. 

On Completion

At the end of the training, successful delegates will:

• Have excellent knowledge of all relevant legislation and regulation for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) and Competent Person responsibilities
• Know the Working at Height Regulations relevant to Competent Persons
• Be confident in operating and inspecting MEWPs
• Carry out all operations to learn best and safety practices
• Understand all theoretical and practical elements of working with MEWPs

On successfully completing the course, delegates receive a Competent Assessed Person qualification and an IPAF Certificate of Training. Delegates will also have access to the IPAF ePAL app where their certificate is stored. Available on Android and iOS smartphones, the app also includes their logbook and safety information. Please note that hardcopy PAL cards and certificates must be arranged with the training department before the course start date, with an additional charge of £15.00, plus VAT.

Who Should Attend?

The IPAF programme is for platform engineers or anyone responsible for the safety and maintenance of MEWPs & MCWPs who want to conduct thorough examinations of powered access equipment.

Course Duration

This comprehensive one-day training prepares delegates to safely and responsibly work with powered access equipment and MEWPs as the Competent Person on site.

Why Citrus?

We dedicate our efforts to unrivalled quality and the customer experience at Citrus Training, providing exemplary service to our clients and producing excellent results from our delegates. As a result, we are the leading UK-based provider of health, safety, and technical training and assessment services to the Built Environment and Utility sectors. 

Employers and delegates can choose from dedicated courses to suit customer-specific requirements, locations, and dates. As a result, we’ve successfully delivered training for over 20,000 delegates across the Working at Heights training category.

Things You Need to Know

CAP programme delegates must hold a valid IPAF PAL (Powered Access Licence) Card. Only machine categories on the PAL Card will have examinations.

Delegates must have sound knowledge of powered access. Any previous examination or inspection qualifications need to be verified by the CAP Instructor. 

Before applying, delegates must be out of their apprenticeship for two years.

Delegates must provide an up-to-date CV and certificates of relevant technical qualifications such as NVQs or City & Guilds. Certificates of technical training courses by manufacturers such as Genie and JLG must also be provided, along with evidence of any other relevant training such as:

• Welding courses
• Hydraulics
• Electrical Diagnostics
• LEEA qualifications

The CAP Instructor requires all the above information to carry out a Candidate Profile check to ensure delegates meet the correct IPAF criteria before attending the course.

The training has practical elements, so delegates must inform their trainer if they have any serious health issues, physical problems, special considerations or are taking any medication, which may create difficulties in any elements of this course. In addition, delegates should also bring suitable PPE on the day of training, for example, safety helmets, safety shoes or boots, hi-vis and gloves.

For training held at your location, please ensure that the classroom you make available has a 240v power supply and is a suitable size for the number of delegates attending. In addition, please ensure that the practical area has been risk-assessed, is free from harm, and is ideal for training.