Introduction

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms or MEWPs are used across industry for various purposes. They are versatile machines designed to lift people to a position to carry out work from the platform and then return to the starting level. Platforms can be used for heights ranging from 4m to 60m and require training to ensure operators understand the differences between the different machines and how to use them at varying heights.

There are various sizes and types, including:

• Scissor Lifts
• Cherry Pickers
• Articulated, telescopic and electrical boom lifts

The machine categories for this course 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)
• Static Boom Lifts (1b)

This IPAF Op Mobile Vertical 3a, Mobile Boom 3b and Static Boom 1b certification delivers a thorough understanding of the relevant operational and safety requirements and inspection of working with MEWPs. It is designed to teach delegates to prepare and operate various types of MEWPs, including any scissor lifts and personnel lifts that do not have outriggers - allowing them to drive the machine while elevated (manufacturer specification permitting).

Course Outline

With a mix of practical and theory-based exercises and tutorials, delegates will cover manufacturer information and general knowledge of MEWPs 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.

Delegates will take an initial pre-course multiple-choice examination at the beginning of the day to allow our instructor to gauge the knowledge and understanding of delegates before they start. 

At the end of the theory session, operatives will take another short multiple-choice test. If they successfully pass the test, they will then proceed to the practical training and assessment. Delegates must pass all examinations to qualify for an IPAF Certificate and Powered Access Licence (PAL) Card valid for five years. 

Course Programme

This training is essential for workers to work with MEWPs safely. Delegates will review legal requirements, ensure safety compliance, and understand procedures, appropriate documentation and classifications.

The course content includes:

Classroom Tutorials

Best practice and industry guidance on subjects including:

• Introduction and pre-course theory test
• MEWP categories
• Structural Parts
• Regulations – ISO 18878, European, HASAWA
• Regulations – PUWER, LOLER, MHSW, WAHR, RIDDOR
• Pre-use inspection and handovers
• Safe operating methods and hazards

During the theory section of the course, delegates can take notes and discuss topics that may arise during the training in more detail. We will also issue an operator safety guide that they can use as a reference tool in the workplace. 

Practical Training

Once the theory assessment is complete and passed, candidates will progress to practical training.

Practical course content includes:

• Walk around and familiarisation with MEWP Major components
• Identifying each component and its function
• All pre-use checks and inspection
• All checks and inspections on tyres, mainframe, turntable, fluid levels, hoses, electrical cables, booms, cage, brakes, steering, lights, travel, controls (lower/upper), pins and retaining bolts, and decals

At the end of the practical training session, candidates are assessed following the IPAF practical test standards.

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)
• Know the Working at Height Regulations relevant to them
• Be confident in operating MEWPs 3a, 3b and 1b
• Carry out all operations to learned best practices
• Understand all theoretical and practical elements of working with MEWPs

On successfully completing the course, delegates receive an IPAF Certificate and Powered Access Licence (PAL) Card valid for five years, the 1B, 3A and 3B IPAF qualifications, 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 designed for operators of MEWPs, renewal of PAL cards or for those looking to learn how to operate MEWPs. 

Course Duration

This comprehensive one-day training prepares delegates to safely and responsibly work with powered access equipment and MEWPs. The focus is on 3a, 3b and 1b categories specifically.

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

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 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.