Introduction

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms or MEWPs are used across industry for various purposes. Working at heights from 4m to 60m, they are highly versatile machines primarily designed to lift people to a position to carry out work from the work platform and then return to the starting level.

There are various sizes and types including:

• Cherry Pickers
• Scissor Lifts
• Mobile Booms - 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)

This IPAF 3a and 3b Operator 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,  which can include 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 in line 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

This training is essential for workers to safely work with MEWPs. 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:

• Health & Safety regulations and legislation relevant to MEWPs
• Working at Height Regulations
• Accident control and prevention
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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 they can use as a reference tool back in the workplace. 

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

Practical Training

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

Operational skills and expertise to:

• Carry out a pre-use inspection check on a machine ensuring it is safe to use
• Learn how to correctly wear a safety harness, including auxiliary and manual descent procedures
• Operate a MEWP safely and effectively
• Manoeuvre and position the machine as tasked

At the end of the practical training session, candidates are assessed in accordance with 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
• 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 a powered access license smart card, and an IPAF PAL (Powered Access License) card. A course content and notes booklet and a current Code of Practice booklet will also be issued to all delegates who attend this one-day course. 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 managers, supervisors and operatives who may need to use or control powered access equipment. This course is approved by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF).

Course Duration

This comprehensive one-day training prepares delegates to safely and responsibly work with powered access equipment and MEWPs. The training options vary to accommodate novices and seasoned delegates.

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 a range of 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.