IPAF MEWPs for Managers Training guide

Have you thought recently about the health and safety culture in your company? Do you comply with the law? Are you on top of your risk management? Are you too busy to stop and ask yourself these questions?

Health and safety should not be one of the things you choose to neglect in favour of other priorities, it should be the basis your organisation is built upon. As part of your role as a leader, you have a moral and ethical obligation to create a workplace where your employees feel safe, happy and supported.

A positive health and safety culture has many benefits such as:

Improve productivity, quality & profitability
Decreased absenteeism
Increased productivity
Reduce staffing costs
Reduce costs for repairs & maintenance
A happier workforce
Reduced the risk of fines
Reduce insurance claims
Reduce insurance premiums
Raise client and stakeholder satisfaction

What are manager's legal responsibilities?

Companies that use MEWPs need to know what their management and legal responsibilities are. According to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers must train all employees who supervise and manage work at height and the use of equipment for such work.

The type of training that is required is dependent upon the type of equipment. Get in touch and we can talk you through the relevant legislation and what you need to do.

What is MEWPs for Managers?

MEWPs for Managers is a one day IPAF course aimed at those who plan, supervise or manage work at height with Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs).

This is an extensive MEWPs course which covers everything from what you need to know about using MEWPs on site, planning each job and completing risk assessments, to selecting the right equipment and mitigating all possible risks.

“The course is about planning, supervising and effectively managing the use of powered access, not about operating equipment.”[2]

The training course will help you answer the following questions:

Your full legal obligations
Correct equipment selection for compliance and optimum productivity
MEWP training requirements for all operators
Hazard awareness, preventive measures and risk reduction

The one day course goes through essential topics such as health and safety regulations, accident prevention and control, personal protective equipment, and pre-use checks and maintenance. The course ends with a test that candidates must pass in order to obtain the IPAF certification. Those who hold a valid Powered Access Licence for operating equipment can have the MEWPs for Managers (MM) category added to their PAL Card.

Who should take the course?

Employers
Project managers
Foremen and supervisors
Anyone who is responsible for planning and overseeing the use of MEWPs on their job site.

It is suitable for managers working in a broad range of industries such as construction, facilities management, retail, airports and arboriculture.

Course content:

MEWP legislation and guidance
Rental terms and conditions
Machine types and use
Structural parts and MEWP selection
Operator training and familiarisation
Operator daily inspection
MEWP personal fall protection
Safe operating methods and hazard awareness
Safety beyond training
Written test

Where does the training take place?

The majority of our training takes place at your site. We have a national network of instructors who come to your site to conduct your course using your equipment. We also have access to training centres nationwide where we can book a single delegate or a full course. The off-site courses will always provide the equipment you are being trained on. (When training is carried out off-site, suitable equipment for the training category/course being undertaken will be provided.)

Can we have training on an evening, weekend or overnight?

Yes, the majority of our courses are run Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm but our trainers can be flexible and offer out of hours training to suit you and your team. Get in touch for availability and pricing.