If you already have the right access equipment for your working at height needs, you're one step ahead of a lot of companies. Replacing steps and ladders with access platforms can significantly reduce costs and accidents, however, just like any other piece of equipment, they can impose a danger themselves if you don't use them properly.
All you need to do to finalise the process of having a much safer and productive workplace environment and comply with the law when using access platforms[1] is to get your staff trained and certified on how to use your brand new piece of equipment.
The International Powered Access Federation training programme for platform operators was developed by leading industry professionals and is certified by TÜV as conforming to the international standard ISO 18878 Mobile elevating work platforms – Operator (driver) training. The IPAF training courses include: MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) for Operators, MEWP for Managers, Load/Unload, Demonstrator and Harness Training.
MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform)
Operator Training Course
The purpose of the MEWP Operator Training Course is to instruct an operator on how to prepare and safely operate various types of MEWP, as well as obtain a Powered Access Licence (PAL Card). After taking the course the candidates will be aware of the relevant Health and Safety Regulations, know about accident prevention and control and be aware of the needs regarding Personnel Protection Equipment (PPE). They will also understand the need to refer to the machine operating manual and be able to operate the MEWP safely and manoeuvre the machine as required, in order to correctly position the machine and to carry out the required tasks in a correct and proper manner.
At the end of the course the candidate will understand:
- The pre-use checks and daily maintenance to be carried out prior to commencing work;
- The correct and safe method of operating the machine;
- The correct emergency procedures, capacities and limitations to enable safe operation;
- The selection and use of fall protection equipment, covering anchorage points, harness and lanyard types, harness ispection, correct use and fitting;
PAV (Push Around Vertical) Training Course
The PAV operator training course will prepare you to safely operate various types of PAV in order to obtain an Operator Licence. Similar to the MEWP Operator Course, after completing the PAV training you will be aware of the relevant Health and Safety Regulations, accident prevention and control, the needs regarding PPE and referring to the operting manual. You will also be able to manoeuvre the machine as required, correctly position it and carry out the required tasks in a correct and proper manner.
At the end of the course the candidate will know:
- The pre-use checks and any daily maintenance to be carried out prior to commencing work;
- The correct and safe method of operating the machine;
- The correct emergency procedures, capacities and limitations to enable safe operation;
- The selection and use of any personal protective equipment, and current recommnedations (HSE, etc);
Get in touch if you woudl like a copy of the course guide.
Harness 'User' Training Course
The Harness 'User' Training Course is to instruct a user to correctly select, inspect and use a harness and associated personal protective equipment. At the end of the course the harness user will know the relevant Health and Safety regulations, be aware of the need of PPE against falls from height, be able to identify and select the correct form of PPE, and inspect and maintain a harness and lanyard. They will also be able to fir, adjust and correctly use the harness and lanyard.
At the end of the course the candidate will know the following:
- The relevant legislation including: HASWA, WAHR, PPE, CE marking and EN standards;
- Understand hazards analysis and risk assessment;
- The definition of the categories for safe work at height, including the potential loads generated when working with MEWPs when required;
Get in touch if you woudl like a copy of the course guide.
MEWP for Managers Training Course
IPAF provides an extensive MEWPs course for managers (IPAF MM), 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 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;
To find out more about the MEWP for Mangers Course download the course training guide here.
References:
[1] http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/mewp.htm
