Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the Frequently Asked Questions regarding our training courses, what we do and our industry in general. If you don't see an answer to your specific question, please feel free to contact us to ask it.
My site have told me i need ipaf, what does this mean?
If your site is asking you for IPAF, this means that your job is going to include using Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) and they require you to have an IPAF qualification to do so.
Depending on the specific machines at your site, you will need to complete an IPAF training course covering the relevant categories for the machines you will be using. Typically this can be done as a Single Category, Dual Category or Triple Category Operator course.
If you are unsure which machines you will be using, speak to your worksite contact for clarification before booking your training course.
Depending on the specific machines at your site, you will need to complete an IPAF training course covering the relevant categories for the machines you will be using. Typically this can be done as a Single Category, Dual Category or Triple Category Operator course.
If you are unsure which machines you will be using, speak to your worksite contact for clarification before booking your training course.
why do i need training for ladders?
The Work At Height Regulations (WAHR) require that all persons working at height are competent to do so and training is an important contributing factor to ensuring competence. The Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) also requires that employers provide training for all equipment their employees are expected to use, even something seemingly as simple as a ladder.
Ladder training is not just about using a ladder, its about understanding when its right to use one (and when its not!), choosing the right ladder for the job and how to ensure safety when using a ladder.
The Ladder Association Ladder & Step Ladder User course is for persons who's work includes using ladders but not inspecting them and the Ladder & Step Ladder Inspection course is for persons who are required to do formal inspections of ladders in the workplace.
Ladder training is not just about using a ladder, its about understanding when its right to use one (and when its not!), choosing the right ladder for the job and how to ensure safety when using a ladder.
The Ladder Association Ladder & Step Ladder User course is for persons who's work includes using ladders but not inspecting them and the Ladder & Step Ladder Inspection course is for persons who are required to do formal inspections of ladders in the workplace.
i need to use a pav machine, do i need training to do so?
Yes, training on a Push Around Vertical (PAV) machine is a legal requirement and there is a half day training course which covers this type of machine. Once completed, you will get a PAV category added to your ePAL app.
If you have previously completed a 1a Static Vertical or 3a Mobile Vertical category, then it is acceptable for you to use a PAV machine without the need to complete the PAV half day training course as long as you have gone through familiarisation on the PAV machine you intend to use.
This is due to a PAV being a simpler version of a 1a, which operates in the same way as a 3a but without the ability to drive.
For further details about Familiarisation, see IPAF Technical Guidance F1.
If you have previously completed a 1a Static Vertical or 3a Mobile Vertical category, then it is acceptable for you to use a PAV machine without the need to complete the PAV half day training course as long as you have gone through familiarisation on the PAV machine you intend to use.
This is due to a PAV being a simpler version of a 1a, which operates in the same way as a 3a but without the ability to drive.
For further details about Familiarisation, see IPAF Technical Guidance F1.
WHy are my card and certificate now digital?
Accrediting bodies have over the last few years been converting physical cards and certificates over to digital versions in line with their policies for reducing carbon footprint and the environment.
Physical cards and certificates are now starting to be accessed via mobile phone apps and downloadable PDF files.
As well as helping to save the planet, there are many advantages to digital versions of cards and certificates:
Physical cards and certificates are now starting to be accessed via mobile phone apps and downloadable PDF files.
As well as helping to save the planet, there are many advantages to digital versions of cards and certificates:
- All in one place on your phone, meaning less individual cards to carry around and possibly lose.
- Easily accessible to show others or to send them a copy.
- Can be accessed or downloaded multiple times as required.
- Automatic notifications when licences are due to expire.
- Additional operator focussed features available on apps.
what is elearning?
An eLearning module is an electronic online version of a traditional theory session of a training course. This can be done either at home, at your workplace or other suitable location (coffee shop, Internet café) and can vary in timescale depending on the specific eLearning module being covered for a particular course.
IPAF eLearning modules are broken down into manageable sections which can be completed at your own pace, saved and resumed as required. These can also be completed in alternative languages (where applicable).
PASMA and Ladder Association eLearning modules are a series of pre-recorded videos which you work through at your own pace.
Once completed, an eLearning completion certificate is generated which you would take to the training centre to show you have completed the module prior to taking a theory test and a practical session. If the course you are doing is purely eLearning, the certificate is your proof of passing or qualification.
IPAF eLearning modules are broken down into manageable sections which can be completed at your own pace, saved and resumed as required. These can also be completed in alternative languages (where applicable).
PASMA and Ladder Association eLearning modules are a series of pre-recorded videos which you work through at your own pace.
Once completed, an eLearning completion certificate is generated which you would take to the training centre to show you have completed the module prior to taking a theory test and a practical session. If the course you are doing is purely eLearning, the certificate is your proof of passing or qualification.
do i need to wear a harness and lanyard in a mewp?
For details regarding the safe use of Harnesses and Lanyards in MEWPs, see IPAF Technical Guidance H1.
what is work at height?
The Work At Height Regulations (WAHR) states that work at height is anywhere where a person can fall a distance liable to cause personal injury if they fell from that place. The person could be above, below or at ground level and be considered to be working at height if they are in a position where they can fall.
can training be done onsite?
Yes, as long as the site has the correct facilities and equipment to meet the requirements for the training course to be undertaken. If you are unsure what the specific requirements are for your course, speak to the Training Centre prior to booking the course.
It is recommended that training take place at a Training Centre, away from potential onsite distractions or issues, where facilities and equipment are set up for training purposes and audited by Accrediting Bodies to ensure training requirements are to required standards.
It is recommended that training take place at a Training Centre, away from potential onsite distractions or issues, where facilities and equipment are set up for training purposes and audited by Accrediting Bodies to ensure training requirements are to required standards.
how long does my training last for?
All training courses undertaken will come with a date of expiry, usually found on the card, certificate or digital licence, at which point the qualification will need to be either renewed or upgraded (if applicable) to remain valid.
Typically IPAF, PASMA and Ladder Association qualifications come with a 5 year expiry date, however other training courses might have different timescales. It is possible for qualifications from the same accrediting body to have different expiry dates if categories have been taken at different times.
It is also possible that your worksite might have specific requirements for when they want you to undertake training courses beyond those stated by the accrediting bodies.
Typically IPAF, PASMA and Ladder Association qualifications come with a 5 year expiry date, however other training courses might have different timescales. It is possible for qualifications from the same accrediting body to have different expiry dates if categories have been taken at different times.
It is also possible that your worksite might have specific requirements for when they want you to undertake training courses beyond those stated by the accrediting bodies.
what does harness training look like?
Harness training has now been separated into 3 courses designed to provide the right level of training to those persons attending, depending on their requirements when working with harnesses and lanyards. These are:
Harness Awareness (HA)
Designed for those who require a theoretical understanding of harnesses without the need to use one themselves. Theory based course, approx 3hrs, completed either in person in a classroom or via eLearning.
Harness User (HU)
Designed for those who require to use a harness within a MEWP for their work. Must have successfully completed HA course first and practical is completed in person.
Harness Inspector (HI)
Designed for those who are responsible for completing periodic inspections of harnesses. Must have successfully completed both HA and HU courses first. Classroom based course, no eLearning option.
Further details on Harness Training Courses can be found on the IPAF website.
Harness Awareness (HA)
Designed for those who require a theoretical understanding of harnesses without the need to use one themselves. Theory based course, approx 3hrs, completed either in person in a classroom or via eLearning.
Harness User (HU)
Designed for those who require to use a harness within a MEWP for their work. Must have successfully completed HA course first and practical is completed in person.
Harness Inspector (HI)
Designed for those who are responsible for completing periodic inspections of harnesses. Must have successfully completed both HA and HU courses first. Classroom based course, no eLearning option.
Further details on Harness Training Courses can be found on the IPAF website.
is there training for management?
Yes, as well as traditional worksite requirements for those in managerial or supervisory positions to complete courses such as SMSTS, SSSTS, IOSH or NEBOSH, there are also courses available to cover access equipment.
Management courses for access equipment include IPAF's MEWPs For Managers, PASMA's Towers For Managers and Ladder Association's Ladder & Step Ladder For Managers, all of which are aimed at those who's work includes overseeing others using access equipment without the need to use the equipment themselves.
Management courses for access equipment include IPAF's MEWPs For Managers, PASMA's Towers For Managers and Ladder Association's Ladder & Step Ladder For Managers, all of which are aimed at those who's work includes overseeing others using access equipment without the need to use the equipment themselves.
can i work at height outside if it's windy?
It may be necessary to carry out work at height in situations where wind conditions can be a factor. This could be inside in certain circumstances however this would usually be when working outside. It is recommended that wind conditions be taken into account as part of a risk assessment, by the use of a weather forecast beforehand and/or dynamically with the use of a hand held anemometer.
There may be site conditions to consider which could affect wind speed, such as funnelling effect, cross winds, sheeting effect, wind chill factor and 'sail' effect. It is also important to remember that wind speed increases with height.
The specific equipment to be used could also be affected by wind. Although ladders and step ladders do not have specific wind speed ratings, consideration should be given to the stability of the equipment when in windy conditions.
All MEWPs are designed to operate in wind speeds up to a maximum stipulated by the manufacturer, which can be up to 12.5 m/s (28 mph), however you would need to check the markings on the specific machine. Some machines are not rated to work in windy conditions and are for indoor use only.
Mobile access towers have a maximum wind speed rating of 17 mph (7.6 m/s) and should average conditions reach this then you should cease work and dismantle the tower. See PASMA's guidance on using towers in windy conditions in the below video.
There may be site conditions to consider which could affect wind speed, such as funnelling effect, cross winds, sheeting effect, wind chill factor and 'sail' effect. It is also important to remember that wind speed increases with height.
The specific equipment to be used could also be affected by wind. Although ladders and step ladders do not have specific wind speed ratings, consideration should be given to the stability of the equipment when in windy conditions.
All MEWPs are designed to operate in wind speeds up to a maximum stipulated by the manufacturer, which can be up to 12.5 m/s (28 mph), however you would need to check the markings on the specific machine. Some machines are not rated to work in windy conditions and are for indoor use only.
Mobile access towers have a maximum wind speed rating of 17 mph (7.6 m/s) and should average conditions reach this then you should cease work and dismantle the tower. See PASMA's guidance on using towers in windy conditions in the below video.
how often do i have to do inspections?
Inspections of access equipment should be carried out at suitable frequencies to ensure the safety of the equipment, with this being documented on a relevant inspection record.
MEWPs should be inspected by the operator daily before use and, under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), should be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every 6 months.
Towers should be inspected as often as necessary to ensure safety. Generally this is done after assembly and before use, after any significant alteration and following any event that might have affected the safety of the tower. Towers should be re-inspected as often as necessary to ensure safety and at least every 7 days. Tower components should be inspected before use.
Ladders and Step Ladders should be inspected by the user before use, as a pre-use check, to ensure the equipment is safe to use immediately. Ladders and Step Ladders should also be thoroughly examined by a competent person at suitable intervals for the usage of the equipment and manufacturers requirements.
Ladder Association recommends the following thorough examination intervals:
MEWPs should be inspected by the operator daily before use and, under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), should be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every 6 months.
Towers should be inspected as often as necessary to ensure safety. Generally this is done after assembly and before use, after any significant alteration and following any event that might have affected the safety of the tower. Towers should be re-inspected as often as necessary to ensure safety and at least every 7 days. Tower components should be inspected before use.
Ladders and Step Ladders should be inspected by the user before use, as a pre-use check, to ensure the equipment is safe to use immediately. Ladders and Step Ladders should also be thoroughly examined by a competent person at suitable intervals for the usage of the equipment and manufacturers requirements.
Ladder Association recommends the following thorough examination intervals:
- Every 3 months for equipment used daily
- Every 6 months for equipment used weekly
- Every 12 months for equipment used monthly or less frequently
can i do my test in another language?
Yes! Providing that the language you require is available for the specific course you want to take.
IPAF Operator courses are available with a multitude of alternative language test papers and some alternative languages for online eLearning modules. PASMA Towers For Users courses are available with some alternative language test papers.
If you feel there may be potential language difficulties for those attending a training course, speak to the Training Centre to see where help can be provided. Training courses are generally run in English, but the use of an independent interpreter could be possible should this be discussed and arranged prior to the course.
IPAF Operator courses are available with a multitude of alternative language test papers and some alternative languages for online eLearning modules. PASMA Towers For Users courses are available with some alternative language test papers.
If you feel there may be potential language difficulties for those attending a training course, speak to the Training Centre to see where help can be provided. Training courses are generally run in English, but the use of an independent interpreter could be possible should this be discussed and arranged prior to the course.