International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) training is necessary for personnel who use machinery in order to work at height. This includes all forms of elevating work platforms, mobile booms and mast climbing platforms. What does an IPAF course cover? An IPAF course, such as those delivered by https://globalflt.com/services/ipaf, will equip participants with the skills and knowledge to safely work at height, educate them on all aspects of relevant health and safety legislation and allow them to conduct their work confidently and correctly. Students aged 16 and over who operate equipment that allows them to work at height will receive a Powered Access Licence card upon completion of the IPAF course. This card lasts for 5 years before it must be renewed. Some organisations see the benefit in educating all of their personnel who work within the vicinity of lifting or elevating machinery, not only those who operate it. This is a very sensible move as it ensures that the entire workforce works together coherently. It also demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to safety in the workplace. Is an IPAF course mandatory? The UK’s Work at Height Regulations (2005) specify that employers must ensure that their workers are competent or supervised by a competent person when working at height or when using working at height equipment The Health and Safety Executive considers IPAF training to be suitable to demonstrate competence and that it fulfils the legal criteria. Therefore, while IPAF training is not specifically mandated, it is highly recommended and can support workplaces in embracing a positive safety culture. Do your employees need IPAF training? If your business requires employees to use machinery or lifting equipment to work at height, IPAF training can equip them with the skills that they need to do so safely and competently. There are different types of training available, based on the specific roles and responsibilities that you have assigned each member of your workforce. These range from a basic e-learning package through to much more in-depth classroom-based sessions. It is strongly recommended that anybody supervising or working at height be IPAF trained.
