IPAF - PAL Plus Training Course course syllabus.

Category: Health-and-Safety

Level: Advanced

The PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) is recognised worldwide across industries as proof of platform operator training to the highest standard.

It is issued by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) to platform operators who successfully complete a training course at an IPAF-approved training centre.

The IPAF training programme 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.

More than 150,000 PAL Cards are issued each year through IPAF-approved training centres around the world.

If you need to work at height and use access equipment:

IPAF believes that you should receive basic training.

In addition to your main job, e.g. electrician, painter, decorator, cleaner, you will acquire a new skill.

Platforms are designed to be easy to use and offer a safe way to work at height, but with basic training, you will use the equipment more effectively and safely.

If you are an employer:

You can be sure that legal requirements have been fulfilled if your platform operators have the PAL Card.

Most legislation, covering health and safety obligations, accident prevention and work at height regulations, require you to provide employees with proper and adequate training in the use of work equipment.

IPAF training to the highest standards means that your platform operators will also work more efficiently and productively.

The course includes a short, compact theory session and focuses on practical training, using large machines such as a scissor lift with a minimum of 10m working height and a boom with a minimum of 15m working height. For example, one practical exercise focuses on work in confined overhead spaces; another practical exercise involves driving the machine on challenging terrain. Candidates have to complete a theory test, a practical test and an individual interview.

Upon successful completion of the theory test, practical test and interview, operators will have the relevant categories added to their PAL Card, e.g. Static Vertical (1a+), Static Boom (1b+), Mobile Vertical (3a+) and Mobile Boom (3b+).