IPAF take training to another level

First PAL+ courses conducted in the UK to provide MEWP operators with advanced skills

THE first International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) PAL+ courses have been conducted in the UK, training operators of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) for work in higher-risk or challenging environments.

PAL+ is an optional, additional one day of category-specific training that complements the PAL operator course by providing further training for MEWP operators working in such environments.

‘Operators on the course, and instructors, have found the PAL+ course useful and beneficial for the improvement of knowledge and operating skills,’ said Eddie Reast, an IPAF-certified senior instructor at Facelift, one of the first IPAF-approved training centres to conduct PAL+ courses.

‘The course includes a compact theory session and written test. The emphasis on practical training is excellent and the practical test is challenging even for experienced operators.’

PAL+ is more advanced and extensive than the PAL operator course, which meets all requirements for basic operator training. It is open to operators who hold an existing PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) qualification in the relevant category.

Upon successful completion of the theory test, practical test and interview, operators will have the relevant categories added to their PAL Card, eg static vertical (1a+), static boom (1b+), mobile vertical (3a+) and mobile boom (3b+).

IPAF say more approved training centres are planning to run PAL+ courses in the following weeks, including AFI-Uplift, ALS, HSS and Nationwide.