The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) provides training to organisations and their employees across a range of industry sectors to help them to safely operate mobile elevating work platforms when working at height.
Mobile elevating work platforms is a catch-all term that describes any form of machinery or equipment that elevates workers to allow them to perform duties that fall within the bounds of the UK’s Work at Height (2005) Regulations
Why workers must be trained
Working at height carries an increased risk of injury or death caused by falls, so to reduce this risk to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable, the work must be carefully planned, supervised and carried out by competent individuals. To prove competence, workers should be certified and this means they must be trained.
How do workers become certified?
When a worker completes an IPAF course with a training provider such as https://globalflt.com/services/ipaf, they are issued with an IPAF licence. Sometimes referred to as an IPAF Powered Access Licence or PAL, it is an internationally-recognised certification that lasts for 5 years from the date of issue and it is evidence that the bearer has completed theoretical and practical modules to demonstrate their competence.
What are the benefits of IPAF certification?
For employers, the key benefits are legislative compliance and improved workplace safety. Hiring only IPAF-certified personnel to conduct working at height activities means that the likelihood of accidents is reduced and work will be completed correctly and efficiently.
For employees, IPAF certification can offer valuable career progression opportunities, enhanced earning potential and a safer working environment. By understanding the risks they face and using the skills acquired through IPAF training to mitigate them, workers can perform their duties in an autonomous and proactive manner, with a key focus on safety.
In conclusion
An IPAF licence is a valuable qualification, helping workers to access meaningful employment and opening doors for career progression. It is highly valued by employers who must comply with health and safety legislation and it can improve efficiency, as competent workers are more productive.
