Plant & Machinery
This course defines the minimum requirements for the safe preparation, operation and management of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) within workplace environments where temporary work at height activities are undertaken. The programme has been developed to support operational competence across construction, industrial, agricultural, warehousing, facilities management, utilities, arboriculture and maintenance sectors where MEWPs are routinely used to access elevated work areas safely and efficiently.
The standard provides learners with the underpinning knowledge, practical operational skills and integrated workplace competence required to safely operate MEWPs, assess operational hazards, implement safe systems of work and comply with organisational and legislative requirements. Emphasis is placed on equipment inspection, operational planning, stability awareness, emergency procedures, communication, environmental considerations and risk management associated with work at height activities.
Relevant legislation and guidance include, but are not limited to:
1. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
2. Work at Height Regulations 2005
3. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
4. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
5. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
6. Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended by the Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022)
7. Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)
8. Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015)
9. HSE guidance relating to powered access equipment and work at height activities.
This Course Standard is designed to deliver equivalent competence outcomes to those assessed under the IPAF Powered Access Licence (PAL Card), which is certified by TUV as conforming to the international standard ISO 18878 Mobile elevating work platforms — Operator training. Training providers should be aware that many employers in construction, facilities management, arboriculture and utilities may ask specifically for an IPAF PAL Card or equivalent. This standard provides an equivalent pathway; training providers should make this positioning clear when advising learners and employers. Note: LOLER 1998 requires MEWPs to undergo thorough examination by a competent person at least every 6 months. Verification that a current thorough examination certificate is in place should be included as a required pre-use check within Module 3 delivery and Objective 1 assessment activities.
National Occupational Standards (NOS) referenced include, but are not limited to:
1. Preparing and operating powered access equipment
2. Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace
3. Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace
4. Moving, handling and storing resources in the workplace
5. Establishing work area protection and safety arrangements.
Select a county from the drop down box to find your nearest UKRS accredited training provider delivering this course.
