Frequently asked questions

BS 8460:2017 clearly states that supervisors and managers of MEWPs require adequate training to enable them to select, manage and organise the correct MEWP for site.

IPAF have a MEWP for Managers training course which would prove adequate training for supervisors and managers.

The Health and Safety at Work Act states that all personnel should have adequate information, instruction, training and supervision.

As a CITB ATO, the majority of our courses are eligible for funding from the CITB. Contact us and we can help you with your claim.

It is preferable for any nominated MEWP ground rescue person to have undergone some form of formal training relevant to the task.

However, all nominated MEWP ground rescue persons should, as a minimum, have been familiarised with the MEWP being used and the rescue procedures in place, so that they are competent to lower the platform using the ground/emergency controls in the work situations to which they are exposed. Further information can be found in the Best Practice Guidance for MEWPs on Avoiding Trapping/Crushing Injuries.

One of the biggest risks when using boom-type platforms is being thrown out of the basket if the boom swings, jolts or tilts away from the machine's centre of gravity (this can occur when travelling in a MEWP), or if the operator overreaches (usually by standing on the guard rails). Other causes can be impact by other vehicles or snagging the boom or basket on obstructions.

Any risk assessment must consider the use of personal fall-prevention equipment. Where there is a risk of impact or someone falling from a boom-type MEWP, those people should wear appropriate fall-prevention equipment.

The preferred option is to stop the person from falling from the work platform by using a work restraint system: a full body harness (BS EN 361) connected to a lanyard (BS EN 354) attached to an anchor point on the MEWP basket. The lanyard should be short enough to prevent a person reaching a position where they could fall. It may contain an energy-absorbing device (BS EN 355), but should still only be used as part of a work restraint system.

Do not use retractable type fall arresters (BS EN 360) unless they are suitable and have been specifically tested in the proposed manner of use.

Under the Work at Height Regulations, when working at height you must have a rescue plan. See an example rescue plan from IPAF.

No, only the operator requires training and familiarisation with the particular MEWP. However, the passenger will be required to wear the correct PPE.

HSE cannot tell you what provision you should make for first aid. You, as an employer, are best placed to understand the exact nature of your workplace and decide what you need to provide. Provision must be adequate and appropriate: sufficient first aid equipment, facilities and personnel at all times.

To decide what you need, undertake a first-aid needs assessment, considering:

• the nature of the work you do
• workplace hazards and risks (including specific hazards requiring special arrangements)
• the nature and size of your workforce
• the work patterns of your staff
• holiday and other absences of first-aiders and appointed persons
• your organisation's history of accidents

You may also need to consider:

• the needs of travelling, remote and lone workers
• the distribution of your workforce
• the remoteness of any of your sites from emergency medical services
• whether your employees work on shared or multi-occupancy sites
• first-aid provision for non-employees (eg members of the public)

HSE has published further guidance and case studies to help.

You do not need to record your findings, but it is useful to do so. The minimum requirement is to appoint a person to take charge of first-aid arrangements, look after equipment and call the emergency services when required; they do not need formal training. If your workplace has more significant risks, such as machinery or hazardous materials, you are more likely to need a trained first-aider.

You must contact the original training centre where the training took place; they are the only people who can get you a replacement. You will need your name, date of birth and operator number if known (this is on the certificate). There is a cost involved, so please contact the training centre.

Open the IPAF ePAL app, select your PAL card or certificate and use the share option. See IPAF's ePAL app page for full instructions.

Email us with the date, the person who was booked and the course they were booked onto. We will email you to confirm the cancellation, subject to our booking terms and conditions.

There are no hard and fast rules; it depends on the circumstances of your workplace. Where there are special circumstances, such as shift work or sites with several buildings, you may need more, and you will need to cover absences. As a general guide:

Low-hazard (eg offices, shops, libraries)

• Fewer than 25 employees: at least one appointed person
• 25–50: at least one first-aider trained in EFAW
• More than 50: at least one first-aider trained in FAW for every 100 employed (or part thereof)

Higher-hazard (eg light engineering, food processing, warehousing, dangerous machinery, construction, chemical manufacture)

• Fewer than 5 employees: at least one appointed person
• 5–50: at least one first-aider trained in EFAW or FAW, depending on the injuries that might occur
• More than 50: at least one first-aider trained in FAW for every 50 employed (or part thereof)

Also consider inexperienced workers, lone or remote workers, spread-out premises, distance from emergency services, shared sites and visiting members of the public.

From 13th April 2021, IPAF no longer issue cards and certificates as standard. Cards can still be produced if requested before the course starts; otherwise there will be a replacement charge. More about the IPAF ePAL app.

IPAF's E-Learning module is part of its full training programme for MEWPs. It is flexible (complete the theory anytime, anywhere, on any device, at your own pace) and interactive (games, quizzes, videos and simulations).

E-Learning does not replace practical training. Trainees must still pass a supervised theory test at an IPAF-approved training centre and complete a minimum half-day of practical training and testing before being issued a PAL Card.

Someone who has done training appropriate to the level identified in the first aid needs assessment: first aid at work (FAW), emergency first aid at work (EFAW), or other first-aid training appropriate to your workplace. See our first aid training.

PAL+ is one additional day of training for experienced IPAF operators. It can only take place at an IPAF approved training centre, and Safe Training Services is approved for IPAF PAL+ training. More information.

TowerSure is PASMA's free mobile app. Everyone who completes a PASMA course receives a virtual card automatically, and the app is where you keep it — a virtual card is just as valid as the plastic one. Plastic cards are being phased out and are now only produced on request, at additional cost.

It also helps you look after your towers once you're back on site: step-by-step inspection guidance with PASMA checklists, reminders so a re-inspection is never missed, and electronic inspection records you can create, store, search and share.

To see your card, download TowerSure from the Apple App Store or Google Play and register. Use exactly the same first name, last name and certificate number you gave your instructor on the course, and your card will appear under the profile icon. More about TowerSure from PASMA.

There is no mandatory list; it depends on your assessed needs. For low-level hazards, a minimum stock would be:

• a leaflet giving general guidance on first aid (eg HSE's Basic advice on first aid at work)
• individually wrapped sterile plasters of assorted sizes
• sterile eye pads
• individually wrapped triangular bandages, preferably sterile
• safety pins
• large and medium-sized individually wrapped, sterile, unmedicated wound dressings
• disposable gloves

This is a suggested list only. It is recommended that you don't keep tablets and medicines in the first-aid box.