Access and Working at Height
IPAF Training / IPAF Operator Training
Understand IPAF MEWP operator categories, specialist IPAF courses and what to check before choosing a provider.
Course Radar helps learners and companies compare local training providers and go directly to the provider to enquire or book. Course Radar is not a broker and does not take bookings or payments.
What to check before booking
IPAF 3a, 3b and 1b
IPAF 3a, 3b and 1b relate to different powered access machine types. Match the course to the machine.
Managers, demonstrators and PDI
Demonstrator, MEWPs for Managers, PDI and harness training serve different roles.
Confirm the exact route
Confirm category, duration, prerequisites, card or certificate and booking details directly.
What is IPAF operator training?
IPAF training is a widely recognised training route for people who operate mobile elevating work platforms, often shortened to MEWPs. MEWPs include equipment such as scissor lifts, boom lifts, vehicle-mounted platforms and other powered access machines.
IPAF is not the only possible legal route to competence, and employers still need to make sure operators are trained, familiarised and competent for the exact equipment and task. IPAF operator training is commonly used because it separates MEWP training into machine categories and is understood across many work sites.
IPAF 3a Mobile Vertical
IPAF 3a generally relates to mobile vertical MEWPs, such as scissor lifts and some vertical personnel platforms. These machines raise the platform vertically and are commonly used for maintenance, fit-out, installation and warehouse or construction tasks where a stable vertical lift is needed.
- safe pre-use checks and familiarisation with the selected machine
- travelling, positioning and operating a mobile vertical platform
- ground conditions, platform limits and avoiding overhead or crushing hazards
- emergency lowering and site-specific controls, depending on the provider and machine
IPAF 3b Mobile Boom
IPAF 3b generally relates to mobile boom MEWPs, often called cherry pickers. These machines can usually travel and elevate, and the boom allows outreach as well as height. They are used where people need to reach over obstacles or access a work face from a distance.
- boom positioning and safe travel controls
- understanding outreach, load limits and platform movement
- ground conditions, exclusion zones and rescue arrangements
- harness requirements where specified by the risk assessment, machine type or provider
IPAF 1b Static Boom
IPAF 1b generally relates to static boom MEWPs, such as vehicle-mounted, trailer-mounted or tracked boom machines. These are typically positioned and set up before use rather than driven around elevated like a mobile boom.
- setting up outriggers, spreader pads and stabilisation where applicable
- machine-specific operating limits and emergency procedures
- site setup, ground bearing and traffic or pedestrian controls
- the difference between static boom setup and mobile boom operation
IPAF Demonstrator
IPAF Demonstrator training is aimed at people who need to demonstrate MEWP controls, responsibilities, limitations and pre-operational procedures to trained operators. It is not the same as general operator training for every user on site.
- familiarising operators with controls and safety features
- demonstrating pre-use checks and operating procedures
- explaining machine limitations and emergency lowering
- checking directly with the provider which machine categories are included
IPAF MEWPs for Managers
MEWPs for Managers is aimed at people who plan, supervise or manage work using MEWPs. It is about management, planning and control of powered access work, not about operating the equipment.
- planning the job and selecting suitable equipment
- risk assessment, ground conditions and rescue planning
- supervision, operator competence and familiarisation
- controlling MEWP use on multi-contractor or changing sites
IPAF PDI / Pre-Delivery Inspection
IPAF PDI training is more specialist. It is generally relevant to hire, rental, maintenance or service teams who need to understand pre-delivery and in-service inspection of MEWPs before equipment is supplied or used.
- inspection routines and identifying defects
- checking the machine against manufacturer information
- recording inspection outcomes and escalating concerns
- provider requirements for experience, role suitability and assessment
IPAF Harness Training
Harness training may be relevant where MEWP work requires personal fall protection, especially on boom-type MEWPs. Harness Awareness, Harness User and Harness Inspector routes can cover different levels of knowledge, use and inspection responsibility.
- selecting and fitting a harness correctly
- lanyard choice, anchor points and restraint versus arrest principles
- pre-use checks, storage and defect reporting
- rescue planning and whether inspection-level training is needed
What should you check before booking?
Ask the provider which IPAF category is included, whether the course covers 3a, 3b, 1b or a combination, and whether any practical assessment, eLearning, card, certificate or renewal requirement applies. Exact course duration, prerequisites and certification should always be confirmed directly with the training provider.
Related access and working at height guides
Compare local training providers
Use Course Radar to find available providers nearby, then contact the training provider directly for dates, prices, exact course content, certification and booking.
Find training providers