 IPAF Operator Training FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions on IPAF Training Courses
Licence Renewals
Can I attend the Operator Licence Renewal course if mine has just expired?
No, all renewals must be done before the expiry date. Otherwise, an operator will have to do a full operator course and a demonstrator must do the full operator and demonstrator course
My licence is for scissor lift (sl) and self propelled booms (spb) what categories do I get?
If you renew a licence with "SL" category, the new licence will show "3A"; if you renew a licence with "SPB" category, the new licence will show "3B".
In both cases this assumes you undergoe training; if you are simply replacing a lost card, the old categories will apply until their expiry date.
I have Trailer Mounted Platforms (TP) will I get Van Mounted on my new Licence?
If you renew a licence with "TP" category, the new licence will show "1B". Van mounted (boom) machines are also classed as category 1B. Do remember though, the IPAF PAL card is intended to act as proof of competence - clearly if you have not been trained on a particular type of machine, then you are not competent to operate it.
This is why IPAF recommends additional familiarisation if you are using a machine that is significantly different from the one you were originally trained on. Familiarisation can be done as a "hand-over" demonstration (by a qualified IPAF demonstrator), or you can do it yourself by working carefully through the machine's operating instruction manual.
What are the requirements for attending the operator Licence Renewal course?
Only operators or demonstrators who have been filling out their log books (60 entries over 5 years) will be eligible for a renewal test. If you have not been filling out your log book, don't have enough entries in it, or have lost it you will have to re-sit the relevant course again.
All renewals must be done before the expiry date. Otherwise, you will have to do a full operator course and a demonstrator must do the full operator and demonstrator course.
Categories
What are the new categories?
Static Vertical (1a) Static Boom (1b)
Mobile Vertical (3a) Mobile Boom (3b)
How do they affect existing PAL Cards?
Existing PAL Cards remain valid as specified and will be recognised. The category change does not affect the training received. Existing PAL Cards will only change when they are renewed after successful re-training.
Can existing PAL Card holders get their cards changed?
No, there is no need for existing PAL Card holders to get their cards changed. Existing PAL Cards are valid until their expiry date.
What about replacements; are these issued with the correct old categories?
Current PAL Card holders who need to replace lost cards will be issued duplicate cards with the original categories they have been trained in. This is because the categories listed on the PAL Card reflect the training received. Those who re-train or do upgrades from 1 January 2008 onwards will be issued with the new categories.
I have TP on my licence. Can I now operate a vehicle mounted machine?
No, because you have been trained in the category TP and not VMP. You can only operate a machine for which you have been trained in.
I have Static Boom (1b) on my licence and trained on a trailer mount. Can I use a large vehicle mount?
The training you have received includes sections on the use of vehicle mounts. However, before using equipment that is different from platforms that you have previously operated, you must undergo appropriate familiarisation from a suitably qualified person. Click here to read IPAF's policy on familiarisation.
I have Mobile Boom (3b) on my licence. Can I use a Static Boom (1b)?
No, because they are different categories and require different training.
Why can I only train 6 people on a Static Vertical (1a) when it is possible to train 12?
This is because the training is aimed at all 1a’s and therefore covers considerably more concepts. The class size is thus kept intentionally small.
I want to replace an old category on my card. Can I have the new category on it?
No, if you need to replace a lost card, you will be issued a duplicate card with the original categories you have been trained in.
What category does a self-propelled boom with outriggers fall into?
If a self-propelled boom with outriggers can only travel with its platform in the lowered, i.e. transport, position it is classed as a Static Boom (1b). However, if a self-propelled boom with outriggers can travel with the platform raised, then it is classed as a Mobile Boom (3b).
[NOTE: If the outriggers/stabilisers have to be deployed before the platform can be raised beyond a specified height, but it can travel with the platform raised below this height, then it is still classed as a Mobile Boom (3b).]
What category covers operation of a scissor lift with outriggers?
If a scissor lift with outriggers can only travel with its platform in the lowered, i.e. transport, position it is classed as a Static Vertical (1a). However, if a scissor lift with outriggers can travel with the platform raised, then it is classed as a Mobile Vertical (3a).
[NOTE: If the outriggers/stabilisers have to be deployed before the platform can be raised beyond a specified height, but it can travel with the platform raised below this height, then it is still classed as a Mobile Vertical (3a).]
A customer has a truck mounted and a spider type machine which can be driven from the platform up to 6m height. Over 6m they need to set up jacks. What category do they come under?
If a self-propelled boom with outriggers can only travel with its platform in the lowered, i.e. transport, position it is classed as a Static Boom (1b). However, if a self-propelled boom with outriggers can travel with the platform raised, then it is classed as a Mobile Boom (3b). So the answer to the question would be 3b. |
