Aerial Work Platform Training and Accreditation

Having the correct training for the powered access equipment you hire or use is essential. Not only is it an industry requirement that could result in legal issues and loss of insurance should you allow an untrained operative to use your equipment, but there is a very real and serious aspect of safety to consider when using aerial work platforms.

If you have a need for powered access equipment but do not have staff correctly trained to the appropriate standard then training can often be set up within just a few days to ensure your schedule can continue with minimal disruption. The best way to do this is to check with your local powered access rental company or provider. Many companies provide a range of powered access training services for the equipment they rent or sell. This can take place at your own site or at specialist training facilities. There should be the choice of specialised training for individual machines as well as IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) and PASMA (Prefabricated Access Suppliers' and Manufacturers' Association) training to provide your staff with the proper accreditation and certification.

There are two degrees of training that you must comply to when using aerial work platforms; general training and familiarisation training.

General training prepares an operative to use a scissor lift, boom lift, personnel lift or trailer-mounted lift. This includes both classroom/formal training as well as practical/hands-on training. One of the benefits of training at a facility is that your staff will have the opportunity to train on a wide variety of aerial work platforms and lifts to maximise their experience. General training covers the following elements:

Operation of an aerial platform under supervision and direction of a qualified person. Operation of an aerial platform for a sufficient period of time to learn proficient use of all its functions. The regulations and standards relating to each kind of aerial platform. The need to perform workplace inspections. Common hazards and how to recognise/avoid them. The proper use of equipment manuals. Operator instructions and warnings. How to carry out a pre-start inspection The importance of stability and factors that may affect this. The use of different personal protective equipment. The components of different equipment. The safe use of equipment. How to select the correct powered access equipment for each job. How to use larger machines, including the use of outriggers, stabilisers, extendable axles, envelope management systems, load-moment devices and dual capacity.

Familiarisation training prepares an operative to use a specific make and model of aerial work platform by assessment of the equipment and its instruction manual, instructed and directed by a qualified person. This may include:

Location of weather-resistant compartment to access the machine's manual. The function and purpose of all controls on the unit. The use of safety devices and specific operating elements of the machine.

Increasing your staff's knowledge of the different types of aerial work platform means that you will no longer need to outsource operation of powered access lifts or require supervision for certain jobs. Correct training also ensures that your operators are able to complete their work safely, quickly and efficiently, whether they are using a scissor lift, boom or cherry picker or personnel lift.

Don't take a risk withpowered access training - book your training course today and provide your staff with valuable skills and expertise while keeping them safe and protecting your company from legal and insurance issues.