a wide range of powered access equipment, divided into categories including 1a (static verticals), 1b (static booms), 3a (mobile verticals) and 3b (mobile booms). There are also 2a and 2b classes for specialist equipment, such as under-bridge inspection platforms and aircraft de-icing machinery. Mast climbing work platforms are handled
separately, as are insulated aerial devices for work on overhead electrical lines. A candidate can do multiple categories
in a single training day, provided they comply with the stipulated candidate-to-instructor-to- machine ratio. The course tends to start with an initial 30 question multiple-choice theory test. It is mostly basic health and safety stuff, but there are a few tricky questions in there that demand concentration. The instructor then talks through basic
health and safety, and access platform best practice before all applicants retake the theory test, to ensure that they have been listening and that they have taken in the necessary information to gain the PAL Card. The applicant must score at least 24 out of 30 to proceed to the practical session. It would be virtually impossible, and certainly
impractical, for a trainer to run through the exact controls of every machine that the operator might come across on site. A trained demonstrator can provide the operator that level of familiarisation when required. Instead, the course gets potential operators
to assess the work that is to be done, look at what access platform might be required, at what the ground conditions are like and work through matters such as lifting capacity requirements. It goes into some detail concerning the use of safety features, such as electrical isolators and emergency lowering systems. Also covered is safe use of the platform,
taking into account a ground assessment, safe methods of working and the need to establish a rescue plan before you use the
THE TRAINING TAKES INTO ACCOUNT THE FACT THAT MANY OF THE OPERATORS MAY NOT BE DRIVING THE MACHINE AS THEIR MAIN JOB
machine. It’s too late once you are in trouble. After a second theory test, the course
moves to practical assessments of each type of machine that is being covered. In the case of mobile equipment, the examiner will set out a prescribed physical test using cones and other marking systems. The operator is required to navigate the
machine through the course, elevating and lowering the platform safely at the set points in the route. While the assessment can show machine control, it is equally valuable to
demonstrate that an operator has spatial awareness and that they are following a pre-planned, safe method of operation. With the training successfully completed,
the operator receives a safety guide, a log book, a certificate and the PAL Card. Site and safety managers can check its validity with a verification tool at www.ipaf.org. The card indicates the type of access
platforms that the card holder is qualified to operate, and there are three levels of card: operator, demonstrator and instructor. ‘Demonstrator’ is required for individuals such as access delivery drivers who are called upon to conduct machine familiarisation handovers to customers. A PAL Card is valid for five years, but a
refresher course must be taken before the card runs out. Holders have to maintain a logbook throughout the five years, signed off by a colleague, showing the type of machinery used and the work completed. With more than 450 approved training
centres worldwide, operators should be able to find one close to their location. Use the training centre locator at www.ipaf.org. n