The IPAF Load and Unload Course delivers a minimum of 7 hours of both classroom and practical instruction for the safe loading and unloading of MEWPs on beaver tail and slide bed transport vehicles. Loading and unloading should be carried out by trained and competent staff who are aware of the risks involved. Drivers should also be aware of the additional risk of the load, or part of the load, it's distribution, moving when the vehicle is being driven. This applies to all vehicles and to all types of load. The driver is ultimately responsible for the load carried on their vehicle, whether or not they were involved in the securing of the load.
All delegates wishing to attend the IPAF Load & Unload training course must have successfully passed an IPAF Operator Course prior to attending and hold a valid IPAF ePAL Operator License in the category that they wish to be trained to load and unload.
This course consists of an instructor led training room presentation, written assessment, practical training and assessment.
This course is aimed at delegates who are or will be responsible for loading and unloading MEWPs, for which the operator holds the appropriate licence. All operators must have satisfactorily completed a recognised Operator's course and should hold a valid licence for the relevant categories of plant (e.g. forklift, MEWP, dumper) OR the employer must provide written evidence of competency of plant operation before starting the course. In addition, they should hold a current driving licence.
Since the inspection, operation and use of MEWPs can be physically demanding, users should be physically fit and in good health and should, generally, not have problems with eyesight or hearing, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, fear of heights, vertigo, giddiness, difficulty with balance, impaired limb function, alcohol or drug dependence or psychiatric illness.
If you have any problems with literacy or language comprehension, or have any doubts about your fitness to use an MEWP, you must bring them to the attention of your employer. This need not preclude you from using MEWPs, provided your employer conducts an assessment and is able to put into place adequate measures, to take account of any difficulties you may have.
The agenda for the IPAF Load & Unload course includes:
- Introduction to IPAF and MEWPs
- Health & Safety legislation & regulations
- Limitations and use of mobile elevating work platforms
- Identifying controls, safety devices and warning alarms
- Hazards associated with transporting access and plant machinery
- Responsibilities and associated legislation
- Safe procedures for loading and unloading
- Inspections and transport related risk assessments
- Correctly position the vehicle for the task in hand
- Methods of safely and securely load and unload plant
- Multiple choice test paper
- Practical Assessment
Successful delegates will receive an IPAF Load & Unload ePAL license valid for 5 years from the course date. They will also gain an understanding of the pre-operational and safe operating procedures for loading and unloading MEWPs and plant, current relevant legislation and regulations, accident prevention & control, needs regarding personnel protection, the need to refer to machine operating manuals and the driving/maneuvering of MEWP's safely in order to position and carry out the required tasks in a correct and proper manner.
As of June 2021, all successful delegates are registered through the IPAF Digital Card License Application (ePAL) system, making your IPAF certification accessible via the ePAL app on iOS and Android. This is inclusive within the course price.
For a physical copy of your IPAF Certificate and PAL Card, an additional charge of £12.50 + VAT per delegate is inccured. Please ensure this is requested prior to the course date or at our reception desk on the day of your course, otherwise it will be treated as a replacement certificate at £35.00 + VAT each.
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As most of our IPAF courses involve an element of practical work at height, you are required to wear PPE during your practical training and assessment, including Safety boots, Safety helmet with a Chin Strap, High-Visibility Clothing and a Safety Harness. Specific requirements will be outlined in your booking confirmation email and joining instructions.
PPE can be purchased from Reception at our Tonbridge & Ashford Training Centres. We provide all necessary course materials, including manuals and training equipment for practical assessments.
Yes, we have safety harnesses available for usage on our training courses at both our Tonbridge & Ashford Training Centres. However, they must be returned prior to leaving the centre otherwise you may incur an additional charge for the cost of the Harness and delay your certification.
After successfully completing your IPAF course, your instructor will provide you with an IPAF temporary permit, which serves as proof of training while your licence is audited and processed by IPAF. This process typically takes 7 – 10 working days from your training date, after which your digital licence will be available through the IPAF ePAL app - provided you have no outstanding payments due on your IPAF course.
IPAF now issues all licences digitally through the ePAL app, which is free to download on Apple and Android devices. If you would also like a traditional plastic PAL card, you can order one for a small additional fee at the time of booking your course. Alternatively, it can be ordered from Reception at our Tonbridge and Ashford Training Centres – also for a small additional fee.
Yes, we can absolutely offer you support. We understand that everyone learns differently, and we’re committed to making our courses accessible to all. Our instructors are experienced in delivering training to individuals with varying levels of reading and writing ability.
We can offer additional verbal guidance, practical demonstrations, and one-to-one support when attending training courses at one of our training centres. If required, we can also arrange for assistance during written assessments, such as a reader.
Please let our support team know in advance if you have any concerns, and we’ll do everything we can to support you in successfully completing your training.
We strive to make our training as accessible and inclusive as possible. Some awarding bodies allow test papers to be provided in different languages, while others require assessments to be completed in English only.
If you need a test paper in another language, please let our support team know as soon as possible prior your course. We will check with the relevant awarding body and do our best to accommodate your request. If translated papers are not available, we may be able to offer other forms of support, such as verbal assistance.
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