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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I actually need training?
The Health and Safety at Work etc. act 1974 clearly states that employees must receive adequate training for health and safety purposes.
To be more specific in the interpretation of this the Provision and Use of Work Equipment regulations (PUWER) 1998 states that 'Every employer shall ensure that all persons who use work equipment have received adequate training for the purposes of health and safety.'
To be even more specific the Work at Height regulations 2005 state that 'No person should engage in any activity including planning, organisation or supervision, in relation to work at height or equipment for use in such work unless he is competent to do so.'
Competency always involves training and needs to be provable, that's the IPAF licence and Log book.
So if you plan work at height, organise work at height, supervise anyone that works at height or actually work at height then yes,you do need training.
How long is the training valid for?
The training is valid for 5 years but as far as IPAF licences are concerned, in order to renew your licence at the end of that 5 year period you must keep your log book up to date and book a training course at least 3 months before your licence expires.
How many people can I get on a course?
It depends what course we are talking about but for PASMA training the maximum number of delegates is 12, although we do limit the number to 6 on our premises purely due to the capacity of our training room. IPAF limit the numbers of delegates to 6 if they are only being trained on 1 category of MEWP and 4 if they are being trained on 2 categories. Abrasive wheels, Manual handling, Portable Appliance Testing, Steps and Ladders and Harness training can be conducted for 6 people at a time at our training centre but can rise to a maximum of 12 at a suitable premises.
How long does training take?
Training takes just 1 day for IPAF, PASMA and portable appliance testing PAT. Harness, manual handling, abrasive wheels and steps and ladders are all half day training courses and can be completed either in the morning or afternoon. We can also train some in the morning and some in the afternoon if required.
Is there a method statement for the safe use of Outrigger pads?
Yes of course. We have sourced a method statement from one of the leading ourigger pads suppliers in the UK which is ''Eco Lift'' and list this below for your information as a generalised method statement.
Safe Use of Outrigger Pads:
1. When handling outrigger pads wear industrial gloves and safety boots with adequate built in toe protection.
2. Remove outrigger pad from the stowage position.
3 .Ensure outrigger pad is clean and free of debris before use.
4. Check outrigger pad is the correct size for the vehicle/platform type.
5. Position vehicle on firm ground in accordance with the manufacturers instructuions making sure the ground will support the load to be imposed on it.
6. Extend outriggers in accordance with the manufacturers instructions so that they do not touch the floor but allowing sufficient space to place a pad underneath the jack leg foot.
7. Place outrigger pad directly and centrally beneath the jack leg foot. Take special care to check that there is no debris beneath the outrigger pad and that it lies flat on the working surface.
8. Extend all the jacks in accordance with the manufcaturers instructions to raise the vehicle to a sufficient height to level it.
9. Before elevation commences check that all the pads are located centrally beneath the jack leg foot.
10. During the operation of the machine if there is any doubt as to the ground conditions, immediately stop reverse your last operation and safely return the machine to it's stowed position lower the the vehicle to the ground and check the ground conditions.If you are in any doubt seek advice from a qualified person before re-commencing any work.
11. Upon completion of the works in a normal situation,close up the vehicle and the outrigger legs in to its stowed position and stow away the outrigger pad safely, ensuring it will not come loose during transit.
NB. Outrigger pads should not be used for bridging.
