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An update on J. V Price - Federation of Window Cleaners Window Talk July 2006
We asked Charlie Price what prompted the company to undertake safety
training.
We have always been trained on all types of machines under CITB and IPAF but we
wished to have newer members of staff trained and to double up on those already
trained.
IPAF is the INTERNATIONAL POWERED ACCESS FEDERATION and their training courses are
internationally recognized and therefore complies with the new International Standard
(ISO 18878) for MEWP Operator training.
Training Centres that are authorised to provide the courses are carefully chosen
by IPAF, and have an annual audit to make sure they are complying with IPAF?s high
standards. IPAF itself has been audited for international compliance, It offers
category specific training to ensure that candidates receive full and detailed instruction
on the type of platform they will be operating. other courses are available, and
often cheaper, we felt it worth going to IPAF both for the quality of training and
its international acceptance, and as far as we are concerned, we know thatlike the
NHS, schools, government departments, etc, are likely to specifically ask for IPAF
training as proof of competency.
As an employer, I know that people do fail the IPAF course, so I know that if one
of my employees has gained a Powered Access licence he has earned it, and is a competent
operator.
All of J.V. Price Ltd site staff who work at height. (8) attended the course. It
involved a mixture of written work and hands on assessment or both. It starts off
with about three hours of classroom theory, covering all the different categories
of MEWP?s ending with a written test with an 80% pass mark. The theory and test
cover different categories of MEWP and their characteristics, UK legislation, safe
operating procedures, hazard recognition, and pre-use checks. the afternoon you
do category specific practical training with a final assessment test.
A morning of theory, then a quick break before a multi choice exam, if you pass
this, then practical training in the afternoon followed by a practical assessment.
The access equipment we trained for are VMP100 (truck mount over 26m), VMP26 (Truck
mount up to 26m), SL (Scissor Lift), SPB (Self Propelled Boom).
Successful candidates receive Certificate of Training from IPAF and a Powered Access
Licence (PAL) card valid for five years. The little yellow PAL card carries a picture
of the bearer and lists the exact MEWP categories that the bearer is trained to
operate.Since the data and photo on the card are impregnated, and carry a hologram,
it makes the PAL very difficult to forge.
Has this course made a difference to your company?s approach to
health and safety?
It has by showing us what can happen if you?re not properly trained. But on all
assessments my guys got a 100%. For us it just lets our customers and future customers
feel reassured we are doing all we can to carry out all works safely!
Our training took place at Rapid Platforms (01279501501) & Panther Platform Rentals
(0854 06 11 999)
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