Working at height is part of many jobs across construction, warehousing,
maintenance, facilities management and other industries. If your work involves using
equipment such as a scissor lift or boom lift to access an elevated work area, you
need appropriate training to operate that equipment safely.
At ISM Training Services, we provide two MEWP training and certification options:
ISM MEWP certification and internationally recognised IPAF certification. So, what is working at height, when do you need MEWP training, and what is the difference between ISM MEWP and IPAF certification?
What Is Working At Heights?
Working at height means working in a place where a person could fall and potentially be injured. This can include working above ground level, using access equipment or working in an area where there is a risk of falling from one level to another. Many different jobs involve working at height, including people working in:
- Construction and building services
- Warehouses and distribution centres
- Maintenance and facilities management
- Electrical and mechanical services
- Manufacturing
- Signage and installation
- Cleaning and property maintenance
The type of training you need depends on the work you do and the equipment you are expected to use.
Working At Height Using a MEWP
A MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) is equipment designed to raise a person to an elevated working position. Common examples include scissor lifts and boom lifts. If you operate a MEWP as part of your job, you need appropriate training for the type of equipment you use. Training covers the safe preparation, inspection and operation of the equipment, as well as recognising hazards associated with operating MEWPs and working at height. ISM offers two certification routes: ISM MEWP certification and IPAF certification.
What is ISM MEWP Training?
The ISM Scissor Lift 3A & Boom 3B course suits beginners and people with previous MEWP experience who need certification to operate this equipment in Ireland. Training covers areas including:
- Pre-use inspections and safety checks
- MEWP controls and functions
- Safe manoeuvring and positioning
- Hazards associated with working at height
- Safe operating procedures
- Practical operation of the equipment
Participants who complete the training receive ISM MEWP certification. This is a practical option for people who need MEWP training and certification for their work in Ireland and whose employer or work site does not specifically require IPAF certification.
What is IPAF Training?
IPAF – the International Powered Access Federation – provides internationally recognised training and certification for people who operate powered access equipment. At ISM, we provide IPAF 3A and 3B training: IPAF 3A covers mobile vertical platforms, including scissor lifts.
IPAF 3B covers mobile boom platforms. The course combines theory and practical training in the preparation, inspection and safe operation of the relevant MEWP.
Successful candidates receive an internationally recognised PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) showing the categories of powered access equipment they have been trained to operate. An employer, contractor or work site may specifically request IPAF certification. It is also a suitable choice for anyone who wants internationally recognised MEWP certification.
ISM MEWP or IPAF – Which Do I Need?
Both courses provide training in the safe operation of MEWPs. The key difference is the certification you receive. Choose ISM MEWP certification if you need MEWP training and certification for work in Ireland and your employer or site does not specifically require IPAF.
Choose IPAF certification if your employer or site requires IPAF, or if you need an internationally recognised powered access qualification. If you are unsure, check with your employer or site manager before booking. You can also contact the ISM Training team, and we can explain the two options for you in more detail.
Book MEWP or IPAF Training with ISM
ISM provides MEWP and IPAF training for people working at height using scissor lifts and boom lifts. Both courses combine theory and practical training.
Not sure which one you need? Contact ISM Training on 01 864 1790 and our team can help.
