JPC Plant & Safety Operator Training on Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) and harness usage is designed for operators working in the Republic of Ireland. IPAF MEWP training is highly recommended for operators in the UK and Northern Ireland and may be mandatory on certain construction sites in the Republic of Ireland.

The objective of this course is to equip delegates with the essential knowledge and skills to operate various types of MEWPs—specifically under the categories of Scissor Lift, Self-Propelled Boom, Vehicle-Mounted Platforms, or Spider-Type Booms—efficiently and safely.

The training includes the following components:

• Introduction
• Legislation: SHWWA
• General Application Regulations
• MEWP Categories
• Pre-Use Inspection
• Safe Operating Methods and Hazards
• Overhead Hazards
• Ground Conditions
• Theory Test
• Practical Training
• Practical Assessment
• Course Evaluation

What Types of MEWPs Are Covered?

The term MEWP encompasses various powered access platforms, including Mobile Elevating Work Platforms and Cherry Pickers. Our standard MEWP operator course focuses on Scissor Lifts and Self-Propelled Booms. Additionally, harness training is included in this comprehensive one-day course.

Participants can select from the following MEWP categories:

• Scissor Lift
• Self-Propelled Boom
• Vehicle-Mounted Platforms
• Spider-Type Booms

Candidates must complete a practical test for each category they wish to include on their Certificate of Training and Operator Card. Harness training can be conducted on the same day as the MEWP training.

Additional Categories

While our standard MEWP operator course covers Scissor Lifts and Self-Propelled Booms, additional categories can be added on the same training day, subject to prior notice and machine availability (e.g., Vehicle-Mounted or Spider-Type Booms).

On-Site Training

On-site training is available across Ireland, provided that minimum attendance requirements are met and the necessary MEWPs are accessible on-site. A suitable room must be available for the theory section, along with the relevant MEWPs for the practical assessment. The MEWP Operator’s Manual and a copy of the current 6-month Certificate of Thorough Examination for each MEWP are also required.

Certification

Successful delegates will receive a JPC Plant & Safety Certificate of Training and an Operator Card valid for 5 years for each category in which they have successfully completed a practical test. Each delegate will also receive a JPC Plant & Safety booklet on the training day. Photographs for the operator card will be taken on-site and are included in the course fee.

Trainee Requirements

Candidates for MEWP courses must:

• Be at least 16 years of age
• Be medically fit to operate machinery

PPE Requirements

Trainees are required to bring appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for operating MEWPs, including:

• Helmet
• Safety Boots
• Hi-Visibility Vest
• Harness
• Adjustable Restraint Lanyard

Who Should Attend?

This JPC Plant & Safety MEWP IPAF Operator training course is suitable for anyone operating various types of MEWPs, including:

• Scissor Lifts (Mobile Vertical Lifts)
• Self-Propelled Telescopic Booms
• Articulating Booms (Mobile Booms)

It is also applicable to users of static booms with outriggers, including Spider Booms on tracks or wheels, Van-Mounted Booms, Truck-Mounted Booms, or Trailer-Mounted Booms.

Training Methods

Training will be delivered through:

• Presentations with slides
• Videos
• Printed course materials
• Demonstrations
• Practical exercises

Who Will Benefit?

This course is beneficial for all individuals within your organization who use, supervise, or manage MEWP operations. It covers a range of equipment, including Scissor Lifts, Self-Propelled Telescopic Booms, Articulating Booms, and Static Booms, provided that participants receive familiarization training on the specific model being used.

Note: IPAF training is provided by a third-party organization through an IPAF registered training centre.