IPAF Categories

Poster (1.2 MB)
Download categories poster. Printed copies are available from IPAF.

The IPAF training programme adopted new MEWP categories from 1 January 2008. The category change does not affect the training received and existing PAL Cards (Powered Access Licences) remain valid as specified. Existing PAL Card holders do not need to get their cards changed.

IPAF has revised the categories in its training programme and is moving to align with the international standards prEN 280 and ISO DIS 16368, standards that regulate the design and manufacture of access platforms worldwide.

The new IPAF categories, with abbreviations and brief explanations, are:

Static Vertical (1a): Vertical personnel platforms (static)

Static Boom (1b): Self-propelled booms (outriggers), trailers/push-arounds, vehicle-mounted platforms

Mobile Vertical (3a): Scissor lifts, vertical personnel platforms (mobile)

Mobile Boom (3b): Self-propelled booms

Special (SPECIAL): Specialist machines

The following courses continue unchanged:
• Mast Climbing Work Platforms (MC)
• Insulated Aerial Devices (IAD)
• Telehandler Platforms – Integrated (TPI)
• Harness Use and Inspection (H)
• Loading and Unloading (LOAD)
• MEWPs for Managers (MM)

Current PAL Card holders who need to replace lost cards will be issued duplicate cards with the original categories they have been trained in. This is because the categories listed on the PAL Card reflect the training received. Those who re-train or do upgrades from 1 January 2008 onwards will be issued with the new categories.

Site managers can check the validity of PAL Cards by calling the IPAF office.

See the Frequently Asked Questions on the IPAF website for more information

Static Vertical (1a)