No. The hire company are providing familiarisation training, which is good, but operators need to have an operators cert as well.

To put it in context if you hired a car they might show you where the controls are but you'd still need a driving licence to be allowed to drive it.

I can only agree with Clairel, operators need to be fully trained and hold an IPAF card

Before the start of every shift or on the first use by an operator of a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) the operator should inspect the MEWP ensuring that it is structurally safe to use and has no faults that could put the operator or others at risk.

Q:Why should we do this?
A:The most obvious reason is to ensure that the machine has not suffered from any vandalism or abuse. It is also worth noting that machines can be subject to a variety of problems brought about through possible impact damage or even wear and tear. The tyres may have sprung a leak! The batteries may not have been charged and the machine may have become almost empty of fuel.

As well as promoting best practice, regular Pre Use Checks will reduce the likelihood of accidents and breakdowns:

What IPAF say is as follows:

"Before use each day or at the beginning of each shift, the aerial platform shall be given a visual inspection and functional test including, but not limited to, the following;


1. Current in-service inspection
2. Operating and emergency controls
3. Safety devices
4. Personal protective devices
5. Air, hydraulic and fuel systems
6. Engine cooling systems, water, engine oil and hydraulic levels
7. Cables and wiring
8. Loose or missing parts
9. Tyres wheels and brakes
10. Placards, warnings, control markings and operating manuals
11. Outriggers, stabilisers, and other structures
12. Guardrail system
13. Items specified by the manufacturer


If any emergency were to occur, how would they know how to lower the machine? Could a colleague lower it?
This is a basic function and is very easy to learn, but not enough people do so.

Another common error is operating the machine at high speed. When we ask operators why they do this we are regularly informed that the operator did not know that they could use a slower speed or that a lower speed was available on the machine. It is apparent therefore that the pre use checks are not taking place.
Do you complete a weekly inspection to ensure that the machines are safe to use? Did you know that you should be doing this?

I would suggest lots to learn from a familiarisation training

We've been down this road before on a previous recent thread.

It's all good advice in above postings but, note:

LOLER regs do not compel employers to use registered training organisations for MEWP operation. In-house training is sufficient if the resources and expertise are appropriate, e.g. the staff include engineers and skilled maintenance staff.

LOLER ACoP and PUWER regs 8 & 9 state ”suitable/adequate instructions and training” should be provided.

The CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY strongly recommends IPAF training because building work situations are often non-routine.

In a factory warehouse however, for example, for the routine cleaning of light fittings, in-house MEWP training is sufficient if the resources and expertise are appropriate, e.g. the staff include engineers and skilled maintenance staff.


JohnW

Thanks everyone - good information to digest. I think I've got a feeling for the way ahead now.