Clear guidance for operators and duty-holders

Choosing the right IPAF category is central to safe, compliant work at height. This guide explains who typically needs IPAF 3a or 3b, what each covers, and where both or other categories apply.

It is written for operators, supervisors, and duty-holders who plan or carry out work with Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) and want clear, no-nonsense direction that supports UK health and safety expectations.

Quick definitions

• IPAF 3a covers mobile vertical lifts such as scissor lifts and vertical mast lifts. Low-level access platforms and vertical masts generally fall under 3a where they are mobile vertical types.
• IPAF 3b covers self-propelled boom lifts, including articulated and telescopic booms that provide outreach.

Who needs IPAF 3a

Roles, tasks, and industries that typically use scissor or vertical lifts and therefore need 3a:

• Facilities and estates teams carrying out lighting, ceiling, and fabric maintenance in offices, schools, and venues.
• Electrical, fire alarm, data-cabling, and HVAC installers working mainly at vertical reach indoors.
• Warehouse and logistics teams for racking checks, signage changes, stock work at height, and internal repairs.
• Retail, fit-out, and shopfitting crews handling ceiling grids, signage, and display reconfiguration in tight aisles.
• Property maintenance and cleaning contractors for atriums, foyers, and internal façades where straight-up access is sufficient.
• Manufacturing sites completing routine line maintenance and overhead services in controlled environments.
• Low-level access users operating compact vertical masts or micro scissor platforms for modest indoor heights.

Who needs IPAF 3b

Roles, tasks, and industries that require boom outreach and therefore need 3b:

• Façade and envelope contractors installing or maintaining cladding, glazing, soffits, and external services.
• Mechanical and electrical installers who must reach over obstacles, plant, or voids where vertical-only access will not suffice.
• Signage and graphics installers, including totems and large external displays that require up-and-over positioning.
• Telecoms and utilities engineers accessing masts, poles, rooftop equipment, or structures set back from safe ground positions.
• Arborists and tree-care teams performing pruning and inspections where precise, elevated outreach is essential.
• Events and rigging crews working around stages, trusses, and set pieces where lateral positioning is needed.

When both or other categories apply

Some operators regularly use both scissor and boom lifts. If job scopes vary between straight-up access and outreach, holding both 3a and 3b keeps skills current and supports site compliance. Where work involves static booms or truck/trailer mounts, IPAF 1B may be the relevant category. For push-around verticals, consider the PAV endorsement. Managers, planners, and supervisors who specify, schedule, or oversee MEWP work should complete MEWPs for Managers to meet planning and control duties. Harness awareness and practical harness training are recommended for boom operations.

Compliance and duty-holder responsibilities

Under UK health and safety law, employers and duty-holders must ensure anyone using a MEWP is competent, adequately trained, and supervised. Selecting the correct IPAF category helps demonstrate competence for the specific machine type and task. Sites commonly require evidence of training before allowing MEWP use, and insurers and principal contractors often expect IPAF certification as a benchmark. Always ensure operators are trained before they undertake work at height.

What IPAF means and how 3a/3b training works

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) promotes the safe and effective use of powered access worldwide. An IPAF qualification is formal recognition that an individual has been trained and assessed as competent to operate specified MEWP categories. IPAF training combines theory with hands-on practical assessment; successful candidates receive a Powered Access Licence (PAL), usually via the ePAL app, that is typically valid for five years.

Brief next steps

Decide whether tasks need vertical-only access (3a), outreach (3b), or both. Then book with an IPAF-accredited training provider, choosing classroom or eLearning for theory plus a practical assessment on the relevant machines. If you need guidance, an accredited provider can help match the category to your tasks and equipment.

Accredited courses and on-site options

IPAF-accredited providers offer MEWP training in flexible formats, including eLearning theory with depot-based practical assessments, as well as on-site training at customer premises when suitable machines and facilities are available.

FAQ

• What is the meaning of IPAF?
  IPAF stands for the International Powered Access Federation, an organisation that promotes safe MEWP use through training, standards, and guidance.

• What is an IPAF qualification?
  It is proof that a person has been trained and assessed as competent to operate specific MEWP categories, evidenced by a PAL card in ePAL.

• What is IPAF training?
  Accredited instruction and assessment covering safe MEWP operation, legislation, hazards, inspections, and practical skills for defined categories.

• What is 3a and 3b?
  3a covers mobile vertical lifts such as scissor and vertical mast lifts. 3b covers self-propelled booms, including articulated and telescopic booms.

• Does IPAF cover scissor lifts?
  Yes. Scissor and similar vertical lifts are covered by IPAF 3a.

• Is it a legal requirement to have IPAF?
  There is no legal requirement to hold IPAF specifically. UK law requires operators to be adequately trained and competent; IPAF is a widely accepted way to demonstrate this.

• Can I go in a MEWP without IPAF?
  Legally, operators must be competent and trained. Many sites and employers require IPAF as the benchmark, so access without IPAF is often not permitted.

• How long is an IPAF valid for?
  Typically five years, after which re-training or assessment is required to renew.

• Can you do IPAF training online?
  Yes. Theory can be completed via eLearning, followed by an in-person practical assessment to gain the PAL.

Helpful resources

• To arrange accredited operator training and MEWP categories that fit your tasks, explore mewp training options (https://www.starplatforms.co.uk/training).
• For project planning that depends on the right platform type, see guidance on powered access platforms (https://www.starplatforms.co.uk/hire).
• If you also need a compliant machine for upcoming work, learn more about access platforms and support (https://www.starplatforms.co.uk/).

Summary

IPAF 3a suits scissor and vertical lift work where straight-up access is enough, including many facilities, installation, and warehouse tasks. IPAF 3b suits boom lift work that needs outreach, such as façades, telecoms, signage, and tree care. Some roles need both, and others require PAV, 1B, or managers’ training. Ensure operators are trained and competent before work begins, and contact an IPAF-accredited provider to confirm the right category and book eLearning plus practical assessment.