Managing MCWPs

The new course covers what managers need to know when planning a job with MCWPs and hoists

IPAF LAUNCHES A SUITE OF COURSES FOR MANAGERS OF MCWPS AND CONSTRUCTION HOISTS, PLUS HIGH-LEVEL PROGRAMMES FOR ENGINEERS A new training course on mast-climbing work platforms (MCWPs) and hoists for managers has been designed to equip managers with what they need to know for the safe use of the machines on site.

The MCWP and Construction Hoists for Managers course was launched in January this year. It covers things managers need to know, including planning the job, conducting a risk assessment, selecting machines and the right equipment for optimum costefficiency and for mitigating risks.

of MCWPs or construction hoists to the highest specification, as stipulated by legislation and regulations. The programme has been designed for engineers wishing to competently plan, manage and conduct a thorough examination of an MCWP or hoist. In total, there are now three distinct CAP programmes, focused on MEWPs, MCWPs and construction hoists. Led by experienced engineers from IPAFapproved training centres, they consist of a theory exam and practical assessment. The CAP programme takes one day per machine category. Candidates learn how to competently plan, manage and conduct a thorough examination of a MEWP, MCWP or construction hoist in line with LOLER, Work at Height Regulations and PUWER 98 legislation. Angel Ibáñez, IPAF’s representative for MCWPs and related products, says: “IPAF has worked to meet demand in our part of the access industry by modifying its well-recognised training for MEWP operators to certify operatives, installers and demonstrators of MCWPs and construction hoists, so it makes complete sense for us to also create a version of the CAP assessment A new platform for managers that is also tailored to these machines. “This has now been delivered and will be available via selected IPAF Training Centres, initially in both English and Spanish. We expect take-up for this new version of the IPAF CAP assessment will be strong from the outset.” IPAF training manager Paul Roddis adds: “Both of these training courses The course is intended for were created as a team effort with employers, project managers, fantastic support and help from the IPAF foremen and supervisors in industries MCWP and Hoist Training Group and such as construction and facilities CHIG (Construction Hoist Interest Group). management, who are responsible for Without their knowledge, resources and planning and overseeing machine use. determined effort IPAF could not have The launch follows the introduction delivered such valuable and engaging in April 2021 of a Competent Assessed training and we wish to extend our Person (CAP) course for MCWPs and gratitude to all those who assisted in CAP for hoists. The CAP programme is creating these new training courses.” an advanced-level assessment leading to For more information about certification that engineers are proficient IPAF training courses, go to: in undertaking statutory inspections www.ipaf.org/training.