IPAF Construction Hoist Operator

Overview

The IPAF Hoist Operator course is designed to provide participants with the essential skills and knowledge to safely operate hoists used in construction, industrial, and other lifting environments. Hoists are commonly used to transport materials, tools, and personnel to elevated work areas, and safe operation is critical to preventing accidents and ensuring smooth workflow. This course covers both the theoretical understanding and practical application of hoist operation, focusing on safety, maintenance, and efficient use.

The IPAF Hoist Operator training is internationally recognised and ensures that operators are well-prepared to work safely with powered hoisting equipment.

Who Should Attend?

This course is aimed at individuals who need to operate hoists as part of their job. It is suitable for:

• Construction workers
• Crane and hoist operators
• Site supervisors and managers
• Maintenance personnel
• Contractors, subcontractors, and anyone responsible for the safe operation of hoists

No prior experience with hoists is required, although familiarity with basic construction site safety and equipment operation will be beneficial.

What You’ll Learn

The IPAF Hoist Operator course covers a wide range of essential topics, including:

• Introduction to Hoists: Understanding different types of hoists (including material hoists, personnel hoists, and transport platforms) and their applications.
• Legal and Safety Requirements: Legal and Safety Requirements: Overview of the regulations and standards that govern the use of hoists, including IPAF, EU, and local safety laws (e.g. BS).
• Risk Assessment: The importance of identifying and assessing risks before operating a hoist, including environmental hazards, equipment limitations, and site-specific considerations.
• Pre-Operation Checks: How to carry out daily inspections and basic maintenance to ensure the hoist is in safe working condition before use.
• Safe Hoist Operation: Techniques for loading, operating, and unloading hoists safely, including lifting and lowering loads, controlling speeds, and manoeuvring hoisted loads.
• Emergency Procedures: Emergency Procedures: How to handle emergency situations such as mechanical failures, load issues, or power failure, and how to safely evacuate personnel if required.
• Basic Hoist Maintenance: Key points about maintaining hoists and identifying common faults or issues that could affect operation.
• Best Practices for Site Safety: Understanding the role of the operator within the larger team, coordinating with other workers, and ensuring clear communication to prevent accidents.

Certification & Assessment

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an IPAF Hoist Operator Certificate and an IPAF PAL Card (Powered Access License) digitally via the IPAF ePAL app which is recognized internationally as proof of the operator’s competence to safely operate hoists.

Assessment: The course involves both theoretical and practical assessments. The theoretical assessment is a written test, while the practical assessment requires participants to demonstrate their ability to safely operate a hoist under real-life conditions.

Validity: The IPAF ePAL Card is valid for 5 years, after which operators must complete a revalidation course to maintain their certification.

Completing this course equips operators with the knowledge and practical experience required to safely operate hoists, reduce risks on construction sites, and meet industry safety standards. By earning the IPAF ePAL Card, operators demonstrate their competency in safe hoist operation, helping ensure a safer work environment for themselves and their colleagues.

Maximum Candidates

6 for 1 category of hoist, 4 for two categories

Duration

1 day

Price

POA