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The IPAF CAP (Competent Assessed Person) programme provides up-to-date guidance for platform engineers on compliance with regulatory requirements and evidence that individuals are competent persons to plan, manage or conduct thorough examinations of powered access platforms (both MEWP and MCWP).   

The CAP qualification is recognised by the powered access industry as confirmation of an engineer’s proficiency, experience, and commitment to excellence. CAP complements IPAF’s operator training courses by expanding the promotion of a ‘safety culture’ to machine maintenance as well as operation.

Candidate Requirements

Candidates for the CAP programme will need to hold a valid IPAF PAL (Powered Access Licence) Card. Examinations can only be carried out on the categories of machines which are on the PAL Card.

Candidates must have sound knowledge of powered access. Any previous examination or inspection qualifications need to be verified by the CAP Instructor. 

Candidates must be out of their apprenticeship for two years before an application can be considered for profile by the Instructor.

Candidates should provide an up-to-date CV and certificates of relevant technical qualifications such as NVQs or City & Guilds. Certificates of technical training courses by manufacturers such as Genie and JLG should also be provided, along with evidence of any other relevant training undertaken such as:

• Welding courses
• Hydraulics
• Electrical Diagnostics
• LEEA qualifications.

The CAP Instructor requires all the above information to proceed and carry out a Candidate Profile to ensure the correct IPAF criteria is achieved before the candidate can attend the course.

Teaching Method

Practical and classroom-based with a maximum of four delegates per session.

Duration

One full day.

Certification

Successful candidates receive documentary evidence (a certificate and an IPAF CAP Card) that can be used to prove that they are qualified to plan, manage or conduct thorough examinations of powered access platforms in line with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) Work at Height regulations and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) 98. The CAP Card is valid for five years.

Who is a Competent Assessed Person?

Who exactly is a competent person is clarified in the Approved code of Practice and Guidance on LOLER and the Approved code of Practice and Guidance on PUWER 98 both published by the HSE.

A competent person must:

• Have the relevant practical and theoretical knowledge, and experience of the lifting equipment to be thoroughly tested.
• Be sufficiently independent and impartial to allow objective decisions to be made. This does not mean the person should be from an independent organisation as examinations can be performed by inhouse staff as this is permitted within the legislation.
• Be able to carry out both thorough examinations and interim inspections.
• Decide on the need for interim inspections between through inspections.
• Carry out an ongoing review of the periods between thorough inspections.
• Following a thorough inspection notify the employer without delay of any defect in the lifting equipment, which could be or could become a danger to persons.
• As soon as is practicable following a thorough examination (normally within 28 days) make an authenticated report in writing.

A competent person may also additionally:

• Be required to draw up and authenticate an examination scheme and subsequently modify it in the light of changes.

What is a Thorough Examination?

According to the HSE Thorough Examination of Lifting Equipment guidance a thorough examination is a “...a systematic and detailed examination of the lifting equipment by a competent person to detect any defects that are, or might become, dangerous.”

A thorough examination of lifting equipment involves examination of components and systems thorough visual inspection and testing. Where is needed this may also include dismantling, stripping of paint, measurement, and testing. Some parts may need a more thorough examination, through dismantling or NDT (Non-Destructive Testing), at longer intervals.

More information on how to make lifting equipment safe via thorough examinations is available in the HSE leaflet INDG422.

Course Objectives

Course Content Programme & Assessment

Our experienced, award-winning training instructors will provide candidates guidance through a IPAF CAP presentation including all the legal duties of a CAP Assessor and will provide extensive information on LOLER and PUWER Regulations along with the associated HSE Regulations required to carry out Thorough Examinations.

The training day is an assessment of the candidate to ensure they have the appropriate theoretical & practical knowledge, and experience of machines to be examined.

This is achieved by setting out several theory tests during the training day which must reach the required pass level.

On successful completion of the theory test, the candidate will then be required to carry out a practical assessment which will be a Thorough Examination on a MEWP, observed by the CAP Instructor.

Who Should Attend

IPAF CAP training is for platform engineers or anyone responsible for the safety and maintenance of MEWPs & MCWPs who want to conduct thorough examinations of powered access equipment.

IPAF Training from Nationwide Platforms

As Europe’s largest provider of IPAF training we have the knowledge, experience and expertise to help you work more safely and productively at height. We also offer IPAF courses such as the IPAF 3a and 3b Operator Training Course which as well as covering mobile vertical & mobile booms includes static booms.