IPAF MEWP Types and Categories — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which IPAF category covers a static vertical MEWP (non-mobile) such as a mast-climbing work platform?
- Category 1a
- Category 1b (Correct answer)
- Category 3a
- Category 3b
Correct answer: Category 1b
Category 1b covers static vertical MEWPs — machines that elevate vertically only and cannot travel while elevated. Mast-climbing work platforms are a common example of 1b equipment.
Question 2: A cherry picker that can boom out horizontally as well as move vertically, and is vehicle-mounted, falls under which IPAF category?
- Category 1b
- Category 3a
- Category 3b (Correct answer)
- Category 1a
Correct answer: Category 3b
Category 3b covers mobile MEWPs that can boom out in any direction (multi-directional). Vehicle-mounted cherry pickers with boom capability are classified as 3b machines.
Question 3: What does the 'a' designation signify in IPAF MEWP categories such as 1a and 3a?
- The machine is articulated
- The machine can only travel when stowed
- The machine is statically operated (Correct answer)
- The machine has all-wheel drive
Correct answer: The machine is statically operated
The 'a' designation in IPAF categories (1a, 3a) indicates that the machine is statically operated — it cannot be driven while the platform is elevated. It must be repositioned with the platform fully lowered.
Question 4: Which type of MEWP is most commonly associated with IPAF Category 3a?
- Trailer-mounted boom lift
- Self-propelled scissor lift (Correct answer)
- Vehicle-mounted cherry picker
- Push-around vertical mast lift
Correct answer: Self-propelled scissor lift
Category 3a covers self-propelled MEWPs that travel vertically only — the most common example being a self-propelled scissor lift. These can drive while elevated but only raise vertically.
Question 5: An operator holds a PAL Card for Category 3b. Which of the following machines are they licensed to operate?
- Scissor lifts only
- Any MEWP regardless of type
- Self-propelled boom lifts (Correct answer)
- All scissor lifts and all boom lifts
Correct answer: Self-propelled boom lifts
A Category 3b PAL Card qualifies the operator to use self-propelled boom-type MEWPs (machines that can boom out). It does not automatically cover other categories such as 3a scissor lifts — each category requires separate training.
Question 6: What is the standard validity period of an IPAF PAL Card?
- 1 year
- 3 years
- 5 years (Correct answer)
- 10 years
Correct answer: 5 years
The IPAF PAL Card is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. After this period, the operator must complete a renewal course to maintain their licence to operate MEWPs.
IPAF MEWP Types and Categories
Which IPAF category covers a static vertical MEWP (non-mobile) such as a mast-climbing work platform?