IPAF PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What equipment should be readily available at ground level for MEWP emergency rescue?

A spare MEWP
A trampoline for the operator to jump onto
A mobile phone only
Relevant rescue equipment including the machine key, an emergency lowering guide, and a first aid kit (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Relevant rescue equipment including the machine key, an emergency lowering guide, and a first aid kit

Ground-level rescue equipment should include the machine key (or knowledge of keyless override), the manufacturer's emergency lowering procedure guide, communication devices, and a first aid kit. Additional equipment may include a rescue descent device depending on the site risk assessment.

Question 2: What is the minimum safe distance from overhead power lines when using a MEWP, and how is it determined?

2 metres from any overhead cable
The operator judges safe distance visually
1 metre for all voltage levels
As specified by the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for the specific line voltage — typically at least 6 metres for 11 kV and above (Correct answer)

Correct answer: As specified by the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for the specific line voltage — typically at least 6 metres for 11 kV and above

Safe distance from overhead power lines depends on voltage and must be confirmed with the DNO. For distribution-level voltages (11 kV and above), the minimum is typically 6 metres, but this must always be confirmed for the specific line.

Question 3: What action should be taken if a MEWP is to work in an area with unmapped overhead hazards?

Only a verbal reminder to the operator is needed
Proceed if the site manager confirms it is acceptable
Stop work, carry out a survey to identify all hazards, consult relevant authorities, and establish controls before proceeding (Correct answer)
Proceed carefully and avoid obvious hazards

Correct answer: Stop work, carry out a survey to identify all hazards, consult relevant authorities, and establish controls before proceeding

Unmapped overhead hazards must be surveyed and identified before work proceeds. This may require consulting the DNO, telecommunications companies, or local authority. Controls must be in place before the MEWP is used.

Question 4: What is the employer's duty regarding training under the Work at Height Regulations 2005?

Only supervisors need to be trained
Every person involved in work at height must be competent, or supervised by a competent person (Correct answer)
Training is only required after an accident occurs
Training is optional but recommended

Correct answer: Every person involved in work at height must be competent, or supervised by a competent person

Regulation 5 of the Work at Height Regulations requires that every person engaged in work at height (including planning, supervision, and equipment use) is competent, or if in training, supervised by a competent person.

Question 5: An operator's PAL card expired 3 months ago. Can they operate a MEWP on site?

Yes if they have not had any incidents since qualifying
Yes for 6 months after expiry as a grace period
Yes if the site manager approves it in writing
No — they must complete refresher training and obtain a valid card before operating (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No — they must complete refresher training and obtain a valid card before operating

An expired PAL card means the operator's current competence has not been verified to the required standard. They must complete refresher training and obtain a current valid card before operating any MEWP.

Question 6: What does PUWER require regarding the training of MEWP operators?

Operators may use any MEWP if supervised by an experienced colleague
A general site induction is sufficient for MEWP operation
Training is only required for boom lifts, not scissor lifts
Operators must be adequately trained and competent before using any MEWP (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Operators must be adequately trained and competent before using any MEWP

PUWER requires that all work equipment operators are adequately trained and competent. For MEWPs, IPAF PAL card training is the industry-recognised way of demonstrating this competence.

Question 7: What is the purpose of the IPAF Foundation Degree in Powered Access and who is it aimed at?

A qualification that replaces the practical assessment for experienced operators
A higher-level qualification for managers and professionals working with MEWPs who need in-depth technical and regulatory knowledge (Correct answer)
A qualification for MEWP service engineers only
A replacement for the standard PAL card course

Correct answer: A higher-level qualification for managers and professionals working with MEWPs who need in-depth technical and regulatory knowledge

The IPAF Foundation Degree is a higher-level qualification for managers, safety professionals, and industry specialists who need comprehensive technical and regulatory knowledge of powered access beyond operator level.

Question 8: Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, what is the hierarchy of control for managing the risk of falls?

Train workers to fall safely, then provide soft landing areas
Use PPE first, then collective protection, then avoid working at height
Minimise fall distance first, then use harnesses, then avoid the work
Avoid working at height, prevent falls using collective or personal protection, minimise consequences of a fall (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Avoid working at height, prevent falls using collective or personal protection, minimise consequences of a fall

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 set out a clear hierarchy: first avoid working at height if possible; if not, prevent falls using guardrails, platforms, or personal fall protection; and if falls cannot be prevented, minimise the distance and consequences of a fall.

Question 9: After rescuing a person who has been suspended in a harness, what position should they be placed in?

Hung upside down to reverse blood flow
In a seated or W-position with knees raised for at least 30 minutes, NOT laid flat (Correct answer)
Lying flat on their back immediately
Standing upright to restore circulation

Correct answer: In a seated or W-position with knees raised for at least 30 minutes, NOT laid flat

A person rescued from harness suspension should NOT be laid flat immediately, as this can cause a sudden rush of toxin-laden blood from the legs to the heart and organs (rescue death). They should be kept in a seated or W-position with knees raised for at least 30 minutes while medical help arrives.

Question 10: Why are spreader plates used under MEWP outriggers?

To make the MEWP look more professional
To raise the height of the MEWP
To prevent scratching the floor surface
To distribute the point load over a larger area, preventing the outrigger from sinking into soft ground (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To distribute the point load over a larger area, preventing the outrigger from sinking into soft ground

Spreader plates distribute the concentrated point load from the outrigger foot over a much larger surface area. Without them, the outrigger can sink into soft ground, causing the machine to tilt and potentially overturn, especially when the platform is elevated with a load.

Question 11: What should an operator do if the MEWP inadvertently contacts an overhead power line?

Move the MEWP away by driving it clear of the line
Turn off the MEWP's engine to cut the circuit
Stay in the platform, warn people not to touch the machine, and call the emergency services — do not attempt to climb down (Correct answer)
Jump clear immediately to avoid electrocution

Correct answer: Stay in the platform, warn people not to touch the machine, and call the emergency services — do not attempt to climb down

If the MEWP contacts a power line, the operator is safer staying in the platform (the machine provides some insulation) than attempting to descend. Persons on the ground must not touch the machine. Emergency services must be called immediately.

Question 12: What does checking the MEWP's ground contact points involve during a pre-use inspection?

Checking only that the machine is level
Only checking that the wheels are present
Verifying the colour of the ground contact markings
Inspecting tyres or tracks for condition, correct pressure, and any damage (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Inspecting tyres or tracks for condition, correct pressure, and any damage

Ground contact point checks include tyre condition, tread, and inflation pressure (or track condition and tension), looking for cuts, damage, or significant wear that could affect stability and mobility.

Question 13: Before positioning a MEWP, what must be assessed about the ground conditions?

Whether the ground matches the colour scheme of the MEWP
Only whether the ground is concrete or tarmac
Only whether the ground is dry
The load-bearing capacity, levelness, presence of voids or underground services, and surface condition (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The load-bearing capacity, levelness, presence of voids or underground services, and surface condition

A thorough assessment of ground conditions must cover load-bearing capacity (can it support the machine's total weight?), levelness (is it within the machine's gradient limits?), presence of underground services (drains, cables, voids), and surface condition (soft, wet, loose, or unstable ground).

Question 14: An MEWP operator notices that the snap hook on their lanyard does not lock positively when closed. What should they do?

Apply tape to hold the gate shut temporarily
Report it to the supervisor after the shift is completed
Use the snap hook carefully and avoid applying sideways loads
Remove the lanyard from service and replace it before commencing work (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Remove the lanyard from service and replace it before commencing work

A snap hook that does not lock positively can roll-out under load, causing the lanyard to detach, so the lanyard must be removed from service immediately and replaced.

Question 15: What does checking the MEWP's outrigger or stabiliser system involve?

Outrigger checks are only needed on slopes
Confirming deployment, locking, pad condition, and that the machine interlocks prevent travel when deployed (Correct answer)
Only confirming the outriggers are fully extended
Checking the outrigger colour is correct

Correct answer: Confirming deployment, locking, pad condition, and that the machine interlocks prevent travel when deployed

Outrigger checks confirm they deploy and lock correctly, pads are in good condition, and the machine's interlock system prevents travel while deployed. Deployed outriggers prevent travel — travel with deployed outriggers risks toppling.

Question 16: What does the MEWP's 'maximum platform height' mean?

The height of the platform cage sides
The highest point to which the platform floor can be raised — not the maximum safe working height for all conditions (Correct answer)
The maximum height in all wind conditions
The maximum height at which full SWL can be utilised

Correct answer: The highest point to which the platform floor can be raised — not the maximum safe working height for all conditions

Maximum platform height is the highest point the platform floor can reach. However, at maximum height, stability is most critical — the SWL and wind limits may be more restrictive than at lower heights.

Question 17: What hazard do suspended ceilings or fragile roofing materials present to MEWP operations indoors?

Contact with the MEWP boom or platform can dislodge material, creating falling object risk and damaging structures that may be load-bearing (Correct answer)
Indoor MEWPs cannot reach suspended ceilings
Suspended ceilings are a fire hazard only
Only relevant if the MEWP is over 10 metres platform height

Correct answer: Contact with the MEWP boom or platform can dislodge material, creating falling object risk and damaging structures that may be load-bearing

Contact with suspended ceilings or fragile roofing can dislodge material that falls on workers below. Some suspended ceiling structures may also be load-bearing or house services, making contact particularly hazardous.

Question 18: What precaution must be taken when positioning a MEWP near an excavation or trench?

Maintain a safe distance equal to at least the depth of the excavation from the edge, to prevent collapse (Correct answer)
Position the outriggers over the edge of the excavation
Park as close as possible for easier access to the trench
No special precautions are needed if the MEWP is on tracks

Correct answer: Maintain a safe distance equal to at least the depth of the excavation from the edge, to prevent collapse

A MEWP must be positioned at a safe distance from excavation edges — generally at least equal to the depth of the excavation. The weight of the MEWP can cause the excavation sides to collapse, potentially overturning the machine into the trench.

Question 19: What is the operator's legal duty under PUWER if they identify a defect during MEWP operation?

Report it at the end of the shift
Continue if the defect seems minor
Stop using the MEWP, secure it, and report the defect to the responsible person (Correct answer)
Attempt a basic repair before continuing

Correct answer: Stop using the MEWP, secure it, and report the defect to the responsible person

Under PUWER, operators have a duty to report defects. If a defect is identified during operation, the MEWP must be stopped, secured, and the defect reported immediately. Continuing to operate defective equipment is illegal.

Question 20: A rescue plan for MEWP work at height should include which of the following elements?

A note saying 'call 999 if something goes wrong'
The nearest hospital address
Identified rescuers, rescue equipment locations, communication methods, and rehearsed procedures (Correct answer)
Only the phone number for the emergency services

Correct answer: Identified rescuers, rescue equipment locations, communication methods, and rehearsed procedures

A rescue plan must identify trained rescuers, specify the location of rescue equipment, establish communication methods, define step-by-step rescue procedures, and these must be rehearsed. Simply having emergency service phone numbers is not a sufficient rescue plan.

Question 21: What is the primary purpose of the tilt sensor (or inclination alarm) fitted to most MEWPs?

To calculate the platform height
To monitor battery charge level
To warn the operator if the machine exceeds its safe operating angle on a slope (Correct answer)
To measure wind speed

Correct answer: To warn the operator if the machine exceeds its safe operating angle on a slope

The tilt sensor or inclination alarm monitors the angle of the chassis. If the machine exceeds its maximum safe operating gradient (typically 3-5 degrees for most MEWPs), it triggers an audible and visual alarm to warn the operator of a potential overturn risk.

Question 22: What is the purpose of the dead man's control (hold-to-run) on a MEWP?

It activates the emergency lowering system
It locks the controls when the operator leaves the platform
It ensures the machine only operates while the control is actively held, stopping movement when released (Correct answer)
It prevents unauthorised persons from starting the machine

Correct answer: It ensures the machine only operates while the control is actively held, stopping movement when released

The dead man's control (hold-to-run) requires the operator to continuously hold the control lever or button for the machine to move. Releasing the control immediately stops all movement, reducing the risk of uncontrolled machine operation.

Question 23: What safety device on a scissor lift should be checked during a pre-use inspection?

The machine's service history sticker
The platform entry chain or gate — ensures it is in place and functional before elevating (Correct answer)
The platform's paint colour
The height of the safety rails only

Correct answer: The platform entry chain or gate — ensures it is in place and functional before elevating

The platform entry chain or gate must be in place and functional before the platform is raised. An open or missing gate means the operator or others could fall from the platform during use.

Question 24: What is the operator's responsibility regarding the MEWP's rated capacity during a task?

Ensure the total platform load (people, tools, materials) never exceeds the SWL at any point during the task (Correct answer)
Overloading slightly is acceptable if the task requires it
The rated capacity is advisory, not mandatory
Manage load informally based on experience

Correct answer: Ensure the total platform load (people, tools, materials) never exceeds the SWL at any point during the task

The operator must ensure that at no point during the task does the total platform load exceed the SWL. This responsibility includes accounting for tools and materials, not just the operator's own weight.

Question 25: Under LOLER 1998, what must be produced following a thorough examination of a MEWP?

A written report by the competent person detailing findings and any defects (Correct answer)
A certificate of insurance
A photograph of the machine
A verbal confirmation to the site manager

Correct answer: A written report by the competent person detailing findings and any defects

Following a thorough examination under LOLER, the competent person must produce a written report detailing the examination carried out, any defects found, and whether the equipment is safe to continue in use. This report must be kept on file.

Question 26: What does MEWP stand for?

Mechanical Elevated Work Position
Mobile Elevated Working Pole
Mobile Electric Work Platform
Mobile Elevating Work Platform (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Mobile Elevating Work Platform

MEWP stands for Mobile Elevating Work Platform. This is the generic term used in UK regulations for all types of powered access equipment, including scissor lifts, boom lifts, and vertical mast platforms.

Question 27: What should a MEWP rescue plan contain?

Only the emergency services contact number
Only the location of the nearest first aid kit
A general statement that rescue will be carried out if needed
Identification of risks, rescue methods, required equipment, trained personnel, emergency contact numbers, and the trigger for initiating rescue (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Identification of risks, rescue methods, required equipment, trained personnel, emergency contact numbers, and the trigger for initiating rescue

A rescue plan must be specific and detailed: it must identify the risks, define the rescue methods available, list required equipment, identify trained personnel, include emergency contacts, and specify when rescue is initiated.

IPAF PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) Exam

The IPAF PAL Card exam is administered by the International Powered Access Federation. Candidates complete a theory test of 25 multiple-choice questions (requiring 20/25 correct to pass, i.e. 80%) followed by a practical assessment. Topics include MEWP types and categories, pre-use inspection, safe operating procedures, working at height regulations, emergency rescue, ground conditions and stability, safe working load, PUWER/LOLER regulations, and overhead hazards. The PAL card is valid for 5 years.

Questions

45 min

Time Limit

80%

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

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ipaf.org — Eligibility, renewal, test delivery, score validity, exam information · verified Oct 2026