Accredited by IPAF (International Powered Access Federation)
IPAF — Manlift & Scissor Lift Operator
Every operator of a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) — whether a scissor lift on a maintenance job or a boom lift on a construction site — needs an IPAF PAL Card.
It is not a preference: on Saudi Aramco sites, SABIC facilities, Royal Commission projects, and virtually every major construction contractor in the Kingdom, no IPAF card means no access.
EFTC delivers IPAF operator training for Categories 3A (scissor lifts and mobile vertical platforms) and 3B (self-propelled boom lifts) — the two most widely required categories in Saudi Arabia’s industrial and construction sectors. Training includes both classroom theory and hands-on practical assessment on real equipment.
Accredited by
IPAF (International Powered Access Federation)
Duration
1 Day per category (theory + practical assessment)
Standard
ISO 18878 — Mobile Elevating Work Platforms: Operator (Driver) Training
Categories
3A — Scissor Lift / Mobile Vertical | 3B — Self-Propelled Boom Lift
Language
Arabic | English | Bilingual available
Delivery
Classroom + Practical (Dammam Centre or on-site at your facility)
Certificate
IPAF PAL Card + Operator Logbook — valid 5 years
Renewal
BLS Refresher course available at EFTC
Recognised by
Saudi Aramco, SABIC, Royal Commission, NEOM, international contractors
MEWP Categories Explained
Not sure which category you need? Most Saudi site requirements specify 3A (scissor lift) or 3B (boom lift). Contact EFTC and we will advise based on your equipment and site access requirements.
Category 1A
Static Vertical — Push-around and fixed vertical platforms
Category 1B
Static Boom — Fixed-base boom platforms with outriggers
Category 3A
Mobile Vertical — Scissor lifts, vertical personnel platforms (self-propelled)
Category 3B
Mobile Boom — Self-propelled articulated and telescopic boom lifts
course content
Theory Module
- Introduction to IPAF and the International Powered Access Federation
- Types of MEWPs: categories, applications, and limitations
- Relevant legislation, regulations, and site access requirements in Saudi Arabia
- Operator responsibilities, duties of care, and permit-to-work systems
- Risk assessment for MEWP operations: ground conditions, overhead hazards, wind loading
- Fall protection: correct harness use, anchor points, and restraint lanyards
- Pre-use inspection procedures: tyres, hydraulics, controls, guardrails, emergency systems
- Understanding rated load capacities and platform restrictions
- MEWP overturning: causes, prevention, and emergency response
- Rescue and recovery procedures from a stalled or entrapped platform
Practical Assessment
- Pre-use inspection on live equipment
- Safe deployment: outrigger/stabiliser positioning and level checks
- Basic manoeuvreing: driving, steering, positioning within tight spaces
- Platform elevation, rotation, and precision placement
- Emergency descent procedures
- Shutdown and post-use reporting
What You Will Learn?
Upon successful completion of both theory and practical assessments, participants receive:
- IPAF PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) — the globally recognised operator credential, valid for 5 years
- IPAF Operator Logbook — to record machine types operated and refresh intervals
- EFTC course completion certificate
What should attend?
- Any operator required to work at height using a scissor lift or boom lift
- Construction workers, facility maintenance technicians, and warehouse operators
- Oil & gas site workers requiring Aramco site access credentials
- Supervisors who need to understand MEWP operations for permit-to-work sign-off
- Experienced operators whose existing IPAF PAL Card is approaching its 5-year renewal
Frequently Asked Questions
The IPAF PAL Card is valid for 5 years. EFTC provides renewal training. Operators must re-certify on specific categories before expiry.
The theory module is common to both categories. With prior agreement, operators can complete 3A and 3B theory together with back-to-back practical assessments, often within 1–2 days.
Yes. IPAF is the internationally recognised standard for MEWP operators and is specifically required by Aramco, SABIC, Royal Commission, and the majority of Vision 2030 project contractors.
Yes. EFTC can deliver IPAF training on-site using your own equipment or hired-in MEWPs. Contact us to arrange.