IPAF training for fire fighters

IPAF is starting a pilot fire fighting course for MEWPs (mobile elevating work platforms) in the Netherlands from January 2010.

The course is aimed at all fire fighters who operate rescue vehicles including MEWPs and ladders. It was initiated in response to the request of several fire brigades for a standard fire fighting course tailored to their specific needs.

The MEWP fire fighting course takes a total of three days. The first day is for theory and practical sessions with the instructor. The second day is for self-practice without the instructor. The third day is for more practice, followed by the examination with the instructor.

Successful candidates are awarded a PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) with the category Static Boom (1b) Special - Fire. Courses will be held at the facilities of Dutch fire brigades using specific machines that are normally based at the fire station.

One of the first Dutch training centres to offer the MEWP fire fighting course is Van Asten Rescue Training, owned by Jeroen van Asten who is a former fire fighting MEWP operator and a certified IPAF instructor.