The growth in eLearning – the process of accessing training courses remotely via the internet – is making it much easier for businesses and their employees to gain the skills they need.
That is why our Training Focus for April is Hird’s growing portfolio of e-learning training courses which include online IPAF and PASMA courses.
ELearning allows training delegates to take part in structured learning and, in some cases, examination, online – without having to travel to training centres.
They have been growing in popularity as delegates and their employers value the flexibility of being able to train without taking time away from work or at times that best suit them.
IPAF eLearning with Hird
IPAF MEWP Operator eLearning
Hird can offer the theory training for IPAF’s mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) operator course as an eLearning course for all MEWP categories (1a, 1b, 3a, 3b).
The course is broken down into sections and is expected to take 3-4 hours to complete, though delegates can complete the course at their own pace, saving and resuming their training at any time.
Course content includes: legislation and codes of practice; MEWP categories; pre-use inspection; safe operating methods and hazards; starting and stopping the machine; route planning and machine manoeuvring; parking; and securing the machine.
The IPAF MEWP operator eLearning course might be delivered via a screen, but it is still very hands on and interactive.
Delegates view life-like 3D computer-generated moving images of MEWP working at height scenarios and are given the opportunity to make judgements about activities being shown.
They can then complete their training by sitting the formal theory test and undergoing practical training and the practical test at one of the four Hird training centres across the UK.
IPAF requires this second stage of theory and practical testing to be completed within 45 days of completing the eLearning module. However, during the Covid-19 lockdown, this has been extended to 90 days.
Successful delegates receive an IPAF PAL photo-card and certificate, which is valid for five years. The MEWP operator training then has to be repeated to renew the cards.
IPAF MEWPs for Managers eLearning
Even if you do not need to operate a MEWP, if you manage teams that do, Hird’s IPAF MEWPs for Managers eLearning course is a good option.
The course is aimed at anyone responsible for planning and overseeing the use of MEWPs, including employers, project manager and supervisors across a wide range of industries, including FM, retail, airports, transport and arboriculture.
Course content includes: MEWP regulations; machine types and use; RAMS; hire terms and conditions; MEWP personal fall protection; pre-use inspections; and rescue planning.
Launched by IPAF last year, the course was reviewed and improved so it could be more easily be learned remotely online. It makes use of interactive 360-degree graphics and virtual scenarios that contextualise hazards and requires candidates to combine risk assessment and technical and safety guidance to identify and control identified risks.
Delegates are expected to take 6 to 8 hours to complete the course, then undergo the test online as well. A facial recognition system is used to ensure that the authorised person carries out the learning and completes the test.
Successful delegates receive a certificate which is valid for five years.
PASMA eLearning
PASMA has introduced eLearning modules– to allow theory learning to be completed away from the classroom.
PASMA Towers for Users eLearning
The course is for personnel responsible for the assembly, dismantling, alteration, moving, and inspection of mobile access towers.
Its content includes legislation, regulation and guidance relating to working at height with towers, the PASMA code of practice, product standards, best practice for fall protection and risk assessment.
Theory training via eLearning is designed to take between 3 and 4 hours. Course delegates then have up to 90 days to attend a Hird training centre and sit the theory test, participate in practical training and undergoing the practical test.
PASMA Low Level Access eLearning
The course is intended for users of low level access equipment (< 2.5m) made from prefabricated tower components, such as folding step units and folding tower units.
It gives an overview of regulations, legislation and product standards and covers current best practice, inspection of low level access units and hazards to be avoided in depth.
As with the PASMA Towers for Users course, theory training can now be completed as an eLearning module and delegates have up to 90 days to attend a Hird training centre to sit their theory test, undergo practical training and take their practical test.
For both courses, successful candidates will receive a PASMA photo card and certificate, which are valid for five years.
Hird IPAF and PASMA instructor-led training
Hird offers all these courses as full instructor-led courses at each of our four training centres.
For more information about Hird eLearning training courses, or to find out the best way to book ahead and ensure you can gain the skills you and your business needs as seamlessly as possible, contact the Hird training team today.
Telephone: 01482 481965. Email: [email protected].
