IPAF, PAL Card and operator certificate: obligations when renting aerial work platforms
Anyone who rents an aerial work platform — colloquially also called a lifting platform or cherry picker — needs three proofs for each operator: a qualification (IPAF PAL Card or another training certificate demonstrating the required operator qualification), an appointment by the employer and an operator briefing on the specific rental machine. The qualification must also match the type: anyone trained only for scissor lifts may not drive an articulating boom lift.
The obligation lies with the renting company as the user. If one of the proofs is missing and an accident occurs, the employer is liable — with consequences under well-being at work law, civil law and possibly criminal law. This guide explains which proof applies to which aerial work platform, how the IPAF categories are assigned and what Luibl Rental does on handover. All types you can rent from us are shown on the page Aerial work platform rental.
The IPAF PAL Card is the internationally recognised operator certificate for aerial work platforms
The PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) is issued after a training programme of IPAF (International Powered Access Federation). The training combines theory with practical exercises on the machine and ends with a test. In Belgium, the PAL Card is often used in practice as proof of adequate training within the meaning of Belgian well-being at work rules.
The IPAF category must match the platform type
The PAL Card is valid only for the categories entered on it. In everyday rental, four categories are relevant:
| IPAF category | Type | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1a – static vertical | lifting vertically, stabilised, not drivable from the basket | stabilised, non-self-propelled mast lifts |
| 1b – static boom | boom, stabilised before lifting | truck-mounted platforms, trailer-mounted platforms, spider lifts |
| 3a – mobile vertical | lifting vertically, drivable from the basket | scissor lifts, self-propelled mast lifts |
| 3b – mobile boom | boom, drivable from the basket | articulating boom lifts, telescopic boom lifts |
Anyone holding only category 3a may not operate an articulating boom lift (3b). This mix-up is one of the most common findings in site inspections. So check before every rental request which categories your operators actually hold.
The PAL Card is valid for five years
The PAL Card is valid for five years. Before it expires, the operator repeats the training for the categories needed; an expired card is no longer valid proof.
The machine-specific briefing remains necessary despite the PAL Card
The PAL Card proves the basic knowledge for a category. It does not replace the briefing on the specific machine: every aerial work platform differs in controls, emergency lowering, safety circuits and load limits. Anyone who has operated one manufacturer's machines for years does not automatically know another's control logic. Luibl Rental gives an operator briefing on the rented machine on handover.
Other training certificates and the PAL Card are equivalent routes
Besides the PAL Card, recognised training providers also issue other operator certificates — on the market sometimes under their own names or simply as an 'operator certificate'. In substance, both routes cover the same: theory, practice and an authorisation tied to platform types.
The difference lies in reach: the PAL Card is known internationally and is often explicitly required on large sites of international clients. Other certificates are mainly known nationally. Luibl Rental accepts both — what matters is that the proof is valid and matches the type.
The employer appoints the operator
It is advisable for the employer to also appoint the operator in writing. This appointment confirms that
- the employee is qualified for the platform types used,
- they have been instructed on the risk analysis at the job location and
- the employer has checked their suitability.
This lets the employer show that adequate training and instruction have been ensured — even with a valid PAL Card. Regular repetition of the instruction under the Code on Well-being at Work, Book IV (work equipment), is recommended.
Platform certificate, cherry picker certificate, IPAF certificate: three names for the same obligation
Anyone searching for 'platform certificate', 'cherry picker certificate' or 'IPAF certificate' means the same thing: proof of qualification for aerial work platforms. There is no statutory driving licence for aerial work platforms. Legally, what counts is the required operator qualification under Belgian well-being at work rules, for example through training such as the PAL Card — plus appointment and briefing.
In practice this means:
- 'Platform certificate' is the everyday term. In purchasing and tenders it usually says 'operator certificate for aerial work platforms'.
- 'IPAF certificate' means the PAL Card with the categories entered.
- The vehicle lift in a garage workshop is not covered; separate rules apply to it.
Costs, duration and providers of the training are explained in the guide Operator qualification: who may operate an aerial work platform?. Which type you need for your job — and therefore which category — is clarified by the decision guide Which aerial work platform for which job?
Example scenario: how a facade company organises the operators for three telescopic boom lifts
A facade company from East Flanders rents three telescopic boom lifts for a seven-week renovation in the historic centre of Ghent. Three in-house operators work in rotation, plus subcontractors.
The challenge: It is unclear who may operate which machine and whether all operators hold category 3b.
The company's approach:
- Collect proofs: Before the rental starts, site management collects the PAL Cards and operator certificates of all planned operators — including those of subcontractors — and checks category and validity.
- Appoint: Each operator receives a written appointment for the telescopic boom lifts on this site.
- Arrange the briefing: On handover, Luibl Rental gives an operator briefing on the rented machines. The briefing is documented for each operator.
- Provide fall protection: Harnesses and lanyards are supplied by the company; they are not included in the rental.
The result: in an inspection, site management can present qualification, appointment and briefing for every operator.
Inspection certificate and fall protection: machine and people must be secured
Every rental platform is handed over with a valid inspection certificate
Aerial work platforms fall under the Code on Well-being at Work, Book IV (work equipment), and undergo periodic inspection by an external technical inspection body (EDTC/SECT). Every aerial work platform in the Luibl Rental fleet is handed over with a valid inspection certificate. If the inspection falls due during a long-term rental, Luibl Rental organises the next inspection. Details on inspection and check points are explained in the guide Periodic inspection of aerial work platforms.
Before each start of work, the operator also checks the machine personally: emergency lowering, emergency stop, tilt alarm, controls and a visual check for damage.
Fall protection is mandatory on boom platforms
On aerial work platforms with a boom — articulating, telescopic and truck-mounted platforms — manufacturers prescribe personal fall protection equipment. The reason is the catapult effect: jerky boom movements can throw the operator out of the basket.
What this means in practice:
- Full body harness to EN 361 with a short lanyard that acts as a restraint system to prevent being thrown out
- Attach only to the designated anchor point in the basket, not to the guardrail
- Lanyard and anchor point as specified by the manufacturer; work positioning belts to EN 358 are not fall protection
On scissor lifts, personal fall protection equipment is not required as a rule. The risk analysis may, however, specify it, for example for work with an open guardrail or over water. Its use follows applicable Belgian safety rules for work at height.
Renting aerial work platforms with legal certainty: three pillars for every operator
Responsibility does not end with the signature on the rental contract. Anyone using an aerial work platform takes on the user's obligations as the employer.
- Qualification: valid PAL Card with the matching category or another certificate demonstrating the required operator qualification — for every operator
- Written appointment: the employer confirms qualification and suitability and grants permission to operate
- Machine-specific briefing: on handover by Luibl Rental on the rented machine
Luibl Rental does not offer training itself. If you do not yet have valid proof at the start of the rental, please mention this in your request so that you can plan the training in time.
What renting an aerial work platform costs in total is shown in the guide Rental costs for aerial work platforms.
Frequently asked questions about IPAF, operator certificates and safety obligations
Do you need a driving licence for an aerial work platform?
For self-propelled aerial work platforms on sites and company premises, no — the operator certificate is what counts there. For truck-mounted platforms on public roads, the required Belgian driving licence category is needed, depending on the gross weight.
Is an in-house briefing enough instead of IPAF training?
No. An in-house briefing does not replace the qualification. The training must cover theory and practice and constitute adequate training under Belgian well-being at work rules; it can be given by an external provider or by a suitable in-house trainer and is documented.
Which IPAF category do I need for a scissor lift?
Category 3a. It applies to vertically lifting platforms that are driven from the basket, i.e. scissor lifts and self-propelled mast lifts. Articulating and telescopic boom lifts require category 3b.
How long is the PAL Card valid?
Five years. Before it expires, the training for the categories needed is taken again.
Who is liable if an operator works without valid proof?
The renting company as the user. It must ensure qualification, appointment and briefing; violations can lead to sanctions, a stop to the works and liability in the event of damage.