Do I need a Certificate or Card to use a lifting platform?

A very common question when renting or buying a lifting platform is who will be able to use it. And also, if this person needs to have a Certificate or official lifting platform card in force to do so.

What do you need to know about the certificate or licence for lifting platforms?

1. I want to rent or buy a lifting platform and I don’t know if I need an official certificate or card to use it.

Yes, it is mandatory to have an Accreditation signed by a Certifying Entity to confirm that they have received the specific training of the MEWP operator in terms of the use, handling and safety of this type of machinery. At Liftisa we have a service of approved training to obtain the license for the use and management of platforms (UNE 58923-2020 Standard).

Although this certification is essential to operate with lifting platforms, the reality is that it depends on what you want to use it for. Currently, the Current regulations differentiate between different uses and environments of use.

2. The official certificate or card for lifting platforms certifies that you have knowledge for correct and safe use.

Safety is very important in the use of lifting platforms. And the easiest way to use it safely is to receive the right training, whether you are going to use it yourself or an operator. The training shows the different parts of a lifting machine, the specific prevention measures to minimize the risk of occupational accidents during its use and other practical issues.

The vast majority of these courses, which can be online or face-to-face, at the end of the course provide an official lifting platform card that certifies that the person who receives it is trained to use these machines.

3. Is it necessary for the worker to have a certificate or card for lifting platforms to operate them in a work environment?

Only in some cases is it mandatory, always depending on which machine and where it is going to be used. On the other hand, it is always advisable for the worker to have the card. And the reason is very simple. In the event of an accident, it must be accredited to Labour Inspectorate that the operators who operated the lifting platform had the necessary knowledge to do so with maximum safety.

In addition to avoiding problems in the event of an inspection or accident at work, it is the easiest way to ensure that the lifting platform is in good hands. And most importantly, it is they minimize the risks to those who use it or are around it.

4. If I am self-employed, do I need to have a certificate or card to use a lifting platform?

There is a high probability that it will be required for safety if you are going to work in industrial environments or construction sites for other companies. The main reasons are very similar to those of the previous point.

On the other hand, if we are in another type of environment, it depends. But the best thing to do is to obtain the lifting platform licence in order to avoid problems with third parties and have more knowledge for their safe use.

How can I obtain a certificate or licence to operate lifting machines?

There are many online and face-to-face training courses that form and issue the card for the use of ele platformsvadoras. The important thing is that the card that is issued is Approved.

At LIFTISA we are experts in training for the use of machinery in work at height. We carry out MEWP courses, Scaffolding courses, Forklifts, Platforms and Cranes courses on vehicles and Courses on Work at Height.

In addition, we exclusively offer our Clients the opportunity to carry out ONLINE Training for the theoretical part of the courses to obtain the Certification of Use and Handling of MEWPs, Scaffolding or Forklifts

Can you drive a lifting platform on public roads?

Only towed lifting platforms, basket trucks and self-propelled platforms that can be registered and that meet the requirements established by the General Regulations for Drivers RD 818/2009 can circulate on public roads, being the responsibility of the customer to process the permits for the occupation of public roads that are required.

In addition, as long as the platform is registered and you are driving on public roads, you must have a driving license. This is independent of the platform lift license, they are two issues that are often confused, but they are independent.

If you are driving at a maximum speed of 40 km/hour, a B driving licence is sufficient. At a higher speed it will depend on the weight of the machine, and a C may be needed for machines up to 7,500 kg or a higher license.

Machines that are not registered cannot circulate on public roads. Its use is exclusive for the interior of enclosures or works.

To drive the lifting platforms or forklifts in the workplace or on the construction site, it is not necessary to be in possession of a driving licence, unless the company has established it.

Check the catalogue of rental and sale of lifting platforms on our website. Contact us and we will help you decide which model is right for your needs and answer your questions about its use.