IPAF, PAL Card and operator licence: obligations when renting aerial work platforms
Anyone renting an aerial work platform — colloquially a lifting platform — needs three pieces of proof for every operator: proof of competence (written confirmation of verified expertise issued by a certified inspection technician under Section 17(3) Decree No. 508/2009 Coll.; an IPAF PAL Card supplements but does not replace it), written authorisation from the employer and a machine-specific briefing on the rental machine. The competence must also match the platform type: anyone trained only on scissor lifts may not operate an articulating boom lift.
The obligation lies with the renting company as the operator. If any proof is missing and an accident occurs, the employer is liable — with consequences under occupational safety, civil and in some circumstances criminal law. This guide explains which proof applies to which aerial work platform, how the IPAF categories are assigned and what Luibl Rental provides on handover. All types you can rent from us are shown on the page Lifting platform rental.
The IPAF PAL Card is the internationally recognised operator licence for lifting platforms
The PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) is issued after an IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) training programme. The course combines theory with practical exercises on the machine and ends with a test. The PAL Card is an internationally recognised proof of operator competence for aerial work platforms. In Slovakia, however, it does not replace the written confirmation of verified expertise issued by a certified inspection technician (Section 17(3) Decree No. 508/2009 Coll.).
The IPAF category must match the platform type
The PAL Card is only valid for the categories entered on it. Four categories are relevant in everyday rental:
| IPAF category | Type | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1a – static vertical | lifts vertically, outriggers deployed, cannot be driven from the basket | outrigger-supported, non-self-propelled mast lifts |
| 1b – static boom | boom, outriggers deployed before lifting | truck-mounted platforms, trailer-mounted platforms, spider lifts |
| 3a – mobile vertical | lifts vertically, can be driven from the basket | scissor lifts, self-propelled mast lifts |
| 3b – mobile boom | boom, can be driven 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 among the most common findings in site inspections. Before every rental request, check 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 retakes the course for the required categories; an expired card is no longer valid proof.
A machine-specific briefing remains mandatory despite the PAL Card
The PAL Card proves the basic knowledge for a category. It does not replace a briefing on the specific machine: every aerial work platform differs in controls, emergency lowering, safety circuits and load limits. Someone who has operated one manufacturer's machines for years does not automatically know another's control logic. Luibl Rental gives a briefing on the rented machine on handover.
The inspection technician's confirmation is mandatory, the PAL Card supplements it
In addition to the PAL Card, the decisive document in Slovakia is written confirmation of verified expertise issued by a certified inspection technician (Section 17(3) Decree No. 508/2009 Coll.) — often simply called an "operator licence" on the market. In terms of content, 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. In Slovakia, the written confirmation issued by a certified inspection technician under Section 17(3) Decree No. 508/2009 Coll. is mandatory; the PAL Card does not replace it. Luibl Rental recommends holding the Slovak document, with the PAL Card as a welcome addition — what matters is that the proof is valid and matches the platform type.
Without written authorisation, no operator is permitted
Occupational safety rules additionally require written authorisation from the employer. It confirms that
- the employee is competent for the platform types used,
- they have been instructed on the risk assessment at the site and
- the employer has checked their suitability.
Without the authorisation, the operator is not legally permitted — even with a valid PAL Card. We also recommend regular refresher instruction for operators under Act No. 124/2006 Coll. on occupational safety and health.
Platform licence, operator licence, IPAF licence: three names for the same obligation
Anyone searching for "platform licence", "platform operator licence" or "IPAF licence" means the same thing: proof of competence to operate aerial work platforms. Legally, what counts is written confirmation of verified expertise issued by a certified inspection technician (Section 17(3) Decree No. 508/2009 Coll.); the PAL Card supplements but does not replace it — plus authorisation and briefing.
In practice this means:
- "Platform licence" is the everyday term. Purchasing documents and tenders usually say "operator licence for aerial work platforms".
- "IPAF licence" refers to the PAL Card with the categories entered on it.
- The vehicle lift in a workshop is not covered; separate rules apply to it.
Course costs, duration and providers are explained in the guide Aerial work platform licence: 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 lifting platform for which job?
Example scenario: how a facade company organises operators for three telescopic boom lifts
A facade company from the Kosice region rents three telescopic boom lifts for a seven-week renovation in the historic centre of Kosice. 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 proof: Before the rental starts, site management collects the PAL Cards and operator licences of all planned operators — including those of subcontractors — and checks category and validity.
- Authorise: Each operator receives written authorisation for the telescopic boom lifts on this site.
- Get briefed: On handover, Luibl Rental gives a briefing on the rented machines. The briefing is documented for each operator.
- Provide fall protection: Harnesses and lanyards are provided by the company; they are not included in the rental.
The result: during an inspection, site management can present proof of competence, authorisation and briefing for each operator.
Inspection record and fall protection: both machine and person must be secured
Every rental platform is handed over with a valid inspection record
As designated lifting equipment, aerial work platforms are subject to inspections and tests of technical equipment (Decree No. 508/2009 Coll.). Every aerial work platform in the Luibl Rental rental fleet is handed over with a valid inspection record. If the inspection period ends during a long-term rental, Luibl Rental organises the repeat inspection. Details on intervals and inspection points are explained in the guide Inspections of aerial work platforms.
Before each start of work, the operator also checks the machine personally: emergency lowering, emergency stop, tilt warning, controls and a visual check for damage.
Fall protection is mandatory on boom lifts
On aerial work platforms with a boom — articulating, telescopic and truck-mounted platforms — manufacturers require 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 ejection
- 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, fall protection equipment is not generally required. However, the risk assessment may specify it, for example when working with an open guardrail or over water. Its use is governed by the applicable Slovak safety rules for work at height under Government Regulation No. 147/2013 Coll.
Renting aerial work platforms in compliance: three pillars for every operator
Responsibility does not end with signing the rental agreement. Anyone using an aerial work platform takes on the operator obligations as a business.
- Competence: written confirmation of verified expertise issued by a certified inspection technician (Section 17(3) Decree No. 508/2009 Coll.), optionally supplemented by a valid PAL Card with the right category — for every operator
- Written authorisation: The employer confirms qualification and suitability and grants permission to operate
- Machine-specific briefing: On handover of the rented machine by Luibl Rental
Luibl Rental does not offer operator courses. Anyone who does not yet have valid proof of competence should obtain it from an authorised training provider before the rental starts. On handover, we provide an operator briefing.
The guide Aerial work platform rental costs shows what renting an aerial work platform costs overall.
Frequently asked questions about IPAF, operator licences and safety obligations
Do you need a driving licence for an aerial work platform?
Not for self-propelled aerial work platforms on sites and company premises — here the proof of operator competence counts. For truck-mounted platforms on public roads, the driving licence depends on gross weight: up to 3.5 t category B, up to 7.5 t category C1, above that category C.
Is in-house instruction enough instead of an IPAF course?
No. Regular safety briefing of employees under Section 7 of Act No. 124/2006 Coll. does not replace operator competence. Training must cover theory and practice; it can be provided by an external provider or a suitable in-house instructor and is documented. The expertise is confirmed in writing by a certified inspection technician (Section 17(3) Decree No. 508/2009 Coll.).
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 course for the required categories is retaken.
Who is liable if an operator works without valid proof?
The renting company as the operator. It must ensure competence, authorisation and briefing; violations can lead to fines from the labour inspectorate, prohibition of operations and liability for damages.