[JandS]

Surely you need some form of training to operate these....it's not just going up and down in them....correct siting ...type of ground....operating on a slope....correct setting up are all important factors to know about especially with a cherry picker.

[Ralphie]

So, in essence, I can hire one possibly with a little training from the hire company who will also cover me with insurance!  However, the insurance might need to be checked to ensure that this level of training will be adequate for their insurance to cover.

Provided the mechanical lift/platform is lighter than 3.5tonne then it might not be required and the above is satisfactory.

Higher than 3.5 and commercial purposes etc IPAF is required.
So overall, for future possibilities an IPAF course still looks the best way forward, which ensures I will definitely be covered by insurance either my own or rental companies and gives me the scope of various platforms to use.
Cheers guys

Nearly - hire companies require you to insure and need proof of insurance, that’s when things start getting tricky.  My car insurance covers me, initially it was expensive but needed to pay it otherwise no velux, wet house and angry wife.

I have now used on multiple occasions and like most insurance - no claim no increase.

[Ooooooog]

We hire a mewp most weeks.
Make sure you’ve adequate plant insurance, that you’re insured to work at the right height and that your harnesses are checked before use. A rescue plan is good too.
No way I’d entertain working with a machine without recognised training.
Good luck!

[Smudger]

yes get ipaf - there is more on the training than just moving the machine

believe me some hire companies don't even have a Lola cert for the machine 

remember - if your doing the job for money - its a commercial job - not private/personal work

be safe, be covered, do it right

Darran