PAV

Push Around Vertical training

“Small Platform. Big Safety.”

Course Objective:

To provide learners with the knowledge and practical skills to safely operate, manoeuvre, and inspect Push Around Vertical (PAV) lifts, in line with health and safety legislation and best practice.

How it works….

On the course

At a glance…

1 - 6 delegates

Half day course

No qualifications

PPE required - hard hat, his-viz clothing, safety boots, other site specific

This training course is delivered on-site at your location or at a training centre location and typically lasts a day, No formal qualifications are needed to attend, making it accessible to all experience levels. Group sizes are kept small, usually between 1–4/6 depending on categories and practical tests on day delegates, this is to ensure focused, hands-on learning. Delegates are required to bring PPE for this training course

Module 1: Introduction to PAV Lifts

This module provides a clear introduction to Push Around Vertical (PAV) lifts—compact, low-level access platforms designed to improve safety when working at height.

You’ll learn:

  • What a PAV is and how it operates

  • The typical tasks and industries where PAVs are used, such as maintenance, retail, warehousing, and facilities management

  • Why PAVs are often a safer, more efficient choice than ladders or step stools

  • The limitations of PAVs, including reach height, indoor use only, and manual positioning

  • A breakdown of the key components, including the base, platform, guardrails, controls, and safety features

By the end of this module, you’ll understand how PAVs fit into safe work-at-height practices and where they can be most effectively used.

Module 2: Legal Responsibilities & Safety Standards

Understanding the legal framework is essential when working with PAV lifts. This module outlines the key regulations and safety standards that govern their safe use.

You’ll explore:

  • The Work at Height Regulations 2005 and how they apply to low-level access

  • Key requirements under PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations)

  • When LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) may apply

  • The legal responsibilities of employers and operators to ensure safe operation

  • Manufacturer safety guidelines and why following them is critical

  • HSE guidance specific to PAVs and low-level access equipment

By the end of this module, you’ll know exactly what’s expected to remain compliant, safe, and confident when using a PAV lift.

Module 3: Identifying Hazards and Understanding Risk

This module helps you recognise the most common risks involved in PAV use and how to prevent them. You’ll learn to:

  • Spot hazards like uneven floors, overhead obstructions, and poor visibility

  • Understand stability risks and how to avoid tipping

  • Factor in environmental conditions (indoor vs. outdoor use)

  • Follow PPE requirements to protect yourself on the job

Module 4: Pre-Use Inspections and Safety Checks

Before using any equipment, safety starts with inspection. This module covers:

  • How to carry out a thorough daily visual check

  • Performing essential operational tests

  • Identifying and reporting faults before they become dangerous

  • Keeping up-to-date maintenance records

  • Ensuring safe set-up near walls, ceilings, and fixtures

Module 5: Safe Operation and Manoeuvring

This module walks you through how to operate a PAV safely and efficiently:

  • How to manually move and position the unit

  • Securely stabilising the PAV before work begins

  • Safe techniques for ascending, descending, and working at height

  • Understanding load limits, reach capacity, and platform restrictions

  • What to do in case of an emergency lowering situation

Knowledge is important—but hands-on practice makes it real. In this module, learners will:

  • Practice pre-use checks and safe operation under supervision

  • Learn how to move, position, and elevate the PAV

  • Simulate real work tasks at height

  • Complete a controlled practical assessment to confirm competency

Assessment

To complete the PAV training course, learners must successfully pass both a theory and practical assessment to demonstrate their understanding and competence.

Theory Assessment

  • A short, multiple-choice quiz covering:

    • PAV components and safety features

    • Legal responsibilities (PUWER, WAHR)

    • Risk assessment procedures

    • Safe operation, movement, and setup

    • Emergency protocols and inspection requirements

The theory test ensures learners understand the key principles of safe PAV use before entering the practical stage.

Practical Assessment

  • Under supervision, learners must demonstrate their ability to:

    • Conduct pre-use visual inspections

    • Correctly manoeuvre and position the PAV

    • Safely ascend, descend, and operate at height

    • Follow proper shutdown and emergency lowering procedures