Aerial platform certificate (IS-005)

An aerial platform certificate proves you can work safely with a boom or scissor lift. On petrochemical and industrial sites the IS-005 training within the VCA system is the de facto standard; elsewhere a recognised aerial platform course under wellbeing legislation suffices.

When do you need it?

As soon as you work with a scissor lift or telescopic platform: during assembly, maintenance, inspections or installation work at height. As with forklifts, the law does not require a specific diploma but does require demonstrable training and suitability. Large industrial sites, certainly in the port of Antwerp and (petro)chemicals, concretely require the IS-005 certificate taken and registered through recognised exam centres.

What do you learn?

The training combines theory (stability, wind force, fall protection, risks of power lines) with practice on the machine type. There are categories according to platform type; your certificate states which. Count on one day for experienced users, longer for beginners, plus harness training where fall protection is required.

Worth it?

For maintenance technicians, fitters and service technicians the certificate is a small investment with direct return: many sites simply do not admit you without it. Employers usually pay for the training; ask about it during your job interview.