The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) is a global movement to ensure the safety of people in the powered access industry and to keep the industry up to date with the latest technical and safety advice in mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs).
The IPAF operator training programme, initiated by members in 1991, has left its mark on the industry. Since then, operator training is provided by more than 620 approved training centres in 30 countries.
This industry-led training programme is offered by leading manufacturers and rental companies, and requires that accredited partner training centres pass initial, annual and unannounced audits as part of the quality management system. Instructors are certified and undertake ongoing professional development which includes free annual updates to the training materials. Trainees undergo a complete programme backed up with quality checks, accredited instructors, supervised written and practical testing, controlled class sizes and course duration, and a central register of valid cards.
Operators who successfully complete the IPAF training programme after passing a written and a practical test are awarded machine-readable Smart PAL Cards (Powered Access Licences). PAL Cards are valid for five years and show the machine categories that operators have been trained in. More than 100,000 PAL Cards are issued each year through IPAF-approved training centres worldwide. The PAL Card is accepted widely and recognised as proof of high quality platform operator training. The validity of a card can be checked by using the online verification tool at www.ipaf.org/checkpal IPAF promotes the safe and effective use of powered access through a growing range of safety campaigns and initiatives. See www.ipaf.org/safe
Accident reporting: www.ipaf.org/accident IPAF’s accident reporting project collects data on worldwide fatalities MEWPs and MCWPs, with the aim of identifying key causes and developing further safety initiatives.
Spread the load: www.ipaf.org/spreaders This campaign calls for the proper assessment of ground conditions and the correct use of stabilisers, outriggers and spreader plates.
Clunk Click: www.ipaf.org/clunkclick This successful and ongoing campaign has not lost its relevance in calling for all users of boom-type platforms to wear a fullbody harness with a short restraint lanyard attached to a suitable anchor point.
In sum, IPAF promotes the safe and effective use of powered access equipment worldwide in the widest sense – through providing technical advice and information, through influencing and interpreting legislation and standards, through its safety initiatives and training programmes. Join us in keeping the industry safe.
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