The International Awards for Powered Access 2024 (IAPAs) held on the evening of March 14 at the Scandic Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark, showcased excellence, safety, sustainability, and innovation within the powered access sector. Organised jointly by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and Access International Magazine, the event gathered over 420 attendees from across the industry to recognise outstanding achievements across various categories.
Powered access equipment rental companies on the island of Ireland will be required to achieve an internationally-recognised quality standard as a condition of membership of the international organisation for operators of mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), in a drive to improve safety and quality.
IPAF announced the extension of its online training to the Chinese market as delegates gathered in Shanghai for the International Rental Conference Asia and the Apex Asia trade show.
Comprehensive new guidance outlining key principles and ways to reduce risks when using MEWPs in the vicinity of power lines, with the aim of helping to reduce electrocution and electric shock incidents, has been launched by IPAF at Conexpo.
A dedicated event aimed at providing a networking space for women working in powered access will be hosted by IPAF during APEX 2023 in Maastricht, Netherlands, as part of IPAF’s ongoing Women in Powered Access initiative.
Speakers have been announced for the IPAF Summit 2023, to be held in Berlin, Germany, on 20 April. The theme of the IPAF Summit has been confirmed as “The Future” – a look ahead to challenges and opportunities in powered access worldwide.
Rental companies looking to market quality service and safety to contractors in major construction, infrastructure, aviation and oil and gas across the Middle East have been introduced to IPAF Rental+ scheme with a special presentation in Dubai.
A ‘save the date’ notice has been issued by IPAF that its Asia Conference & Showcase 2023 will be held in Bangkok,Thailand, on 3-4 August. This year will see the second in-person event since the pandemic, following a successful return in Singapore last July.
End users are reminded to check the validity of IPAF PAL Cards for operators of MEWPs, MCWPs and construction hoists, in order to beat any would-be fraudster attempting to circumvent the robust systems in place to help keep work sites safe.
A global safety campaign aimed at reducing electrocutions while using MEWPs will be launched at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG show in Las Vegas, NV, March 14-18, by IPAF.
IPAF are being urged to email their local MP to ask them to intervene to help save the UK Work at Height safety regulations, set to be repealed as part of a “bonfire of EU laws” by the end of 2023, after IPAF’s CEO wrote to a selection of MPs on the issue.
The IAPAs 2023 shortlists have been announced, after a panel of five industry experts selected the best of the 120 entrants across 13 award categories earlier this week. The final winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on 20 April in Berlin, Germany.
The first rental company in Ireland to join the IPAF Rental+ scheme has been presented with its certification by Damien O’Connor, IPAF’s Irish Country Manager.
Revised safety guidance has been published outlining how to reduce risks of trapping and crushing incidents when using MEWPs. It is available to download free of charge.
Around 400 Singapore industry stakeholders have participated in a webinar and members’ meeting hosted by IPAF in November. The webinar was followed by an in-person dinner and networking session for all IPAF Singapore members.
IPAF has issued a further update in regard to industry concerns around the use of the platform emergency stop function in MEWPs following another meeting of its training, safety and technical experts, representatives of its Training Committee, International Safety Committee and Manufacturers’ Technical Committee on 13 December.
Tony Groat, IPAF’s North America Regional Manager, is the new Chair of the SAIA’s MEWP Council, replacing Forrest Hester, who steps down after five years in the role.
A new chair has been named for IPAF’s North American Regional Council with Brian Clark, Director of Product Support at Sunbelt Rentals, replacing Ebbe Christensen, CEO & President of Ruthmann Reachmaster, after his extended period as chair.
It has been a notable year for IPAF across the Nordic and Baltic regions, with demand for quality training from Tier 1 construction contractors and the recognition of IPAF President Karin Nars both credited as contributing towards record-breaking numbers.
IPAF has announced it has appointed a new representative covering Ireland and Northern Ireland, following a year of rapid growth in membership and training delivery across the region. Damien O’Connor will take up the post in January 2023.
IPAF’s Women in Powered Access initiative invites women of all ages in a variety of roles to share their inspiring stories, to help showcase and celebrate the opportunities the industry offers. Here we focus on women working in a range of training roles.
Across 2022 a host of new Toolbox Talks and Andy Access safety posters have been issued by IPAF, including briefings on: Safe MCWP and construction hoist loading; MCWP and construction hoist rescue planning; assessing MEWP tyre condition; and how to prevent Falls From Height – part of IPAF’s Don’t Fall for It! safety campaign.
IPAF is backing the Access Industry Forum’s (AIF) campaign to retain existing UK Work at Height safety regulations, set to be repealed before the end of 2023.
CRUSHING CAN KILL - STAY ALERT, STAY ALIVE
Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) are often used to carry out work in areas where there are risks of crushing or entrapment to the platform occupants. Any activity involving MEWPs must be planned and properly managed. Failure to do so can result in injury or death of the platform occupants.
