The IPAF Safety Experience comes to bauma

The IPAF Safety Experience at the bauma 2010 construction show (19 to 25 April) will feature a lively, dynamic, walk-through learning experience on what powered access is and how to use it safely and effectively. The IPAF display of about 800 square metres, made possible with the support of the bauma organisers, is in the Outdoor Area F10, Stand N1016/1 at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre. It will feature various demonstrations built around the themes of safety and best practice.

“In many parts of Europe, for example in Germany, powered access is still under-utilised,” said IPAF managing director Tim Whiteman. “Falls from height are still the biggest single cause of fatal accidents in the construction sector – powered access is a good way of solving this problem. The IPAF stand at bauma will make clear the benefits of powered access and how to use such equipment safely.”

Themes to be featured at the IPAF Safety Experience at bauma are:

“No ladders”: MEWPs are safer, more productive and more economical to use
Why use ladders and traditional methods of access, when MEWPs offer a safe and economical way to work at height? Professional animateurs will illustrate this in a lively show. The IPAF stand will also highlight the results of a comprehensive study by a major contractor.

Ground conditions: Why should spreader plates be used?
In a simple yet effective sketch, actors will make clear why it is vital to check ground conditions before starting work and how spreader plates should be used.

Click Clack: “Only dummies don’t wear harnesses on booms”
An IPAF Design Prize will be awarded to the best-designed harness for female operators. This is an ongoing competition and all entries must be received by 15 March 2010. Entries should be submitted in English on the official entry form available at www.ipaf.org

PAL Card goes smart
How can site managers ensure that platform operators have actually been trained to operate the categories of machine they are using? Find out how information technology makes machine access and site checks more efficient.

Rescue at height
Trained and qualified personnel will demonstrate emergency escape from a large vehicle-mounted platform through abseiling.

IPAF’s training programme for operators of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) is certified by TÜV as conforming to ISO 18878. Through a worldwide network of over 330 IPAF-approved training centres, more than 80,000 people are trained each year to work safely and effectively with platforms.

Those who successfully complete training are awarded a safety guide, a log book, a certificate and a PAL Card (Powered Access Licence). The PAL Card is valid for five years from the date of training and shows the equipment categories that the holder has been trained to operate. The PAL Card is recognised across industries and in many countries as proof that the holder has been trained to work with platforms safely.

Visitors can also find out more about IPAF at the stand of the Berufsgenossenschaft (German professional safety body).

The IPAF Manufacturers’ Technical Committee will meet on 21 April 2010 at 14:00 at the IPAF stand. All IPAF events around bauma, including the IPAF Press Conference and Stand Reception, will be listed at ipaf.org/events