IPAF launches 2018 safety campaign at Intermat

IPAF Stand at Intermat 2018, Paris

A campaign emphasising the importance of planning ahead for safety when conducting temporary work at height using Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) has been launched by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) at the Intermat 2018 expo in Paris, France, 23-28 April.

IPAF’s safety campaign for 2018-19 outlines why operators and managers should carry out full risk assessments, choose the correct equipment for the job, conduct site and machinery inspections, use trained and familiarised operators under proper supervision and implement adequate segregation from other plant machinery and traffic.

Tim Whiteman, CEO of IPAF, comments: “Falls from height are still the main cause of deaths in the workplace. MEWPs are specifically designed to safely conduct temporary work at height and have been recognised as such by safety bodies across the globe.

“Working safely at height using MEWPs is underpinned by good planning, trained and properly supervised operators using the correct machine for the job. IPAF’s latest campaign is all about reminding people of the importance of proper planning – safety at height begins before you’ve even left the ground.”

Andrew Delahunt, IPAF’s Technical & Safety Director, says: “From IPAF’s accident data analysis, we’ve identified four key accident causes that can result in falls from the MEWP platform. These accidents can be prevented by proper planning and safely managing the use of MEWPs. We are highlighting these factors so that managers and operators know the risks and know their responsibilities.”

The key points of guidance in the campaign cover: Risky operator behaviour; exiting the platform at height; setting up near other machinery or vehicles; and mechanical failure. To support IPAF’s new safety campaign a new online spreader pad calculator has been launched at pads.ipaf.org, while IPAF also offers Andy Access safety posters that can be used to deliver quick and simple safety talks on sites or in breakrooms and is also developing a series of Toolbox Talks to help get key messages across.

For more on the new safety campaign, the latest developments on legislation and standards, the enhanced IPAF training offer or to pick up the latest safety and technical guidance materials, come and visit IPAF on stand BC009 in Hall 6 on 23-28 April. Don’t forget to look out for IPAF’s larger-than-life Andy Access mascot around the Intermat show site, pointing visitors towards the IPAF stand, where there will also be a state-of-the-art MEWP simulator for delegates to try their hand at MEWP operations without ever leaving the ground. More details can be found via www.ipaf.org/events

Other news you might be interested in

  • 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.

  • The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) proudly announces the release of its Annual Report for the year 2023, encapsulating a year of remarkable achievements and substantial growth across various sectors of the powered access industry. This comprehensive report provides insights into IPAF's activities, key initiatives, and statistical highlights, showcasing its unwavering commitment to safety, innovation, and industry excellence.

  • IPAF Elevando España and the IPAF PDS successfully took place in Seville at the AC Hotel Sevilla Forum by Marriott, unfolding on February 15th and 16th and attracting more than 125 attendees. IPAF Elevando commenced in the afternoon, followed by the PDS for instructors the following day. The central theme remained "How to increase safety and professionalism in the sector and quality training." This marks the third edition of IPAF Elevando in Spain.