IPAF’s ePAL mobile application for operators of MEWPs and MCWPs has been recognised by Lift & Access magazine in the US, being awarded a prestigious LLEAP Gold accolade in the Aftermarket Support Products & Services category.

The introduction of the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking scheme has been pushed back by a further two years, in a move that will allow CE-marked (EU standard) products to continue to be sold into Great Britain markets until 31 December 2024.

IPAF has issued the following statement concerning the use of the platform emergency stop function in MEWPs following safety alert JCPT2223RTB issued by Multiplex on 21 November 2022, and the response from the manufacturer of the MEWP referenced.

IPAF Representatives showcased MEWP safety guidance, including the importance of quality operator training, correct use of PFPE and the Don’t Fall For It! safety campaign – designed to prevent falls from the platform – at OSH India 2022 in Mumbai.

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backing the Access Industry Forum’s (AIF) campaign to retain existing UK Work at Height safety regulations, set to be repealed before the end of 2023.

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’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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A campaign emphasising the importance of working safely to avoid falls from the platform when using MEWPs has been launched by IPAF at its 2022 Summit in London, UK.

A new IPAF presidential team has been confirmed, with Karin Nars of Dinolift officially invested as the federation’s first woman President at its 2022 AGM, held for the first time in three years as a physical meeting following the restrictions of the pandemic.

New guidance outlining some of the principles and risk mitigations when using MEWPs to work at height in public areas and alongside roads has been published by IPAF.

Around 450 industry professionals gathered at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel, Kensington, London, UK, on 10 March to toast the winners of the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs), Jointly organised by Access International and IPAF. IPAF Summit & IAPAs to be held in Germany in 2023, event hears.

IPAF members have been urged to consider signing an official HM Government petition backing construction-industry pleas for Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, to postpone a planned withdrawal of the red diesel rebate in the UK at the end of March.

IPAF experienced a strong 2021, with a cautious approach to spending combining with a record year for training and membership to contribute to a year-end surplus, marking a robust rebound from the worst of the pandemic, according to its latest Annual Report.

Eagle Platforms has become the latest Sustaining Member of IPAF, with the UK rental and training company joining a list including Alimak, Aon, APEX, Haulotte and Riwal.