IPAF Releases New Rail Guidance at APEX Show 2026
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has launched new industry guidance in Dutch in collaboration with ProRail: “The Safe Use of Aerial Work Platforms Near Railway Infrastructures.”
The new industry guidance – launched today at the APEX Show 2026 – has been created following a fatal train incident that occurred in Dalfsen, Netherlands, in which a train derailed following a collision with a MEWP.
Unveiled during a dedicated session on indoor stand 210 at the show today (2 June), the guidance addresses critical risks associated with operating MEWPs near rail environments. It provides practical recommendations to help prevent collisions, improve planning, and ensure safer coordination between rail operators and MEWP users.
Brian Parker, IPAF’s Head of Safety & Technical, said:
“This new guidance has been developed to address the real and often underestimated risks of operating MEWPs near live railways. By working closely with ProRail, we can provide practical, experience-led recommendations that will help save lives and improve planning, communication, and safe systems of work across the rail sector.
“This guidance is not only relevant to those working in the Netherlands, but to anyone operating near railway infrastructure worldwide. The next step is therefore to translate the document into multiple languages and adapt it to the regulations applicable there, so that this information also becomes accessible to a global audience."
Saskia Papenhuijzen, Director of Safety at ProRail, added:
“Working with aerial work platforms near the railway involves additional and complex risks. That is why safety must start with thorough preparation. Safe working around the railway is a shared responsibility – clear agreements and timely coordination with ProRail are essential to manage risks and prevent incidents.
“Unfortunately, even after 'Dalfsen', we still see incidents on and near the railway with heavy equipment too often. This factsheet increases safety awareness in this specific industry and helps with proper preparation of work. Working safely, also in the vicinity of the railway, is something we really do together. Clear agreements and thinking carefully about the risks are very important. Ultimately, we all have the same goal: that everyone who works on the railway goes home safe and healthy every day."
This important publication reinforces IPAF’s commitment to learning from real-world incidents and translating those lessons into actionable safety guidance for the industry.
At the show, IPAF is also launching its 2026 Global Safety Campaign Check It! focused on improving safety when working at height by promoting effective inspections, servicing, and maintenance of powered access equipment.
For the first time at APEX, IPAF is hosting live outdoor demonstrations every day in the heart of the outside exhibitor area on stand 1240, delivering practical sessions focused on real-world safety scenarios. The four demonstrations bring key guidance to life, covering: pre-use inspections and ePAL app checks; pedestrian control of MEWPs; recovery and rescue from a MEWP; and practical test demos for a scissor lift and boom lift.
Live demonstration schedule at APEX (2-4 June, outdoor stand 1240)
- Demo area 1 (10.30-10.50am): Pre-use Checks and ePAL Checks
Learn the essential steps for carrying out effective pre-use inspections of MEWPs, including how to utilise the ePAL app to ensure equipment is safe, compliant, and ready for operation. - Demo area 2 (11.30-11.50am): Pedestrian Control of MEWPs
This demonstration highlights the safe practices when using a MEWP in pedestrian control mode, focusing on hazard awareness, communication, and risk control methods. - Demo area 3 (1pm-1.20pm on 2 June and 2pm-2.20pm on 3-4 June): Recovery and Rescue from a MEWP
Discover best practice techniques for safely recovering a MEWP from the elevated position and for carrying out an effective rescue of an operator when a platform that is unable to be lowered. - Demo area 4 (3pm-3.20pm): Practical Test Demo – Scissor/Boom
Get an insight into the practical assessment process for MEWP operators, showcasing key skills required to safely operate both scissor lifts and boom lifts in real-world scenarios.
Tomorrow, on 3 June, between 9.30 and 9.30am, IPAF will host a Women in Powered Access (WiPA) networking breakfast, providing a networking space for women working across powered access.
Peter Douglas, CEO and Managing Director of IPAF, commented:
“APEX is a key event for our industry, and it provides an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with members and stakeholders. From live demonstrations to the launch of critical new guidance, our focus remains on improving safety outcomes and supporting the industry with practical, real-world solutions.”
