IPAF welcomes the introduction of a new International Standard regarding MEWP operator’s controls. ISO 21455:2020 has been published and culminates a decade of work from IPAF and its members, and the UK HSE, to standardize the actuation, displacement, location and method of operation of MEWP controls.

IPAF is pleased to welcome Alimak Group, the global mast-climbing work platform (MCWP) and construction hoist manufacturer, as its fourth Sustaining Member.

IPAF has confirmed that it has updated one of its most widely used global safety stickers for use on MEWPs – launching an important redesign of the decal that is applied to machines to indicate where the auxiliary lowering controls are located.

A new course aimed at demonstrating how to perform a site assessment and select the correct mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) to carry out the job has been launched by IPAF, which can be completed at a Training Centre or remotely via eLearning.

A special Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) control test rig has been travelling the world since its debut at the APEX 2017 event in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in May, and most recently has been on three major UK construction sites to gather data to help the global standards body make recommendations as to the best way to standardise MEWP controls worldwide.

IPAF Members are being offered financial assistance to help them during the ongoing pandemic. IPAF is providing a 25% discount on the 2020 membership fee against the cost of 2021 fees and is bringing forward its annual rebate for Training Centres.

IPAF held a safety and technology-focused event in Changsha, China, in May, drawing key players from China’s mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) industry. This regional event, sponsored by Hunan Sinoboom Intelligent Equipment and Haulotte China, emphasized the importance of safe operations and innovation in MEWP usage.

The IPAF Summit and the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs) is a perennial highlight of the powered access calendar, and in 2018 the event returns to Miami, hosted at the Hilton Miami Downtown, Florida, US. Don’t miss out on the access industry’s most important annual celebration, combining great educational and networking opportunities, with the traditional IPAF networking event on the eve of the conference on 7 March, the Summit and IAPAs gala dinner on 8 March, and fascinating site visits on the morning of 9 March.

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 representative to assist IPAF’s members in Spain has been appointed, with Ainara Greño taking up the post as Spain Regional Manager with immediate effect.

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 heading to Santiago, Chile, to take part in CONEXPO Latin America, for the major construction and infrastructure trade show that will be hosted on October 2-5.

The next in a series of free online workshops and webinars hosted IPAF will look at the importance of selecting the correct MEWP for the job to enable work to be carried out safely and effectively. The webinar will be broadcast on 24 March at 12pm GMT.

In response to new safety requirements due to COVID-19 and following IPAF’s guidance to training centres, Nationwide platforms has successfully completed an online instructor-led MEWPs for Managers course for construction contractor Skanska.

Members of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) command unparalleled influence on global industry regulation and standards, safety messaging and technical and training expertise, as analysis of this year’s Access 50 power list shows that together the organisation’s largest member companies control well in excess of half a million Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) between them.

Andy Studdert, interim CEO and MD of IPAF, has used his closing remarks at the Europlatform 2019 conference in Nice, France, to pay tribute to departed IPAF President Brad Boehler, who stepped down after leaving his role at Skyjack recently.