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  • The latest addition to the Andy Access poster and Toolbox Talk series focuses on Nominated Ground Rescue Persons and the importance of their being familiar with
    the MEWP’s auxiliary/emergency lowering systems and the rescue plan that is in place.

  • IPAF representatives will attend Dansk Liftmesse 2023, the first expo focused solely on MEWPs in Denmark, which will be held in Slagelse near Copenhagen on 11-12 May.

  • Featured Campaign

    DON’T FALL FOR IT!

    IPAF’s Don’t Fall For It! safety campaign identifies key causes of falls from the platform, and provides advice about how to avoid associated hazards.

  • IPAF is excited to announce that once again it will be exhibiting at the APEX Show 2026, taking place from 2–4 June 2026 at the MECC in Maastricht, Netherlands.

  • Technical Guidance

    MEWP Safety Alert Protocol

    The purpose of this guidance is to develop a standard approach to the generation and circulation of safety alerts in the MEWP industry.

  • Resources and recording of the webinar that took place on 15 July 2020, with IPAF and guest presenters Kate Pasterfield of Sponge and Darren Verschuren of Serious Labs.

  • This webinar examines the latest IPAF Global Safety Report which is informed by data submitted to IPAF’s Accident Reporting Portal from 2012 to 2023. The webinar examines trends and touches on the culture and approach of capturing and reporting data. IPAF webinar sponsored by Skyjack, Hinowa, Palazzani, inspHire and GemOne.

  • It has come to the attention of IPAF that certain construction hoist manufacturers are marketing equipment, described as ‘transport systems’ or other similar terminology, that look like transport platforms, but with operating speeds and passenger capacities that exceed the limits set for a transport platform in the European standard EN 16719.  

  • The IPAF Summit 2025, in partnership with Access International, focused on going beyond regulations to emphasize the intrinsic benefits of proactive safety leadership, continuous training and a commitment to best practices that protect workers and enhance productivity. Through expert talks, real-world case studies, and interactive discussions, attendees gained practical strategies to create a culture where safety isn’t just a requirement – it’s a core value.    

  • 5862: Do users of mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs) need a PAL Card?

    The employer should ensure that all Operators using the equipment are trained to operate the MCWP, with full knowledge of the controls of the equipment, safety systems and emergency procedures, risk assessment guidance and they are able to carry out pre-use/daily inspections and perform the emergency descent. The employer should also ensure that all Operators receive adequate machine-specific familiarization, which should be conducted by a competent Demonstrator with the correct certifications, to ensure operators understand the specific machine controls and safety systems.

    Demonstrators are persons, with full knowledge on the operating commands of the equipment, they are able to perform the emergency descent, carry out pre-use/daily and weekly inspections and ensuring that these take place.

    In addition, they are trained in the demonstration of MCWP to others in a documented scheme, to ensure Operators understand the specific machine controls and safety systems.

    The responsibility for determining the training needs of persons in respect of safety, and for making the necessary arrangements for training, rests with the individual employer. In the case of self-employed persons, the responsibility rests with themselves.

    IPAF training programs include MCWP Operator and MCWP Demonstrator, and its successful completion at an IPAF-approved training center leads to a PAL Card, the highest international standard of quality training.

  • The IPAF Global Safety Report 2025, covering 2015 - 2024 data, analyses the main causes of serious injuries and fatalities occurring when using powered access machines to conduct temporary work at height, highlighting the need to gather more near-miss data from across the industry worldwide to help avoid the most common types of serious accident in future.

    Global Safety Report 2025 for website
  • More than 900 industry professionals from no fewer than 66 different countries around the world joined the first-ever digital edition of the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs), with prize-winners announced during the IPAF Summit, originally planned for London in April 2020, but postponed and then moved online owing to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

  • This webinar hosted guest speakers from the hoist and mast climbing industry and was conducted in a relaxed discussion style format. Guests shared their business stories, challenges faced, how they overcame them, and highlighted how membership of IPAF has been pivotal to the success of their business operations.

  • Tony Groat, North America Regional Manager for IPAF, has been honored as Person of the Year at the ALH Awards 2019 in San Diego, California, for his work to promote MEWP safety and training and in developing new US and Canadian standards.

  • Accidents involving Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), Mast Climbing Work Platforms (MCWPs) and Construction Hoists (CHs) may not always make headlines – but every incident, whether minor or serious, holds crucial insight that can help prevent future harm. At IPAF, we believe transparent and consistent accident reporting is the cornerstone of improving safety in the powered access industry.

  • A dedicated representative for the global Mast Climbing Work Platform (MCWP) market has been appointed by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), in a new role created by the organisation to reflect the growth and influence of its MCWP membership base and activities.

  • This webinar (broadcast on 10 February 2021) looks at the role of a MEWP Safe Use Plan in the prevention of accidents involving MEWPs.

  • This webinar examines the latest IPAF Global Safety Report which is informed by data submitted to IPAF’s Accident Reporting Portal from 2012 to 2022. The webinar examines trends and touches on the culture and approach of capturing and reporting data. IPAF webinar sponsored by Skyjack, Hinowa, Palazzani, inspHire and GemOne.

  • 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.

  • This webinar (broadcast on 20 January 2021) examined data from the IPAF accident reporting portal specifically in relation to loading and unloading. Viewers learned how this data informs the content of IPAF’s recently updated Safe Loading & Unloading course to address known hazards and how to prevent them.

  • Presentations & Webinars

    IPAF Webinar: Selecting the Correct MEWP

    This webinar (broadcast on 24 March 2021) looks at the importance of selecting the correct MEWP for the job to enable work to be carried out safely and effectively. Presenters: Brian Parker, Head of Safety & Technical (IPAF), Mark Keily, QHSE Director (Sunbelt Rentals Limited) and Paul Roddis, Training Manager (IPAF).

  • Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.

    We appreciate your support during this time and ask you to visit www.ipaf.org/covid19 regularly for updates from IPAF. Please contact us at info@ipaf.org or your nearest IPAF office for any inquiries about this.

  • IPAF is proud to return to Vertikal Days 2025 as the official visitor registration sponsor and exhibitor. Visitors can find IPAF at Stand 426, where the federation will showcase its 2025 global safety campaign focused on preventing MEWP overturns: a critical issue impacting the powered access industry worldwide.

  • The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has launched a major new website, featuring a complete design overhaul, more interactive menus and an intuitive interface that automatically picks up a user’s region and language settings.

  • Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) can be used in confined areas, or near overhead structures. When travelling or when elevated there is a risk that the operator or the platform occupant may come in contact with an overhead obstruction. This could result in crushing or entrapment of that person.

  • The North America Regional Council (NARC) of IPAF has selected Ebbe Christensen of ReachMaster to succeed Teresa Kee of United Rentals as Chair of the Council. Jeff Stachowaik of Sunbelt Rentals, Forrest Hester of Tutus and Matthew Eckstine of Haulotte also joined the council at its latest meeting March 7 at the Miami Hilton Downtown hotel.