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  • 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.

  • 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.

    Added 19 Jul 2024
    Last updated 15 Apr 2025

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  • 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.

  • 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.

    Added 15 Feb 2021
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  • 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.

  • 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.

    Added 30 Jun 2022
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  • 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.

    Added 26 Jan 2021
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  • 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).

    Added 31 Mar 2021
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  • 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.

    Added 6 Feb 2025
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  • 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.

  • The family of Roger Wickens, this year’s posthumous recipient of the Lifetime Achievement International Award for Powered Access, has been presented with a commemorative glass trophy following the virtual IAPAs ceremony earlier this year.

  • Newly released IPAF Toolbox Talks, designed to share specific safety messages on work sites, are now available. They are two short presentations with supporting Andy Access posters covering the use and inspection of PFPE when using MEWPs.

  • In this webinar broadcasted on 7 July 2021, expert guest speakers examine the three main areas to ensure safe and effective use of MCWPs, covering the entire lifecycle of these machines.

    Added 8 Jul 2021
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  • Featured Campaign

    High Voltage!

    ELECTRICITY CAN KILL - STAY ALERT, STAY ALIVE
    Power lines can kill and are a danger when working at height using mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

    Added 7 Mar 2023
    Last updated 26 Jul 2023

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  • Campaign

    Back to Basics

    IPAF’s ‘Back to Basics’ campaign identifies six recognised potential hazards with Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), also known as Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs), that must be considered if accidents are to be prevented.

    Added 7 Feb 2018
    Last updated 11 May 2018

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  • 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.

  • The first IPAF Approved Training Centre opens in Thailand following the tenth IPAF Asia Conference held in Bangkok. IPAF site visit sponsor Promech Resources leads the way in powered access operator training.

  • Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are specifically designed to lift people to a position where they can work at height safely within the platform.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
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    Do not exit the platform at height