A healthy future is predicted for the powered access industry, despite a backdrop of global uncertainty and probable economic slowdown, according to several speakers
at the recent IPAF Summit 2019, held for the first time in Dubai, UAE, on 6 March.

Adopting digital technology, utilising big data and embracing Lean management techniques to deliver streamlined depots were among the themes of this year’s IPAF Summit, held at the Radisson Blu Deira Creek Hotel, Dubai, on 6 March 2019.

IPAF experienced a strong year in 2018, growing across the board in membership, training delivery, turnover and territories covered, reversing its 2017 deficit through efficiencies and cost controls, leading to revenues increasing by 8.5% year-on-year.

A more robust system of reporting workplace falls overseen by a new independent body and a review of work at height culture that will consider the introduction of financial penalties for safety breaches are among the key findings of an All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) inquiry into safety while working at height in the UK.

The speakers for this year’s IPAF Summit in Dubai, UAE, on 6 March have been announced, with Matt Fearon, Genie President, and Peter Schrader, MD of Zeppelin Rental, among the names confirmed. Those wishing to attend the IAPAs dinner and presentation ceremony are reminded the early-bird discount expires on 31 January.

IPAF has agreed an official memorandum of understanding, committing to close co-operation with one of India’s leading occupational health & safety bodies, which was signed at the OSH India safety event in Mumbai at the end of November 2018.

IPAF has announced a ground-breaking agreement with member firm United Rentals, Inc, owner of the largest powered access rental fleet in the world. Following extensive evaluation, United Rentals is now able to deliver IPAF Certified mobile elevated work platform (MEWP), also known as AWP, operator training delivered through its United Academy blended learning platform.

With the new ANSI standards set for publication on December 10, new guidance for companies or individuals that are seeking to become compliant with North American standards has been published by IPAF, with specific reference to how new CSA/ANSI standards will affect manufacturers, dealers, owners and users of MEWPs.

From 2019, the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) will be able to offer the CSCS logo on its internationally recognised PAL Card operator licence in the UK, in line with a requirement from Build UK stipulating that access to construction sites should be restricted to holders of accredited licences or recognised competency cards.

Booking is now open for the annual IPAF Summit, which in 2019 will be held for the first time in the Middle East, and at the same time nominations for the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs) have opened via www.iapa-summit.info