IPAF Health & Fitness Statement

To use powered access equipment safely, operators must be able to read and understand safety signs, warning labels, and the information contained in the manufacturer’s instruction manual that is supplied with the equipment. This means good literacy and language skills are essential for anyone using the equipment. Employers and those with responsibilities for supervision should determine individual needs and challenges with reading or language and provide this information in a comprehensible way. 

Similarly, as the assembly and use of powered access equipment can be physically demanding, the employer should determine potential operators’ physical suitability and any risks unique to that individual. Employers should be aware of the following, which could require additional controls to allow employees to operate safely: reading, language, eyesight, hearing, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, fear of heights / vertigo, giddiness / difficulty with balance, impaired limb function, alcohol or drug dependence or psychiatric illness. 

If individuals have problems with literacy or language comprehension or have doubts about their fitness to use powered access equipment safely, they must inform their employer. When undertaking powered access equipment training, the individual must inform their instructor/facilitator. Employers and/or instructors/facilitators must then assess the individuals capabilities and, where relevant, introduce adequate measures to safely manage the persons use of powered access equipment – many circumstances are common and as long as adequate measures are in place, should not prevent the use of powered access equipment.