IPAF accredited MEWP operator training expands in Scandinavia

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has helped to bolster operator safety in Finland, after member firm Simeri OY became accredited to deliver PAL Card training for scissor and boom-type lifts at the end of 2018.

Kent Boström, IPAF’s Representative for the Nordic & Baltic regions, comments: “It is great that IPAF member Simeri OY is now able to offer IPAF training leading to the globally recognised PAL Card.

“It was a pleasure to work with them as they went through the rigorous audit process to become an official IPAF Training Centre during the final months of 2018, and already the first training candidates have successfully passed their operator instruction.

“In recent years IPAF training has been experiencing significantly increased demand across Scandinavia, in particular in Denmark, as contractors such as Mace have been demanding PAL Cards for all operators of MEWPs on site for major projects. As a result, IPAF has translated its operator training course into Danish and is receiving many expressions of interest in IPAF training across the whole of Scandinavia.”

Pekka Kolehmainen, owner of Simeri, adds: “Simeri OY has been focusing on safety while working at height for many years, by inspecting and servicing MEWPs and fall protection equipment. Providing IPAF training is a natural next step for us.”