The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) announces the launch of its new Construction Hoist (CH) Installer and Advanced Installer Training Courses. These courses are designed to equip operatives with the necessary knowledge and skills to safely install, maintain, examine, and dismantle construction hoists, adhering to legal obligations and industry best practices.
The International Awards for Powered Access 2024 (IAPAs) held on the evening of March 14 at the Scandic Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark, showcased excellence, safety, sustainability, and innovation within the powered access sector. Organised jointly by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and Access International Magazine, the event gathered over 420 attendees from across the industry to recognise outstanding achievements across various categories.
Powered access equipment rental companies on the island of Ireland will be required to achieve an internationally-recognised quality standard as a condition of membership of the international organisation for operators of mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), in a drive to improve safety and quality.
IPAF announced the extension of its online training to the Chinese market as delegates gathered in Shanghai for the International Rental Conference Asia and the Apex Asia trade show.
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.
It has been a notable year for IPAF across the Nordic and Baltic regions, with demand for quality training from Tier 1 construction contractors and the recognition of IPAF President Karin Nars both credited as contributing towards record-breaking numbers.
IPAF has announced it has appointed a new representative covering Ireland and Northern Ireland, following a year of rapid growth in membership and training delivery across the region. Damien O’Connor will take up the post in January 2023.
IPAF’s Women in Powered Access initiative invites women of all ages in a variety of roles to share their inspiring stories, to help showcase and celebrate the opportunities the industry offers. Here we focus on women working in a range of training roles.
Across 2022 a host of new Toolbox Talks and Andy Access safety posters have been issued by IPAF, including briefings on: Safe MCWP and construction hoist loading; MCWP and construction hoist rescue planning; assessing MEWP tyre condition; and how to prevent Falls From Height – part of IPAF’s Don’t Fall for It! safety campaign.
IPAF is backing the Access Industry Forum’s (AIF) campaign to retain existing UK Work at Height safety regulations, set to be repealed before the end of 2023.
IPAF representatives showcased MEWP safety guidance, including the importance of quality operator training, correct use of PFPE and the Don’t Fall For It! safety campaign – designed to prevent falls from the platform – at OSH India 2022 in Mumbai.
IPAF has issued the following statement concerning the use of the platform emergency stop function in MEWPs following safety alert JCPT2223RTB issued by Multiplex on 21 November 2022, and the response from the manufacturer of the MEWP referenced.
The introduction of the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking scheme has been pushed back by a further two years, in a move that will allow CE-marked (EU standard) products to continue to be sold into Great Britain markets until 31 December 2024.
IPAF’s ePAL mobile application for operators of MEWPs and MCWPs has been recognised by Lift & Access magazine in the US, being awarded a prestigious LLEAP Gold accolade in the Aftermarket Support Products & Services category.
IPAF’s ePAL mobile application for operators of MEWPs and MCWPs has now surpassed the milestone of a quarter of a million first-time downloads worldwide.
A safety awareness leaflet has been issued to warn users of MEWPs about the catapult effect, which can cause occupants to be ejected from the platform, leading to serious injury and death, especially if occupants are not wearing the correct PFPE.
IPAF ELEVANDO is set to return as an in-person event for the first time since the pandemic on November 10-11 in Querétaro, Mexico. The event is hosted by IPAF and covers developments in the powered access industry across all of Latin America.
An equality, diversity and inclusion award category has been added to the IAPAs for 2023 – a key objective of IPAF’s ongoing Women in Powered Access Initiative.
Judges for the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs) 2023 have been confirmed. Comprising five long-standing access experts, with a wealth of knowledge across the sector, the independent panel will assess entries across the 12 categories.
An agreement between IPAF and a local chapter of the National Safety Council of India will see the two organisations work together in the state of Kerala to spread awareness about key risks and mitigations when working at height.
After several years’ hiatus owing to the pandemic, IPAF held an in-person Innovate Workshop in Chicago, IL, in conjunction with the ALH Conference in September.
Workers and managers using MEWPs to install and remove seasonal decorations and lights are being urged to download a comprehensive new technical guidance booklet that can help to avoid safety issues and to mitigate the key risks involved.
IPAF is to offer a free webinar aimed at re-establishing full confidence in the safety of MCWPs as a means to offer work at height solutions on all construction-project façade works, following a UK HSE MCWP safety alert that was issued back in May this year.
Representatives of IPAF have paid tribute to “dear friend” Cliff Goring of Alimak, a Senior IPAF Instructor and CAP assessor, who has died following a short illness.
CRUSHING CAN KILL - STAY ALERT, STAY ALIVE
Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) are often used to carry out work in areas where there are risks of crushing or entrapment to the platform occupants. Any activity involving MEWPs must be planned and properly managed. Failure to do so can result in injury or death of the platform occupants.
