Aerial Work Platform Training Inc. last week announced that it has certified four new North American training centers. Centers run by Haulotte U.S. in Hanover, Md., JLG Industries, McConnellsburg, Pa., and SkyJack Inc. in Guelph, Ontario and in the Chicago area, have been authorized by AWPT officials.

AWPT is the North American subsidiary of the International Powered Access Federation. Both organizations are not-for-profit entities dedicated to providing comprehensive training in the safe use of aerial work platforms. AWPT training is modeled on the training plan developed in Europe by IPAF, which is certified as meeting the ISO 18878 international standard on operator training. The training is tailored by industry experts to meet state and federal requirements including ANSI and OSHA standards, as well as Canadian government regulations.

The curriculum includes a mix of theory, practice and testing to ensure that the training is understood. Program graduates receive a powered access license card, indicating they have taken the training and are qualified to operate a specific piece of equipment.

“Operator training is good business for everyone,” said AWPT vice president Dennis Eckstine. “Not only does it provide increased safety, trained workers perform overhead work more effectively, adding to corporate profitability by reducing downtime, lowering insurance premiums, minimizing damage to machines and providing greater protection from civil and criminal liability.”

AWPT is based in Rouzerville, Pa.