A total of 112,887 people were trained by International Powered Access Federation-approved training centers in 2012, an increase of 11.3 percent compared with the 101,457 people trained in 2011. Training available from IPAF-approved centers includes operator courses for which a PAL Card (Powered Access License, or Powered Access Licensed-Registration in North America) is issued, and management courses for which a certificate is issued.
IPAF issued a record 108,065 PAL Cards worldwide through its approved training centers in 2012, an increase of about 10.8 percent over the 97,488 PAL Cards issued in 2011.
A valid PAL Card is proof that the cardholder has been trained to operate powered access equipment safely and effectively. PAL Cards are valid for five years and can be verified online at www.ipaf.org.
At the end of 2012, IPAF had 973 members. The organization, which now has more than half the membership based outside the U.K., celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2013. Its membership continues to grow in places such as the United States, Brazil and Southeast Asia.
“IPAF members and training centers are part of the global movement to ensure the safety of people in the powered access industry,” said IPAF CEO Tim Whiteman. “We are a not-for-profit organization and our thanks and recognition go to our members, contractors and training centers who contribute to the success of these industry-led voluntary training and safety programs.”
