The training program that AWPT will provide is modeled on the successful one developed by IPAF in Europe. As in other countries where is had been introduced, the program will be tailored by industry experts to meet the specific needs of state and federal requirements including ANSI, OSHA, CSA and others.
In North America, Dennis Eckstine, president of Eckstine & Associates, will help develop the training curriculum for AWPT. During his 27 years in the lift equipment industry, Eckstine has served as chairman of the International Standards Organization committees on work platforms and mobile cranes, and has been on the National Commission for Certification of Crane Operators.
Upon successful completion of the training program, AWPT will issue a PAL (Powered Access License) card stating that the recipient has been trained in the safe operation of a particular type of aerial work platform. To date, more than 100,000 AWP operators carry a PAL card issued by one of the more than 150 IPAF training centers worldwide.
According to Eckstine, “Operator training is good business for everyone. Not only does it provide added worker safety, effective work at height adds to corporate profitability by reducing downtime, lowering insurance premiums, minimizing damage to machines, providing greater protection from civil and criminal liability, as well as the greater productivity you get from a highly skilled workforce.”
IPAF’s global goal is to promote increased aerial work platform use by encouraging best practice in the design, manufacture and safe use of the products.
