The International Powered Access Federation training program last week announced it would adopt new mobile elevating work platforms (MEWP) categories beginning Jan. 1. The category change does not affect the training received, and existing PAL Cards (Powered Access Licences) remain valid as specified. Existing PAL Cardholders do not need to get their cards changed.

IPAF revised the categories in its training program to align with the international standards prEN 280 and ISO DIS 16368 — standards that regulate the design and manufacture of access platforms worldwide.

The new IPAF categories, with abbreviations and brief explanations, are:

· Static Vertical (1a): Vertical personnel platforms (static)
· Static Boom (1b): Self-propelled booms (outriggers), trailers/push-arounds, vehicle-mounted platforms
· Mobile Vertical (3a): Scissorlifts, vertical personnel platforms (mobile)
· Mobile Boom (3b): Self-propelled booms
· Special (SPECIAL): Airport equipment

The following courses continue unchanged:
· Mast Climbing Work Platforms (MC)
· Insulated Aerial Devices (IAD)
· Telehandler Platforms – Integrated (TPI)
· Harness Use and Inspection (H)
· Loading and Unloading (LOAD)
· MEWPs for Managers (MM)

Current PAL Cardholders who need to replace lost cards will be issued duplicate cards with the original categories they have been trained in. This is because the categories listed on the PAL Card reflect the training received. Those who re-train or do upgrades from Jan. 1 onwards will be issued cards with the new categories.

Site managers can check the validity of PAL Cards by calling the IPAF office.

“More than a quarter of a million people worldwide hold a valid PAL Card,” said IPAF managing director Tim Whiteman. “Details on the new categories can be found at the training section of www.ipaf.org. Posters showing the categories are also available from IPAF and we are happy to send these out to people who want them.”

IPAF is a not-for-profit members’ organization that promotes the safe and effective use of powered access equipment. Members include rental companies, manufacturers, distributors and equipment owners.

The IPAF training program for operators of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) is certified by TüV as conforming to ISO 18878. More than 50,000 people are trained each year through a worldwide network of more than 250 IPAF-approved training centers. Successful trainees are awarded the PAL Card, which is recognized by the Major Contractors Group (MCG) and in many countries as proof of platform operator training.