The International Powered Access Federation’s training program last month passed the ISO 18878:2004 mobile elevating work platforms operator training standard, the only organization to do so to this point. IPAF passed the audit review of training administration, content and implementation.

IPAF also passed the ISO 9001:2000 standard, relating to good quality management practices for organizations. IPAF has been independently audited against this standard since 2003.

Auditor David Willcocks from ISOQUAR found IPAF to be “a very methodically run organization. No actual improvement opportunities were identified, which is a good reflection of IPAF’s level of internal auditing and management of their system. Staff, as always, are confident and competent in their duties and are very helpful.”

ISO 19978 refers specifically to the correct procedures to run a platform operator training program. The IPAF PAL Card operator training program conforms to this standard.

“The conformity to all the requirements of ISO 18878:2004 was completely affirmed,” wrote audit team leader Paul Latham. “Implementation of the standard’s requirements is plausible and suitable, and could be reliably ascertained during the audit.”

The audit report highlighted positive aspects such as IPAF’s experience and involvement with technical committees, manufacturers, associations and other interested parties; maturity of operational controls and ongoing development; strong surveillance system; clear customer focus; and team approach to improvements involving training centers and customers.

More than 80,000 people are expected to be trained by IPAF-approved training centers this year and to be awarded the IPAF PAL Card as proof of training.

IPAF is based in Milnthorpe, England.