Pictured are the first group of safety officers from Brazilian multinational energy and oil production company Petrobras who just completed IPAF operator training.

Petrobras, the Brazilian multinational energy and oil production company with headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, has for the first time had a group of safety officers complete the International Powered Access Federation operator training at the plant in Rio de Janeiro.

Petrobras intends to establish high training standards for platform operators in all its plants across Brazil and is evaluating the IPAF course. It is one of the largest companies in Latin America in terms of market capitalization and revenue.

The operator course was delivered by IPAF-approved training center Mills Rental. On the day of the training, Romina Vanzi, IPAF’s representative in Latin America, visited the Petrobras plant together with Marcelo Yamane, technical manager of Mills Rental.

“Oil refineries are another important work at height sector, where safety and best practice are paramount,” said Vanzi. “We are pleased that Petrobras recognizes the high quality of the IPAF operator training program and that it is raising the standard for operator training across all its plants.”

Those who successfully complete the IPAF training receive a Powered Access Licence Card, which is valid for five years. The PAL Card is proof of training and shows the machine categories that the holder has been trained to operate.

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