Signaling increased cooperation between the International Powered Access Federation, it’s North American subsidiary Aerial Work Platform Training Inc., and the Scaffold Industry Association, Tim Whiteman, managing director of IPAF, was recently elected to SIA’s board of directors.

“I look forward to deepening our partnership with the SIA and making the lift and access industry a safer world,” said Whiteman.

Last year SIA and IPAF/AWPT reached an agreement designed to help improve safety in the lift and access industry through better and more consistent training. Under the Agreement, SIA recognizes and promotes the PAL Card (Powered Access Licensed-Registration Card) issued by AWPT as proof of training in the use of aerial work platforms and mast climbing work platforms. For its part, AWPT offers preferred rates and terms to SIA members wishing to operate as approved training centers.

SIA members, many of whom already provide training in scaffolding and suspended access, were looking to introduce training for access equipment. AWPT, with its widely recognized industry-training program, was the natural choice as a partner in this effort.

“Mr. Whiteman’s election to our board of directors, along with our recent partnership with AWPT/IPAF, continues the SIA advance into the international access arena,” said John Miller, SIA president.

Since 1972, SIA has protected and promoted scaffold and access companies with an emphasis on safety, training and education. The organization currently has ten active councils at work, each customized to address specific scaffold and access equipment issues while working closely with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration on both the federal and state level.