A coalition of various organizations — the American Rental Association, the Association of Equipment Distributors, the International Powered Access Federation and the Scaffold Industry Association — have joined forces to create an educational document to clarify what is required for general training and model-specific familiarization of aerial work platform equipment.
The result is the Statement of Best Practices of General Training and Familiarization for Aerial Work Platform Equipment, the first such document application for use by everyone in the industry. The content addresses:
• Educating the industry on industry-recognized-and-supported standards, including the American National Standards Institute/SIA A92 standards and OSHA regulations;
• Presenting best practices and minimal general training guidelines for AWP operators;
• Emphasizing the differences between general training and familiarization to all parties responsible;
• Clarifying minimum qualifications of the trainer.
The purpose of the joint initiative is the increased safe use of AWP equipment and expanded risk management knowledge for use of these machines throughout the U.S.
The statement was unveiled during The Rental Show in Orlando, Fla.
