IPAF Organizes Executive Summit on Aerial Safety

Oct. 31, 2008
The International Powered Access Federation is convening an ‘Executive Summit' on the subject of aerial work platform operator training in Chicago on 11 November, IPAF managing director Tim Whiteman confirmed to RER.

The International Powered Access Federation is convening an ‘Executive Summit' on the subject of aerial work platform operator training in Chicago on 11 November, IPAF managing director Tim Whiteman confirmed to RER. IPAF and its U.S. subsidiary, Aerial Work Platform Training, have invited representatives from the top six rental companies in the U.S, as well as the six major AWP manufacturers in North America to discuss how the industry can agree on minimum level of standardized operator training.

IPAF managing director Tim Whiteman said the meeting had the potential to be one of the most significant ever in the promotion of safe use of aerial platforms in North America. Whiteman added that the impetus for the summit came from the keynote speech at the APEX show in Europe given by Skyjack president Ken McDougall. In his APEX speech, McDougall called for manufacturers to work together to support a "standardized and accredited training program globally.”

IPAF and AWPT have developed a standardized training program that is delivered by independent training centers certified by IPAF/AWPT.