IPAF training centres set record
Gap closed on half a million valid PAL Cards
By International Powered Access Federation
A total of 127,365 people were trained by IPAF-approved training centres in 2013. This is an increase of 12.8% over the 112,887 people trained in 2012. Training available from IPAF-approved centres includes operator courses for which a PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) is issued, and harness and management courses for which a certificate is issued.
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) issued a record 121,744 PAL Cards worldwide through its approved training centres in 2013, an increase of 12.7% over the 108,065 PAL Cards issued in 2012.
A valid PAL Card is proof that the cardholder has been trained to operate powered access equipment safely and effectively. PAL Cards can be issued in standard or Smart PAL Card (machine-readable) versions. They are valid for five years and can be verified online at www.ipaf.org. IPAF’s PAL Card operator training programme is certified by TÜV as conforming to ISO 18878. At the end of 2013, IPAF had 1,037 members and 615 training centres worldwide.
“IPAF members and training centres are to be congratulated for continuing the success of these industry-led voluntary training programmes and safety initiatives,” said IPAF CEO Tim Whiteman. “We anticipate that we will hit the mark of half a million valid PAL Cards sometime this year. Projects recently launched, such as the global rollout of management courses, the introduction of PAL+ advanced operator training and the eLearning module, promise exciting times for IPAF and the industry.”
About the Author
IPAF is the parent organization of North America's Aerial Work Platform Training (AWPT). Both are not-for-profit member organizations that promote the safe and effective use of powered access equipment. Find more information at www.ipaf.org.
