Teaming Up for AWP Safety

Enlarge Image Pictured from left to right are: Howard Schapira, SIA president; Tim Whiteman, IPAF managing director; Dennis Eckstine, AWPT vice president; and John Miller, SIA president-elect.

August 17, 2005 — Two industry groups recently took another step toward improving safety among users of aerial lifts. Aerial Work Platform Training Inc. (AWPT), under parent company the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), and the Scaffold Industry Association (SIA) finalized a joint agreement at SIA's annual convention in Boston that will establish better and more consistent training for aerial work platform operators.

 

Under the agreement, SIA will recognize and promote the Powered Access Licensed-Registration (PAL) Card as proof of training in the use of aerial work platforms (AWPs) and mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs).

The PAL Card is issued by AWPT to users who successfully complete a training course on powered access equipment at an approved training center. Some 50,000 PAL Cards are awarded each year through more than 150 approved training centers worldwide.

 

“This agreement provides a great opportunity for us to improve safety in the lift industry and bring added benefits to our members,” said SIA President Howard M. Schapira. “SIA currently has about 900 members, many of whom already provide training in scaffolding and suspended access. Many of these members also operate AWPs and MCWPs, and the SIA is looking to introduce training for these types of equipment. AWPT, with its widely recognized industry training program, was the natural choice as a partner in this effort.”

AWPT will also offer preferred rates and terms to SIA members wishing to operate as approved training centers.