IPAF for Safety Professionals
IPAF can support safety professionals by providing a hub for safety, good practice, efficiency and technical know-how. Here you will find links to relevant documents, guidance, toolbox talks, and information to support you and your colleagues to work safely when using powered access. If you can’t find the information you are looking for, please contact IPAF.
Become an IPAF Safety Professional Member
Toolbox Talks
You can access a range of Toolbox Talks covering topics such as rescue plans, familiarisation and how to avoid common hazards. IPAF toolbox talks are available in a range of languages.
Technical guidance
IPAF has a range of technical guidance published in IPAF's resource library. Guidance includes:
- Safe use of MEWPs in public areas
- Developing a MEWP safe use program guide
- F1: Familiarisation
- Exiting the platform at height
- IPAF safe use of MEWPs to manage trees and vegetation
To view more IPAF guidance documents, visit www.ipaf.org/resource-library.
IPAF's Safety Campaigns
In March 2022, IPAF launched its new safety campaign, 'Don't Fall for it!'. The campaign identifies key causes of falls from the platform and provides advice about how to avoid associated hazards.
From 2012 to 2022, there were 239 reports of falls from the platform in 20 countries, resulting in 132 deaths. IPAF’s Don’t Fall For It! safety campaign identifies key causes of falls from the platform and provides advice about how to avoid associated hazards.
Don't fall for it campaign View IPAF safety campaigns
Andy Access Posters
IPAF has created a range of Andy Access safety advice posters demonstrating common hazards and good practices for MEWP & MCWP operators, the posters are all available in a range of languages to download from the website.
IPAF ePAL app
ePAL is IPAF's app for operators. ePAL enables onsite operators and managers to digitally store, record and share their logged machine operating experience and IPAF qualifications. ePAL also enables the user to be updated on the latest powered access safety and good practice tips and advice via their smartphone and to access their operator safety guide or site safety guide based on linked licences.
ePAL is free to use and available for all new and existing IPAF licence and qualification holders. Search for 'IPAF ePAL' in the Apple Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.
IPAF Accident Reporting Portal
This is a worldwide reporting portal for incidents involving powered access equipment, including Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), Mast Climbing Work Platforms (MCWPs) and Construction Hoists (CHs). You can report any accident or incident in the portal, including near misses. IPAF members also have access to the IPAF Accident Reporting Portal - Members' Dashboard, where they can view an anonymised set of data.
View the IPAF Accident Reporting Portal View the Global MEWP Safety Report
Access to British Standards Online
As an IPAF member benefit, IPAF members can access ten specific standards for using MEWPs and MCWPs, free of charge. If you are a member, click here to view the British Standards online.
These include:
- BS ISO 18893 Mobile elevating work platforms. Safety principles, inspection, maintenance and operation
- BS 7981:2017 Code of practice for the installation, maintenance, thorough examination and safe use of mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs)
- BS 8437:2005+A1:2012 Code of practice for selection, use and maintenance of personal fall protection systems and equipment for use in the workplace
- BS 8460:2017 Code of practice for the safe use of MEWPS
- BS EN 1495:1997+A2:2009 Lifting platforms. Mast climbing work platforms
- BS EN 280-1:2022 Mobile elevating work platforms. Design calculations. Stability criteria. Construction. Safety. Examinations and tests
- BS EN 280-2:2022 Mobile elevating work platforms. Additional safety requirements for load lifting appliances on the extending lifting structure and work platform
- BS EN ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Conformity assessment. Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection
- BS ISO 18878:2013 Mobile elevating work platforms. Operator (driver) training
- BS ISO 21455:2020 Mobile elevating work platforms. Operator's controls. Actuation, displacement, location and method of operation
Keeping up to date with IPAF
Follow IPAF on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter for the latest news announcements and articles. Please support IPAF by following the pages and inviting your colleagues to do so too. The social media channels assist IPAF in increasing awareness of the new safety messages and campaigns.
IPAF Safety Professional members also have access to the exclusive IPAF Safety Professional LinkedIn group. We encourage members to discuss safety-related subjects that would encourage a healthy debate, give their thoughts and opinions on any safety issues or guidance and ask questions that invite group members’ advice or expertise.
Register for IPAF Newsletters & Updates Join the Safety Professional LinkedIn group
Your contacts in IPAF's Safety & Technical department:
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Brian Parker |
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Mike Ashton |
IPAF and industry events
IPAF hosts and attends hundreds of powered access events across the world every year. Members can receive free and discounted tickets at many industry events. Bookmark www.ipaf.org/events for all upcoming events. To apply to become an IPAF member to access member events and discounts, go to: www.ipaf.org/join.
IPAF produces an annual webinar exclusive for IPAF Safety Professional members, each annual webinar will be focused on a different topic. The 2022 webinar focuses on the 'Don't Fall For It!' safety campaign. To find out more, please contact events@ipaf.org.
IPAF hosts a series of webinars, available to view on demand, including safe operation of MEWPs, safe unloading and loading, sustainability and more. To view more, go to www.ipaf.org/webinars.