The introduction of the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking scheme has been pushed back by a further two years, in a move that will allow CE-marked (EU standard) products to continue to be sold into Great Britain markets until 31 December 2024.
IPAF has issued the following statement concerning the use of the platform emergency stop function in MEWPs following safety alert JCPT2223RTB issued by Multiplex on 21 November 2022, and the response from the manufacturer of the MEWP referenced.
IPAF Representatives showcased MEWP safety guidance, including the importance of quality operator training, correct use of PFPE and the Don’t Fall For It! safety campaign – designed to prevent falls from the platform – at OSH India 2022 in Mumbai.
IPAF is backing the Access Industry Forum’s (AIF) campaign to retain existing UK Work at Height safety regulations, set to be repealed before the end of 2023.
Across 2022 a host of new Toolbox Talks and Andy Access safety posters have been issued by IPAF, including briefings on: Safe MCWP and construction hoist loading; MCWP and construction hoist rescue planning; assessing MEWP tyre condition; and how to prevent Falls From Height – part of IPAF’s Don’t Fall for It! safety campaign.
IPAF’s Women in Powered Access initiative invites women of all ages in a variety of roles to share their inspiring stories, to help showcase and celebrate the opportunities the industry offers. Here we focus on women working in a range of training roles.
IPAF has announced it has appointed a new representative covering Ireland and Northern Ireland, following a year of rapid growth in membership and training delivery across the region. Damien O’Connor will take up the post in January 2023.
It has been a notable year for IPAF across the Nordic and Baltic regions, with demand for quality training from Tier 1 construction contractors and the recognition of IPAF President Karin Nars both credited as contributing towards record-breaking numbers.
A new chair has been named for IPAF’s North American Regional Council with Brian Clark, Director of Product Support at Sunbelt Rentals, replacing Ebbe Christensen, CEO & President of Ruthmann Reachmaster, after his extended period as chair.
Tony Groat, IPAF’s North America Regional Manager, is the new Chair of the SAIA’s MEWP Council, replacing Forrest Hester, who steps down after five years in the role.
IPAF has issued a further update in regard to industry concerns around the use of the platform emergency stop function in MEWPs following another meeting of its training, safety and technical experts, representatives of its Training Committee, International Safety Committee and Manufacturers’ Technical Committee on 13 December.
Around 400 Singapore industry stakeholders have participated in a webinar and members’ meeting hosted by IPAF in November. The webinar was followed by an in-person dinner and networking session for all IPAF Singapore members.
IPAF are being urged to email their local MP to ask them to intervene to help save the UK Work at Height safety regulations, set to be repealed as part of a “bonfire of EU laws” by the end of 2023, after IPAF’s CEO wrote to a selection of MPs on the issue.
A global safety campaign aimed at reducing electrocutions while using MEWPs will be launched at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG show in Las Vegas, NV, March 14-18, by IPAF.
End users are reminded to check the validity of IPAF PAL Cards for operators of MEWPs, MCWPs and construction hoists, in order to beat any would-be fraudster attempting to circumvent the robust systems in place to help keep work sites safe.
A ‘save the date’ notice has been issued by IPAF that its Asia Conference & Showcase 2023 will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, on 3-4 August. This year will see the second in-person event since the pandemic, following a successful return in Singapore last July.
Rental companies looking to market quality service and safety to contractors in major construction, infrastructure, aviation and oil and gas across the Middle East have been introduced to IPAF Rental+ scheme with a special presentation in Dubai.
Speakers have been announced for the IPAF Summit 2023, to be held in Berlin, Germany, on 20 April. The theme of the IPAF Summit has been confirmed as “The Future” – a look ahead to challenges and opportunities in powered access worldwide.
A dedicated event aimed at providing a networking space for women working in powered access will be hosted by IPAF during APEX 2023 in Maastricht, Netherlands, as part of IPAF’s ongoing Women in Powered Access initiative.
If a MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) or platform occupant contacts energised power lines it can cause, electrocution, electric shock, fire, or an explosion. The same effects can occur without contacting a power line by arcing or flashover of electrical energy to a conductor.
ELECTRICITY CAN KILL - STAY ALERT, STAY ALIVE
Power lines can kill and are a danger when working at height using mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).
International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) collates incident reports received from around the world, from companies, individuals and IPAF members who share their experiences to allow others to work safer. By analyzing the data, it is evident incidents involving electrocutions and electric shocks have notably increased since 2015, the standout statistic is that reported incidents of electrocution are nearly always fatal.
Comprehensive new guidance outlining key principles and ways to reduce risks when using MEWPs in the vicinity of power lines, with the aim of helping to reduce electrocution and electric shock incidents, has been launched by IPAF at Conexpo.
The IPAF Summit & IAPAs 2023 in Berlin, Germany, on 20 April, are a complete sell-out for the second year running, following a two-year hiatus in physical events during the pandemic. Site visit and networking reception details have also been announced.
Book now to reserve a place at the annual IPAF ELEVANDO España event, which will be hosted at the Hotel Abba Euskalduna in Bilbao in the Basque region on 25-26 April.
MEWP overturn incidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities. Instability leading to overturn is commonly among the top four causes of lost time incidents (LTIs) annually, according to global data.
