The Statement of Best Practices for Workplace Risk Assessment and Aerial Work Platform Equipment Selection is an industry initiative to develop an educational document regarding workplace risk assessment and selecting the most appropriate aerial work platform (AWP) equipment for the job at hand. It was developed for use in the US and is based on ANSI standards.  
 
It was launched in February 2013 by the American Rental Association (ARA), the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA).
 
The participating organizations recognized a need to aid in the identification of hazards, offer guidance for conducting a thorough workplace risk assessment and implementing control measures as well as assist in the selection of the most appropriate AWP equipment for the work involved. The industry remains committed to putting forth initiatives that increase awareness of best practices, clarify responsibilities and address the safe use of AWP equipment.
 
This best practice document aims to:

• Educate the industry on applicable OSHA regulations and the industry-recognized and supported ANSI A92 standards.
• Provide information to assist users and operators in assessing the risk of potential hazards for the work to be done and implementing appropriate control measures to reduce or eliminate such risks.
• Offer guidance and issues to consider in the selection of the most appropriate AWP equipment to perform the work needed.
• Encourage the incorporation of best practices into a company’s workplace risk assessment plan.