IPAF Mandates Rental+ Certification Across the Island of Ireland

IPAF has made it official: any company renting out powered access equipment on the island of Ireland must now meet the Rental+ certification standards. This ensures that every rental company operates to recognised levels of safety, quality, and compliance. Whether in the north or south, businesses must meet these standards individually, reflecting the unique legal requirements on either side of the border. For companies with operations in both regions, this means two separate audits to secure IPAF membership. 

Existing members had until the end of 2024 to comply with the new rules in place. The good news? Every single member has stepped up, with most already certified and the rest well on their way. And for any new companies looking to join IPAF as a member, achieving Rental+ accreditation is now a must.

The island of Ireland showcases how the IPAF Rental Standard and Rental+ certification unify the industry across borders, ensuring that recognised industry best practices are upheld no matter where a company operates. 

Raising Standards Through Collaboration 

Damien O’Connor, IPAF’s Manager for the region, highlighted the collective progress made: “Over the past year, IPAF and contractors across Ireland have worked closely to promote the safe use of MEWPs and powered access equipment. Contractors have shown their commitment to safety by partnering with IPAF and ensuring their operators receive ISO 18878-certified training through IPAF-approved centres. This collaborative effort is driving up training standards across projects on the island. 

“However, having well-trained operators is only part of the solution. It’s equally essential that industries have access to a reliable rental supply chain that prioritises safety and equipment quality. IPAF rental members have embraced this responsibility, completing Rental+ audits to demonstrate their commitment to health and safety, environmental standards, and delivering reliable powered access equipment. These audits also ensure employees are properly trained, giving customers confidence that they’re working with trusted providers. 

“The growing interest in Rental+ accreditation and IPAF membership shows that rental companies across the island are embracing these higher standards.” 

With over 90 businesses across Ireland now part of IPAF, this shared commitment is having a lasting impact. Industries that rely on powered access equipment for working at height—such as construction, manufacturing, and maintenance—can now count on a safer, more reliable supply chain. 

For More Information 

To learn more about Rental+ and how it can benefit your business, visit: www.ipaf.org/en/rental-plus. 

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to: 

• Damien O’Connor, IPAF’s Irish Country Manager: damien.oconnor@ipaf.org 
• Martin Wraith, IPAF’s Rental+ Scheme Manager: martin.wraith@ipaf.org