July 16, 2007 • The Institute of Mast Climber Training (IMCT), the International Powered Access Federation's U.S. liaison for mast climbing work platforms, today announced the opening of Northeast Work Platform Training, Inc. (NWPT). Located in Boston, Mass., NWPT is the first independent Aerial Work Platform Training (AWPT) Center in the United States.
AWPT is the U.S. subsidiary of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF). Founded in 1983, IPAF represents the whole of the powered access industry, from manufacturing, distribution and rental trades to associate businesses and users of all forms of powered access equipment. AWPT's purpose is to promote the use of safe working practices in the operation of aerial work and mast climbing work platforms and thereby make a positive contribution to the prevention of accidents.
“We're proud to be the first independent IPAF/AWPT training center in the U.S.,” said Tom Lawler, NWPT president. “NWPT will be a center of excellence for powered access training, and we relish the opportunity to work with Massachusetts contractors, through industry groups such as the Associated General Contractor's of Massachusetts to help eradicate accidents through proper training.”
Located in Dorchester, Mass., the NWPT center will offer flexible AWPT courses conducted in the classroom and/or on the jobsite. AWPT training is tailored by experts to meet state and federal requirements for operator training and includes a mixture of theory, practice and testing to ensure that the training is understood and can be applied. Graduates of the program receive a Powered Access Licensed-Registration (PAL) card that is universally recognized and indicates that the recipient has been trained and is qualified to operate a specific piece of equipment.
Because of the quality and consistency of AWPT training programs, the Scaffold Industry Association (SIA) recognizes and promotes the PAL card as proof of training in the safe use of aerial work platforms and mast climbing work platforms.
