Skyjack Exec Stresses Need for Standardized Operator Training for AWPs

Enlarge Image Ken McDougall, here on his own PAL Card, spoke about training at APEX.

September 24, 2008 • At the recent APEX conference last week in the Netherlands, Skyjack's group president Ken McDougall spoke about the importance of operator training and education.

 

“Operator training is paramount to ensuring the access industry is made safer,” McDougall said in his keynote speech at the conference on Sept. 17 in Maastricht. “The more educated and trained operators of access equipment we can have, who have been globally trained to a documented standard, the better off the access industry is.”

McDougall urged manufacturers to actively promote the safe use and operation of aerial platforms, as understanding the proper operations and limitations of equipment is paramount to safety. “The best way to ensure we have this training implemented on a consistent basis is by having a standardized and accredited training program globally,” said McDougall. “We will not ensure uniformity and consistency in training by conducting ‘back of the truck' sessions that may vary depending on the allotted time and skill of the person conducting the training.”

 

He commended and endorsed the International Powered Access Federation's (IPAF) operator training program as the driving force behind global operator training. In North America, Aerial Work Platform Training (AWPT), a subsidiary of IPAF, provides a training program that meets ANSI, CSA and OSHA standards and is based on the ISO-certified IPAF training program.

 

“The IPAF program gives the industry an example to follow on how to standardize and implement operator training,” he said. “It is not manufacturer-specific but gives the fundamentals required to operate different types of equipment. I received my PAL Card (Powered Access Licensed-Registration) in 2006 and I am proud to say that Skyjack supports the IPAF training program worldwide.”

 

Tim Whiteman, managing director of IPAF said that McDougall hit the nail on the head.  “Standardized, generic operator training is the way to prevent unnecessary loss of life in what should be one of the safest industries in the world,” he said. “Our audited program is a pragmatic solution developed by manufacturers and rental companies. It is available to anybody willing to become an approved training center. By auditing our training centers, we ensure that the PAL Card means the same no matter where your operator was trained. I invite any manufacturer, rental company or training institute to contact us and support the cause of standardizing operator training.”

 

IPAF is a not-for-profit members' organization that promotes the safe and effective use of powered access equipment worldwide. Members include rental companies, manufacturers, distributors and equipment owners.

 

Schenectady, N.Y.-based AWPT is the North American subsidiary of IPAF. In North America, the PAL Card is known as the Powered Access Licensed-Registration Card. The AWPT training program is based on the IPAF program and conforms to ISO 18878, and complies with ANSI, CSA and OSHA requirements. The U.S.-based Scaffold Industry Association (SIA) recognizes the PAL Card as proof of training in the use of aerial work platforms and mast climbing work platforms.

 

Skyjack is an IPAF member and an AWPT-approved training center.