A total of 112,887 people were trained by IPAF-approved training centers in 2012. This is an increase of 11.3 percent over the 101,457 people trained in 2011. Training available from IPAF-approved centers includes operator courses for which a PAL Card (Powered Access License, or Powered Access Licensed-Registration in North America) is issued, and management courses for which a certificate is issued.
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) issued a record 108,065 PAL Cards worldwide through its approved training centers in 2012, an increase of about 10.8% over the 97,488 PAL Cards issued in 2011.
A valid PAL Card is proof that the cardholder has been trained to operate powered access equipment safely and effectively. PAL Cards are valid for five years and can be verified online at www.ipaf.org. IPAF’s PAL Card operator training program is certified by TÜV as conforming to ISO 18878.
At the end of 2012, IPAF had 973 members worldwide and is approaching the 1,000 mark as it celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2013. More than half the membership is now based outside the U.K., and membership continues to grow in places such as the U.S., Brazil and South East Asia.
“IPAF members and training centers are part of the global movement to ensure the safety of people in the powered access industry,” said IPAF CEO Tim Whiteman. “We are a not-for-profit organization and our thanks and recognition go to our members, contractors and training centers who contribute to the success of these industry-led voluntary training and safety programs.”
IPAF is a not-for-profit members’ organization that promotes the safe and effective use of powered access equipment worldwide. For more details, visit www.ipaf.org.
