New Aerial Work Platform Document Focuses on Training, Risk Management

The American Rental Association (ARA), the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and the Scaffold Industry Association (SIA) have joined forces to help develop the document, “Statement of Best Practices of General Training and Familiarization for Aerial Work Platform Equipment.”

The document’s content addresses:

• Educating the industry on the industry-recognized-and-supported standards, including the American National Standards Institute/Scaffold Industry Association (ANSI/SIA) A92 Standards and OSHA regulations;
• Presenting best practices and minimum general training guidelines for AWP operators;
• Emphasizing the differences between general training and familiarization to all parties responsible; and
• Clarifying minimum qualifications of the trainer.

“All in the industry – rental operators, manufacturers, associations for those entities, educators, regulators, users and operators – are dedicated to the best practices related to the training and safe use of aerial work platform (AWP) equipment,” the document states. “Proper use achieves successful project completion and assures operator safety. This is particularly critical when working with AWP equipment, which offers so much versatility and assistance to those who use it. The priority of all in the industry is to make sure that everyone who owns and operates AWP equipment has a clear understanding of his or her role in the requirements for the safe use of that equipment.”

The 20-page document can be downloaded as a PDF at http://www.ipaf.org/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/us/AWP_BPG_2010.pdf.