New Aerial Work Platform Document Focuses on Training, Risk Management

Feb. 12, 2010
A new industry-wide initiative has led to the creation of an aerial work platform (AWP) educational document to promote safety and expanded risk management knowledge in the use of these machines throughout the country.

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.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.

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