February 8, 2010 — 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 for a first-of-its-kind industry initiative to develop an educational document to clarify what is required for general training and model-specific familiarization of aerial work platform (AWP) equipment.

The result of this joint initiative is the Statement of Best Practices of General Training and Familiarization for Aerial Work Platform Equipment, the first such document that is applicable for use by everyone in the industry.  The 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 the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (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.

The purpose of this joint initiative and document is the increased safe use of AWP equipment and expanded risk management knowledge for use of these machines throughout the country. The document was to be unveiled this week during The Rental Show, the ARA’s convention and trade show, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. The document also will be available from each participating organization.