IPAF Launches North American Council

According to Tony Groat, executive director of Aerial Work Platform Training Inc., the North American training arm of the International Powered Access Federation, North American IPAF members who want to share their ideas and discuss the needs of this market with the association now have a vehicle to do so. IPAF announces it has developed a North American Council in order for its U.S. and Canadian members to have a louder voice in the global powered access industry.

The association envisions the council will have representation from various entities, including manufacturers, renters, users, regulators, and any other interested parties. The council will talk about industry-related issues, which may include discussions on safety awareness campaigns, including Click It! and harness statements; IPAF's involvement with market statistics; industry initiatives; NIOSH research projects; AWPT operator training issues; lobbying regulators regarding appropriate use of AWPs; and youth training initiatives. Additionally, the council may help disseminate information, such as industry standards reports, technical information, regulatory requirements, and policy information. Groat says the council also will have an opportunity to make recommendations from the North American membership to the IPAF council, the governing body of IPAF.

Brad Boehler, director of product safety for Skyjack, will be acting chair of the council until membership can be determined and solicited to elect a chairman. The North American Council will formally meet twice a year; one will be a physical meeting that most likely will be held in conjunction with an industry event. The remaining formal meeting and any other impromptu meetings will be teleconferences. The inaugural meeting will be a teleconference, which will take place in mid-November.

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