The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) continues to meet the ISO 9001:2000 standard, having passed the main triennial audit on Aug. 20. No major and no minor non-conformities were found.
IPAF continues to be the only organization to comply with ISO 18878:2004 Mobile elevating work platforms – Operator (driver) training. No non-conformities were found, and IPAF passed the audit review of training administration, content and implementation on Aug. 26.
“We are extremely pleased to have independent confirmation of IPAF’s good track record, both in general management systems and in its industry-led operator training program,” said Tim Whiteman, IPAF managing director.
ISO 9001 relates to good quality management practices for organizations and IPAF has been independently audited against this standard since 2003.
Auditor David Willcocks from ISOQAR found IPAF to be “a very methodically run organization. No actual improvement opportunities were identified, which is a good reflection of IPAF’s level of internal auditing and management of their system. Staff, as always, are confident and competent in their duties and are very helpful.”
ISO 18878 refers specifically to the correct procedures to run a platform operator training program. The IPAF PAL Card operator training program conforms to this standard.
“The conformity to all the requirements of ISO 18878:2004 was completely affirmed,” wrote audit team leader Paul Latham from TÜV in his report. “Implementation of the standard’s requirements is plausible and suitable, and could be reliably ascertained during the audit.”
The audit report highlighted positive aspects such as IPAF’s experience and involvement with technical committees, manufacturers, associations and other interested parties; maturity of operational controls and ongoing development; strong surveillance system; clear customer focus; and team approach to improvements involving training centers and customers.
No negative aspects were noted. One opportunity, the development of international audit surveillance by an independent third party, was identified and is being addressed.
More than 80,000 people are expected to be trained by IPAF-approved training centers this year and to be awarded the IPAF PAL Card (Powered Access License in Europe, Powered Access Licensed Registration in North America) as proof of training.
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
