Aerial Work Platform Document promotes safe use of equipment.
Press Release Summary:
ARA, AEM, AED, IPAF, and SIA have joined forces to develop educational document that clarifies what is required for general training and model-specific familiarization of aerial work platform equipment. Document will educate industry on industry-recognized-and-supported standards, present best practices and minimum general training guidelines for AWP operators, emphasize differences between general training and familiarization, and clarify minimum qualifications of trainer.
Original Press Release:
Industry-Wide Initiative Creates First-Ever AWP Equipment Document on General Training and Model-Specific Familiarization
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:
o 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.
o Presenting best practices and minimum general training guidelines for AWP operators.
o Emphasizing the differences between general training and familiarization to all parties responsible.
o 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 Statement of Best Practices of General Training and Familiarization for Aerial Work Platform Equipment document will be unveiled during The Rental Show, the ARA's convention and trade show, Feb. 7-10 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. A seminar, "Aerial Work Platform Training Standards: What You Need to Know," is scheduled from 8-9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, at the Show. This document also will be available from each participating organization.
About the Contributing Organizations
American Rental Association (ARA) is the international trade association for the equipment rental industry, including rental businesses and suppliers to the industry. ARA provides educational, insurance/risk management, business management and marketing resources; networking opportunities; industry research; and legislative and regulatory advocacy for its members.
Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) is an international trade association representing companies involved in the distribution, rental and support of equipment used in construction, mining, forestry, power generation, agriculture and industrial applications. AED enhances the ongoing success and profitability of its member companies and related constituencies through public policy advocacy; industry education, training and career development; networking opportunities; as well as research, and performance benchmarks.
Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is the North American-based international trade group representing the off-road equipment manufacturing industry, and its members manufacture equipment, products and services used worldwide in the agriculture, construction, forestry, mining and utility sectors.
International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) is the specialist international trade association representing rental companies, manufacturers and the end users of every type of aerial work platform. IPAF provides training programs, lobbying, market research, business advice and other resources to members and nonmembers as part of its worldwide mission to "promote the safe and effective use of powered access."
Scaffold Industry Association (SIA) is a nonprofit trade association committed to raising the standards of professionalism within the scaffold and access industry. The SIA represents all facets of the scaffold and access industry. Through its various programs, the SIA promotes safety, training and a highly professional, responsible image of the scaffold and access professional. The SIA is also the secretariat for the American National Standard, ASC A92 Standards.
Public Relations/Media Contacts
American Rental Association (ARA)
Carla Brozick, CAE
Director, Education and Training
Tel: 309-277-4241
carla.brozick@ararental.org
or
Connie Lannan
Marketing Manager, Operations
Tel: 309-277-4228
connie.lannan@ararental.org
Associated Equipment Distributors (AED)
Jenny Choe
Director of Communications
Tel: 630-468-5131
jchoe@aednet.org
Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)
Richard (Rich) Jefferson,
Senior Director, Public Relations
Tel: 414-274-0655
rjefferson@aem.org
International Powered Access Federation (IPAF)
Tony Groat
IPAF North American Representative
Tel: 518-280-2486
tony.groat@awpt.org
Scaffold Industry Association (SIA)
Laurie Weber
Executive Director
Tel: 816-595-4833
laurie@scaffold.org
