01.06.2021

IPAF ePAL

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has officially launched its new digital ePAL mobile app for aerial work platform and mastclimber operators as it looks to bring its training further into the digital era.

Developed in partnership with Trackunit (see: IPAF develops operator apps), the ePAL app will function as an operator’s digital IPAF PAL Card, and also include a log book and safety guide. It also allows operators to receive the latest best practice tips and safety information from IPAF, as well as offer the ability for them to quickly and easily share their qualifications with site managers.

The introduction of the app helps move away from the need to issue plastic PAL Cards, paper certifications and printed operator safety guides. It also speeds up the processing time and should allow operators to receive PAL Card and certifications faster.
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IPAF's ePAL - a digital PAL Card, log book and safety guide

IPAF chief executive, Peter Douglas said: “A typical year’s output in terms of IPAF PAL Cards and certificates issued used to amount to a 130 metre stack of printed plastic and paper, shipped from supplier, to IPAF, to the IPAF training centre and then on to candidates. Then, after five years, the candidate would dispose of it and start again! The new app will lead to us reducing the number of steps in processing a PAL Card and cut down on all that waste, as well as the expense, delays and carbon emissions involved in shipping items around the globe needlessly.”

Trackunit chief executive Søren Brogaard, added: “The app allows IPAF to communicate directly with operators and offers them a digital platform to record, show and share their qualifications and operating experience worldwide. ePAL is a commitment to enable collaboration between the operator and the digital ecosystem. We all know filling out paper operator logbooks and keeping them up to date can be a challenge. This app provides contractors and operators secure access to equipment and a convenient way to document machine activities. We can also use the app to encourage and make it easier to report an accident or near-miss incident through the new IPAF reporting portal. My hope is we can all contribute to building a safer, digital future for operators.”

Available for Apple iOS and Android devices, IPAF’s ePAL app is currently available in the UK and Ireland. It will initially be offered in English with other languages to follow.