17.01.2005

IPAF launch Incentive for Safety officers

The International Powered Access Federation is offering Safety officers the chance to win a pair of tickets to a premiership football match for checking that users of aerial lifts have valid PAL cards proving that they have received proper training in the safe use of the platform that they intend to operate on site.

IPAF are distributing a large number of posters in order to help promote the incentive.
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The IPAF football poster

In order to enter the monthly draw, a site safety officer simply needs to check that all those intending to use powered access equipment on site, have a PAL card and to note down the card number which they then email ([email protected]) or fax (015395 64686) to IPAF with their own contact details, the number of each PAL card checked and the name of the cardholder. The safety officer will receive an entry for each card checked. With over 170,000 cards in circulation there are plenty of opportuniites.

The holders of the PAL cards associated with the winning entries will also receive a pair of tickets. Twelve tickets are up for grabs each month.

With this incentive IPAF is aiming to build on current industry-wide initiatives to ensure that all those who work with machinery are properly trained in its use. Safety officers are also requiring recognised plant operators’ cards before allowing anyone to use machines on their sites.

“These moves are having a positive impact,” according to IPAF managing director Tim Whiteman. “We are launching our poster campaign to reinforce the importance of checking cards before allowing operators to work anywhere with platforms,” he added.

Health and safety professionals are reminded to look out for the posters, which are being distributed this month, and to display them prominently on the site or area for which they are responsible.

Full details and rules of the IPAF football promotion can be found at www.ipaf.org or requested from IPAF on 015395 62444 along with details of its training scheme and training centre locations. Its hotline for verifying PAL card validity is 0845 1307775.