03.12.2014

Smart IPAF cards ready

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has announced all PAL (Powered Access License) cards issued from 1st January onwards will be machine-readable Smart PAL cards.

The Smart PAL has a wireless chip embedded in to it which stores basic information such as the operator’s name, number and the categories they are trained in. This information will also be printed on the card to allow it to be used as a standard version.

The data in the chip can be read by a card reader fitted to the machine, which can be programmed to only allow use depending on level of training and machine categories etc... eliminating untrained operation. The data can also be used to track who has used a machine as well as the duration, which will help prevent fraudulent use.
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An IPAF Smart PAL card

IPAF chief executive Tim Whiteman, said: ““It is not compulsory to fit card readers on machines and the PAL Card is a recognised qualification on many job sites. The smartcard technology brings more options and opens up possibilities to make machine access safer and machine use more secure.”