30.03.2006

Will you be at the summit?

IPAF says that pre-registrations for this year’s free IPAF Summit are well up on last years event and looks certain to be the best attended so far.

This year’s speakers range from HSE experts to the holder of the world high diving record and include the CEO of Lavendon, Europe’s largest powered access rental company, along with speakers from the insurance world and the ladder manufacturer’s association.

The speakers will look at topics ranging from when it is safe to use a ladder, to typical accidents and how the HSE believes MEWP's can reduce deaths in the painter/decorator sector.

One of the surprises at the Summit is expected to be a paper showing a direct link between a reduction in MEWP accidents and the introduction of the EN280 design standard.

The IPAF Summit opens at 2PM on the 4th April at Whittlebury Hall, adjoining the Silverstone Formula one racing track in central England, and is free of charge to delegates who pre-register.

The line-up of speakers includes Kevin Appleton of Lavendon, Richard Lockwood, head of the HSE’s Construction Division, Gil Male, IPAF Technical Officer and former head of HSE Engineering, David Walker, chairman of the British Ladder Manufacturers Association and Joe Henderson, CEO of Henderson’s Insurance Brokers.

Concluding the summit will be a presentation by Oliver Favre, holder of the world record for high diving. His unbeaten record stands at 54 metres and he will reveal the meticulous planning that is needed for a high diver to work safely at height.

The Summit is followed by the Access industry’s annual social event, the IPAF Gala Dinner. More than 200 people are expected at this members (and guests) only event for which there were just 20 tickets left as of yesterday.

“I urge anybody who is interested in Working Safely at Height to attend the free IPAF Summit – you will more than justify your time away from the office” said Tim Whiteman, IPAF managing director.

To register, either visit the IPAF website, (there is a hot-link from our Access and Lifting directory), or email [email protected] or call on +44 (0)15395 62444.