03.12.2015

IPAF adds first NZ training centres

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has approved two new training centres in New Zealand its first in the region.

The organisation has appointed rental company Accessman in the South Island and Total Access in Auckland on the North Island. The facilities of both companies have been audited and instructors assessed and certified to deliver IPAF operator training.
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Lena Harrington general manager of Accessman said: “We recognised the
opportunity to offer IPAF training to meet the demand driven by the Christchurch rebuild. Training is also being driven by the country’s evolving Health & Safety Act, which has recently undergone reform and is due for release in April 2016”.

“IPAF provides a professional alternative to the only option currently available within New Zealand. Plus points are the five-year validity of the PAL Card, stringent training guidelines and streamlined processes. IPAF certainly delivers a total package with administrative support and innovative technology that will in time revolutionise the hire industry. The safety of our customers remains our number one priority and with IPAF on board, we have a training system that delivers by going above and beyond.”

Vertikal Comment

This is an interesting development given that until now the region has been largely covered by the Hire Industry Association of New Zealand’s EWP Silver Card which Accessman and Total Access already offer.

New standards led to a new EWP Silver Card programme being introduced at the start of this year, based on competency based training with a route to nationally recognised qualification - meeting the criteria of NZQA Unit Standards. Perhaps it is this change after 15 years of the original Silver card, that has prompted some training centres to look for an alternative? Or is it demand for a card that has international acceptance and a five year validity, rather than the Silver Cards three years?

If the PAL Card were to take off in New Zealand, one has to wonder if the federation will then cast eyes on Australia where the EWPA’s Yellow card is dominant.

What would be best for everyone is a mutual recognition system, along the lines of the deal recently struck between BC Canada and Ireland for crane operator certification.