This draws on data from IPAF’s
accident reporting project which
indicates that electrocutions
are the single largest cause of
fatalities to AWP operators in the
U.S.
IPAF is sharing the 8,000
square feet Lift Safety Zone with
the National Commission for the
and educational tools.
IPAF is also holding a series
of meetings during ConExpo,
including the IPAF Manufacturers’
Technical Committee Meeting
on March 7 at 10 a.m. Watch for
details at
IPAF aims to raise awareness
about electrocution risks
at Lift Safety Zone
IPAF NEWS
44
ACCESS, LIFT & HANDLERS
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014
Certification of Crane Operators
(NCCCO). Experts from both
organizations will be present to
provide advice on the safe use of
AWPs and cranes, with the help of
live machine demonstrations.
IPAF staff will be on hand to
provide a full range of technical
guidance, videos, stickers, posters
Change from generic
‘anti-entrapment’
terminology to
‘secondary guarding’
The UK-based Strategic Forum for Construction Plant Safety Group
(SFPSG) sub-group for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) has
unanimously agreed to change the terminology used for additional
equipment or device(s) which can be fitted to an AWP in order to reduce
the risk of overhead crushing injury, from ‘anti-entrapment’ to ‘secondary
guarding’ devices.
The group agreed with the proposal prepared by IPAF technical officer
Chris Wraith which stated that, “All AWPs are safe by design and are
fitted as standard with a function enable device which provides primary
guarding system; additional equipment or device(s) which can be
fitted to an AWP in order to reduce the risk of overhead crushing injury
offer secondary protection and should not replace good practice by
management and the operator.”
‘Anti-entrapment’ devices do not prevent entrapment – they offer
a secondary guarding option to assist management in reducing the
risk of serious injury from overhead hazards. Therefore the term ‘anti-
entrapment’ is incorrect and the term ‘secondary guarding’ should be
adopted by the industry.
Chris Wraith further said, “The term ‘anti-entrapment’ implies that the
use of these devices will prevent entrapment, even though it is recognized
that there is no single solution to prevent overhead crushing incidents
from occurring. A reduction in serious incidents will only come about by
the combined efforts of operators, site management, hire companies and
manufacturers working toward improvements and this re-naming is a
step in this direction. ‘Secondary guarding’ is a much more accurate term
based on sound reasoning that describes this equipment and devices for
what they are.”
The Strategic Forum’s advice on how to prevent entrapment remains
unchanged and is summarized in its Best Practice Guidance on “Avoiding
Trapping/Crushing Industries to People in the Platform.” A U.S. version of
this guidance is available. It can be downloaded free from the Publications
section of
and
Smart PAL Card helps
improve site safety
IPAF has launched a Smart PAL Card (Powered Access Licensed-
Registration), available in different languages, which is machine-
readable and can be used to ensure that only trained operators can
use AWPs on site. Standard PAL Cards will continue to be issued and
accepted on site.
The Smart PAL Card looks the same as the standard PAL Card – the
data stored on the card, such as the operator name, number and
categories trained in, is also printed on it. The only difference is that the
Smart PAL Card is marked by a wireless icon and has a chip embedded
in it.
The data in the chip can be read by a card reader fitted to the machine.
The reader can be set up to accept certain data which in turn will allow
the machine to be operated. This data includes whether or not the
cardholder (operator) is trained, to what level and in which machine
categories.
No additional personal contact details are contained within
the card. IPAF and its approved training centers keep any
personal data secure in line with data
protection legislation.
Using a Smart PAL Card along with
a reader device can allow control of
machine access and improve safety. Site
managers can use the system to ensure
that only correctly trained operators
can operate AWPs or MCWPs (mast
climbing work platforms). They can
also track who has used which
machine for how long, and prevent
fraudulent use.
Smart PAL Cards have been tested
extensively on multiple machines by
operators on site. They can be read
by virtually all card readers and there
are no restrictions on which smart card
readers should be used.
■
More information on IPAF training and
the PAL Card is at
IPAF will feature a dynamic display
at the Lift Safety Zone in the Gold
Lot #1817 at ConExpo March 4-8
in Las Vegas.
The live demo will promote the
safe and effective use of aerial
work platforms (AWPs) when
carrying out temporary work
at height near to power lines.
