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IPAF seeks new ties with Strategic Forum

26 Jun 13 The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has asked the Strategic Forum and the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) to co-operate on re-establishing the Strategic Forum Plant Safety Group’s sub-group on mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

IPAF is keen to get contractors more involved in discussions about all aspects of MEWP operational safety on site.

IPAF is looking to merge its own UK MEWP safety forum with a re-formed Strategic Forum sub-group on MEWPs.

The CPA, which provides secretariat services to the Strategic Forum’s sub-groups, is expected to nominate a chairperson for the MEWP sub-group. IPAF will fund the activities of the sub-group and provide the services of its technical officer, Chris Wraith, to act as technical author for the group.

IPAFsays that tis plan is backed by both Simon Mantle, chair of the Strategic Forum’s health & safety committee, and Health & Safety Executive principal inspector Joy Jones.

“We look forward to creating a truly inclusive group which will address all aspects of safe MEWP operations and lead to implementation of agreed best practices,” said IPAF chief executive Tim Whiteman, who chairs the current IPAF MEWP safety forum.

“Around 40% of MEWP use is now non-construction, but our experience of working on the previous sub-group which produced anti-crushing guidance leads us to believe this group can be very inclusive and agree standards for the whole sector.”

IPAF has set a date of 3 September for a first meeting of the new group. Interested parties are invited to contact IPAF or the CPA for further information.

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