December 17th, 2018: IPAF and United Rentals Partnership Announcement
On December 17th, 2018, the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) announced a groundbreaking agreement with United Rentals, Inc., a prominent name in the powered access industry and owner of the world’s largest powered access rental fleet. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in the training and certification of mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) operators.
A Milestone in MEWP Operator Training
Following extensive evaluation, United Rentals has received IPAF certification to deliver MEWP operator training through its United Academy blended learning platform. This certification ensures that the training meets the highest safety and efficiency standards, providing operators with the essential skills and knowledge to operate MEWPs safely.
The Significance of IPAF Certification
IPAF certification is globally recognized and signifies that the training programs adhere to stringent safety guidelines and best practices. By partnering with United Rentals, IPAF extends its reach, making high-quality training more accessible to a larger number of operators across various industries.
United Academy: Blended Learning Approach
United Academy, the training arm of United Rentals, offers a comprehensive blended learning approach. This method combines online coursework with practical, hands-on training, ensuring that operators understand the theoretical aspects of MEWP operation and gain valuable real-world experience. This approach is designed to cater to different learning styles and schedules, making it more convenient and effective for trainees.
Enhancing Safety and Operational Efficiency
The integration of IPAF-certified training into the United Academy curriculum is expected to profoundly impact workplace safety and operational efficiency. Proper training prevents accidents and ensures operators can handle MEWPs proficiently. This initiative is aligned with IPAF’s mission to promote the safe and effective use of powered access equipment worldwide.
A Collaborative Effort
This agreement is a testament to the collaborative efforts between industry leaders to enhance safety standards and improve the quality of training available to MEWP operators. Tim Whiteman, CEO of IPAF, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that it is a significant step towards achieving higher safety standards in the industry.
“We are thrilled to partner with United Rentals, a company that shares our commitment to safety and quality. This certification results from rigorous evaluation and reflects our dedication to providing top-notch training to MEWP operators,” said Whiteman.
Future Implications
The partnership between IPAF and United Rentals is expected to set a precedent for future collaborations in the industry. As safety regulations become increasingly stringent, the demand for certified training programs will likely grow. This agreement positions IPAF and United Rentals at the forefront of this evolving landscape, ready to meet the industry’s needs with certified, high-quality training solutions.
Conclusion
The December 17th, 2018, announcement signifies a pivotal moment for the powered access industry. By certifying United Rentals’ MEWP training courses, IPAF ensures that more operators have access to the best training available, ultimately leading to safer and more efficient operations. For more information about this event and the certification, you can visit the official IPAF news release here.
This partnership exemplifies the positive impact collaboration between leading organizations can have on industry standards and safety practices, setting a new benchmark for MEWP operator training worldwide.
