IPAF first started certifying coaching in 1993, with the distinctive yellow credit-card-sized PAL Card being formally launched in on the finish of 1998. At the moment, simply over 11,000 MEWP operators had been licensed by IPAF; with the introduction of the PAL Card that determine doubled over the subsequent yr, the eye-catching license bearing the operator’s title, certified machine classes and picture ID.

In 2014, IPAF marked the milestone of 1 million PAL Playing cards issued, and in November 2017 IPAF handed the 1.5 million PAL Playing cards mark. Simply three years on, and regardless of the impression of the coronavirus pandemic, IPAF has now licensed greater than 2 million MEWP and MCWP operator licenses. 

Over time the design and performance of the PAL Card has been improved upon, to make sure the cardboard stays safe in opposition to fraudulent use, and with all playing cards issued after January 2015 being Sensible-capable. The usage of Sensible expertise permits the playing cards to work together with safety, telematics and monitoring methods on machines to make sure solely approved, certified and appropriately familiarized personnel are in a position to function suitable machines. 

All PAL Playing cards which might be at present legitimate on this planet at present are Sensible PAL Playing cards. Sustaining a digital log of operators’ machine utilization can also be a method to simplify the renewal course of, and to display to employers the extent of familiarization they’ve accrued on various kinds of gear. 

PAL Playing cards at the moment are in a position to carry the title and emblem of the issuing coaching centre, and likewise refined holographic logos such because the CSCS emblem, giving entry to all Construct UK development websites to MEWP and MCWP operators, technicians and supply drivers so long as the cardboard is legitimate. All IPAF workers are inspired to carry an updated IPAF PAL Card or MEWPs for Managers qualification.

Giles Councell, IPAF’s Director of Operations, who led the adoption of Sensible PAL Playing cards as a part of IPAF’s ongoing dedication to “new era” expertise in its coaching program, says: “It’s a notable landmark that the variety of IPAF PAL Playing cards worldwide has surpassed 2 million. From the outset uptake of the playing cards by means of high quality IPAF licensed coaching has been rising yr on yr, to the purpose the place we now subject in extra of 150,000 PAL Playing cards yearly.”

Peter Douglas, CEO & MD of IPAF, provides: “IPAF’s world coaching program by no means stands nonetheless; prior to now yr alone we’ve got labored to make the PAL Card renewal system extra versatile, to adjust to nationwide necessities to refresh {qualifications} extra often than each 5 years as required by IPAF. Everybody at IPAF is happy and proud to have licensed greater than 2 million folks across the globe to work safely utilizing powered entry machines; we sit up for certifying many extra within the years to return.”