The International Powered Access Federation will host a safety program at this year’s Intermat construction show in Paris. The program is aimed at users of aerial work platforms, while Job Access will be the focus of the IPAF stand E5 J 020 in the outdoor area.

Visitors will see platforms in action, including demonstrations to illustrate the dangers of not wearing a full body harness when operating a boom-type mobile elevating work platform, using a real-weight dummy on a specially modified Skyjack boom. The large demonstration area has been made possible by the Intermat organizers, in line with their theme of encouraging youth and building the future.

IPAF is also developing an engineering apprenticeship designed to lead to a “technician” level qualification. Roger Bowden, chairman of Niftylift and chairman of IPAF’s Manufacturers’ Technical Committee, is reviewing the draft syllabus - this with the aim of raising awareness among young people of the powered access industry as a potential career path.

Schools interested in sending young people should register online at POSITION DESCRIPTIONwww.ipaf.org/jobaccess. They will then be given login details to complete a questionnaire. Suitable groups will be sent to the Intermat show to attend a lecture at the IPAF stand and gain practical experience of operating a platform.

The 50-minute lecture will give an introduction to the powered access industry - history, development of equipment, use of equipment, main employers in the industry (manufacturers, rental companies), main areas of employment (hydraulics, electronics, engineering, hire desk, etc.), safe operation and training. A small display on the history of the powered access industry will be on show.