UPRIGHT ALUMINUM SCAFFOLD 
FROM COAST-TO-COAST
SIA and AWPT to Jointly Promote Lift Safety
Aerial Work Platform Training Inc. (AWPT), and the Scaffold Industry Association (SIA), have reached an agreement that will help improve safety in the lift and access industry through better and more consistent training.
The Agreement was finalized during the SIA's Annual Convention in Boston, Massachusetts on July 27 between AWPT's parent organization, the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), represented by Managing Director Tim Whiteman, and SIA President Howard M. Schapira. "This agreement provides a great opportunity for us to improve safety in the lift industry and bring added benefits to our members," said Schapira.
Under the Agreement, SIA will recognize and promote the PAL Card (Powered Access Licensed-Registration Card) as proof of training in the use of aerial work platforms (AWPs) and mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs). The PAL Card is issued by AWPT to users who successfully complete a training course on powered access equipment at an approved training center. Some 50,000 PAL Cards are awarded each year through over 150 approved training centers worldwide.
"SIA currently has about 900 members, many of whom already provide training in scaffolding and suspended access. Many of these members also operate AWPs and MCWPs, and the SIA is looking to introduce training for these types of equipment. AWPT, with its widely recognized industry training program, was the natural choice as a partner in this effort," said Schapira. "AWPT will also offer preferred rates and terms to SIA members wishing to operate as approved training centers," he added.
"SIA's recognition and promotion of the proof of training provided by the PAL Card and its desire to see the number of training centers grow rapidly is a superb vote of confidence," said Dennis Eckstine, AWPT Vice-President. "It is proof of how fast the AWPT training program is growing and of the worldwide acceptance of the PAL Card. We are delighted to be partnering with an organization as respected as the SIA."
The SIA Aerial Platform Council and the AWPT Advisory Council will maintain close contact to ensure the optimal promotion of safety in the industry.
For more information on AWPT, please visit www.awpt.org.
Scaffold Specialists
Contact:
Branden
phone: 909-633-3956 fax: 909-794-0499