"Operator training is paramount to ensuring the access industry is made safer," said Skyjack Group President Ken McDougall in his keynote speech at the APEX conference in Maastricht, the Netherlands.

"The more educated and trained operators of access equipment we can have, who have been globally trained to a documented standard, the better off the access industry is," he said.

McDougall urged manufacturers to actively promote the safe use and operation of aerial platforms, as understanding the proper operations and limitations of equipment is paramount to safety.

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"The best way to ensure we have this training implemented on a consistent basis is by having a standardised and accredited training programme globally," said McDougall. "We will not ensure uniformity and consistency in training by conducting 'back of the truck' sessions that may vary depending on the allotted time and skill of the person conducting the training."

He commended and fully endorsed the International Powered Access Federation's (IPAF) operator training programme as the driving force behind global operator training.

"The IPAF programme gives the industry an example to follow on how to standardise and implement operator training. It is not manufacturer-specific but gives the fundamentals required to operate different types of equipment. I received my Powered Access Licence Card (PAL) in 2006 and I am proud to say that Skyjack supports the IPAF training programme worldwide."

(CD/JM)