'Push Arounds' get IPAF category and training.

IPAF (the International Powered Access Federation) is to introduce a new PAV category for Push Around Vertical access equipment and its approved UK training centres will be running half-day courses for operators using this equipment. All other existing categories remain unaltered.

IPAF said it was introducing the half-day course in response to market developments and the need for appropriate training on this new type of machine. As the name suggests push arounds are small, simple static vertical machines with no mechanical drive and so fall outside IPAF's category 1a machines

The course covers both theory and practice and is applicable to new operators as well as those who already trained on categories 1a (Static Vertical), 3a (Mobile Vertical) and Scissor Lift (old IPAF category SL).

"We expect the new course to be popular with contractors and the non-construction sector who are using this type of equipment for low-level access work," said Rupert Douglas-Jones, IPAF international training manager.