All professionals in occupational risk prevention and the construction sector are aware that work with mobile elevating work platforms (MEWP) is among those involving the highest level of risk. In fact, the Regulation on Prevention Services itself includes in its Annex I “Activities in construction works, excavation, earthworks and tunnels, with risk of falls from height or burial.” Therefore, it is necessary to provide adequate training and information in any company, construction site, or planned work involving mobile elevating work platforms (MEWP), as set out in Articles 18 and 19 of the Occupational Risk Prevention Act.
“Sufficient and Adequate” Training for Work with Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP)
Thus, in day-to-day practice, the need arises for all parties involved in the management of Occupational Safety and Health to use standards that allow them to determine what type of training and information is “sufficient and adequate” for work with aerial personnel lifting platforms or mobile elevating work platforms (MEWP).
There is a very useful tool for managing specific training for this type of work equipment. It is the PAL card; an accreditation for mobile elevating work platform operators, which certifies that training has been received based on a highly comprehensive program of recognized prestige in which numerous industry professionals participate.
The accreditation is granted by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), a non-profit organization that promotes the correct, appropriate, and safe use of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWP) internationally, providing training, information, and technical advice. This organization includes manufacturers, distributors, users, etc., that is, representatives of most of those involved in the use of the aforementioned work equipment.
Benefits of the PAL Card
PAL card accreditation offers numerous benefits for professionals involved in occupational risk prevention management, such as Safety and Health Coordinators, contractors, subcontractors, and workers themselves. Among the advantages of using the aforementioned PAL card, we highlight the following:
- Issued by a non-profit entity of recognized international prestige with extensive experience in safety for work with MEWP elevating platforms
- Quality content in safety and health matters, recognized according to international standards and delivered by professionals with experience in mobile elevating work platforms. Complies with ISO 18878:2004 Mobile elevating work platforms – operator (driver) training.
- Helps comply with legal requirements related to sufficient and adequate training in occupational risk prevention.
At GespreObra we believe in sufficient and adequate training in occupational safety and health. We believe that such training must be validated by the parties involved. The content must be easy to consult and reviewable by competent professionals in the field of occupational risk prevention and work equipment. All of this will facilitate efficient training management, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the project, allowing cost reductions in its management.
