A unique insight into the history and development of the powered access industry has been captured in Denis Ashworth’s recently published book Going up in the World. The book is an unusual combination of
autobiography and history, tracing the background of Simon Engineering Dudley, one of the pioneer companies in the access business. Ashworth combines personal anecdotes from his
engineering career with well-documented overviews of each stage of new product development and the commercial and technical challenges that came with them. The book includes rare photos of the earliest
MEWPs: a find for modern-day engineers researching how the challenges of the past were met. It can be ordered from the publishers, Vertikal Press, by emailing info@vertikal.net.
Safety alert: GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
Two incidents of boom-type MEWPs catching fire have been reported to IPAF. No other such cases are known to IPAF’s technical officer Chris Wraith, who has been researching the matter. However, any MEWP users aware of other incidents are asked to send details to chris.wraith@ipaf.org. “Fires and other hazards
VERIFY PAL CARDS ONLINE
Site and safety managers can use the PAL Card online verification tool at www.ipaf.org to check if a card is valid and find out which machine categories the operator has been trained to use. A valid PAL (Powered Access Licence) Card issued by IPAF is proof that the cardholder has been trained to operate powered access equipment safely and effectively. The yellow plastic PAL Card already contains several security
features. The front carries the cardholder’s name and photograph, as well as showing the card’s expiry date and the machine categories the cardholder has been trained to operate. PAL Cards are valid for five years. The reverse side features an IPAF logo, printed as a
hologram to minimise counterfeiting risks, and the holder’s signature. The online verification tool offers another quick and easy way to check if a card presented to site managers is valid.
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when using MEWPs can be prevented through best practice and good housekeeping,” says Wraith. “Operators should
maintain a clean area of work on and around the platform and base, keeping it clear of debris. They should do the pre-start inspections and daily checks. This would help identify any debris, leaks, spills, damaged cables and wiring, or other fire hazards, and allow preventive action to be taken.”