on the platform. The good news for hire companies and
contractors that run MCWPs is that they are a long-life machine. This means that the return on investment for hire companies can be spread over many years. “Maintenance is key and if you maintain it
well, the machinery will last longer,” says Reid. However, this means there is less good
used machinery for manufacturers to use to develop new markets. Another factor that restricts growth of the
MCWP market, particularly in developing areas, is the fact that a company cannot simply move into this type of machinery overnight. Where a general plant hirer might purchase a few scissor lifts or booms, to complement existing equipment, MCWPs are relatively specialist machines, requiring expertise and knowledge to install, operate, maintain and to market. IPAF has been at the forefront of
increasing awareness of MCWPs for some years. The Federation has developed a dedicated website section for the MCWP sector at www.ipaf.org/mcwp, outlining the advantages of their use and reference documents to assist customers and hire companies. It also demonstrates that, as with many forms of powered access, the MCWP is not only a construction industry machine. “Recently Harsco has been looking at
many non-construction applications, everything from power line maintenance to sewer inspection,” says Reid. “We find that people’s knowledge of
MCWPs in some areas is still very limited.” Reid is confident that the market will
continue to recover and grow, in existing markets and in new territories. Companies are looking for efficient, productive equipment, and the mast climbing work platform offers many benefits that scaffolding and other forms of powered access simply cannot compete with. “As things continue to pick up, we can see
that there will definitely be further development,” says Reid. n
IPAF HAS DEVELOPED A DEDICATED SECTION OF ITS WEBSITE OUTLINING THE ADVANTAGES OF MCWPS AND PROVIDING REFERENCE DOCUMENTS TO ASSIST CUSTOMERS AND HIRE COMPANIES
Training is widely available IPAF-accredited training centres provide a range of training courses for the MCWP market, leading to the award of PAL Cards (Powered Access Licences) for mobile operators, demonstrators, installers and advanced installers. Installation qualifications are different
than for other forms of powered access, because the MCWP is fixed on the project, often for long periods, rather than being a mobile machine moving about the site.
40 | POWERED ACCESS 2012 The demonstrator category is for
operatives who are responsible for inducting users and ensuring that the equipment is used safely. Demonstrators need to understand model-specific engineering and servicing requirements and be conversant with risk assessment guidance along with all relevant legislative requirements. Installers, as the name suggests, will
actually install the platforms on site. They, too, must have specific detailed understanding of the erection and
dismantling procedures for the machinery with which they are working. The advanced installer category is for
managers and supervisors, who must demonstrate the ability to plan and carry out risk assessments, compile method statements and be able to configure special arrangements including relevant anchor and tie specifications. IPAF training provides a universal level of
expertise and knowledge that is essential to ensure safe use of MCWPs.