Aerial platform users have more time to prepare for new standards

New standards governing aerial work platforms will be delayed for three months. The UK-based International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has advised that there has been a revision to the effective date for the ANSI A92 suite of standards, which has been moved by the ASC A92 Main Committee from December 2019 to 1 March 2020. The delay gives the industry three more months to prepare for the new sweeping standards approved by the American National Standards Institute. The standards affect all who operate, sell, rent, repair, manufacture or ride on telescopic and articulated boom aerial platforms and scissor lifts. Tony Groat, IPAF's North America regional manager, is advising stakeholders in the US to continue to "familiarise themselves with the key changes and requirements in the proposed new standards with a view to achieve compliance as soon as practicable ahead of the effective date". According to IPAF, the new standards promote the safe use of MEWPs, outlining responsibilities and including new requirements for both operator and supervisor training, and "so it makes sense to start implementing your requirements as defined in the new standards to ensure all involved with powered access operations are working safely and are compliant with requirements in the standards". IPAF will be assisting its members to understand the requirements and ensure their compliance.