26.06.2008

Manufacturers agree to draft new code of practice

Representatives from all major aerial lift manufacturers met today to review lessons that could be learned from an incident in which a narrow aisle scissor lift designed for indoor use only was blown over while being exhibited outdoors at this weeks Vertikal Days event.

The scissor lift, a Genie GS3232, was caught by a strong gust of wind causing it to overturn. It came to rest against the boom of a telehandler. No one was injured and the machine was lifted back to the vertical and safely lowered.
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Strong gusts of wind caught this scissor lift.

An urgent meeting was convened at Haydock Park earlier today under the auspices of the International Powered Access Federation, following a desire expressed by several companies to review what might be learnt from the occurrence.

The meeting was chaired by Gordon Leicester, the owner of aerial lift rental company, Facelift and chairman of the IPAF Rental+ committee which sets independent quality standards for rental companies.

He stressed that the scissor lift in question was designed for use indoors, and was not suitable for use on gravel or in windy conditions and urged everybody to ensure that equipment designed for use in "zero" wind conditions is never used inappropriately "scissor lifts are very stable and safe but you need the right equipment for the job" said Leicester.

The meeting called on IPAF to draft a code of practice covering such items as base training levels for sales staff and staff involved in setting up equipment at exhibitions.

IPAF will consult with the group and prepare a draft within two weeks, it has already published basic exhibition guidelines which are expected to form the foundation of the draft Code of Practice www.ipaf.org/en/publications/technical-guidance-notes/

IPAF managing director Tim Whiteman said: "It was truly impressive to see the speed with which the group decided on concrete action to make our industry even safer and more professional ".