July 7, 2014 – The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has released a technical guidance on major inspections of aerial work platforms (AWPs) aimed at keeping equipment safe beyond the manufacturer’s design life.

The document outlines a major inspection scheme to validate structural integrity and functionality of critical components of an AWP, says IPAF, adding that such a scheme may be undertaken to determine if a machine is within safe design and use criteria beyond the manufacturer’s design life. It reiterates that equipment owners should fulfil their legal obligations and ensure that AWPs are maintained in good repair and safe working order by implementing regular inspection and maintenance programs in accordance with various regulations, legislation, directives, standards and manufacturer’s requirements. These may include: pre-use inspection; interim, frequent or periodic inspections; and six-monthly or annual inspection/examination by a competent person.