IPAF-Italia to host convention at Ambiente Lavoro

Italy's powered access industry meets on 14 September 2005 for its third annual convention to discuss progress with developing a nationwide programme of operator training and certification.

The convention is being held on the second day of the Ambiente Lavoro industrial safety exhibition in Bologna. It is organised by IPAF-Italia, Italy's largest training organisation specialising in powered access.

IPAF-Italia has taken the lead in standardising training and certification in Italy. In the past seven months, a further seven training providers have joined the IPAF training programme, making a total of 10 IPAF-approved training providers in Italy, representing nationwide coverage.

The 3rd Annual Convention of the Italian Powered Access Industry starts at 2.30pm in the Topazio Conference Room at Palazzo degli Affari, close to the Bologna show ground.

The agenda includes:

The safe and productive use of powered access platforms n The evolution of regulations and standards

The quality of the operator training

Participation at the convention is free, although early registration is recommended. Those wishing to attend can register online at the IPAF website (www.ipaf.org/it) but attendees should note that the event will only be in Italian.

Gerhard Hillebrand of IPAF-Italia said that the Italian authorities were now starting to recognise the importance of IPAF's work. “Legislators, as well as users, are starting to realise the importance of ensuring that training is delivered only by certified and authorised instructors of training organisations, specifically qualified for the category of equipment being used,” he said.