Approximately 100 representatives participated in the first IPAF Safety and Standards Conference on Aerial Work Platforms, which was held on May 16, 2019 at the Changsha International Construction Machinery Exhibition (May 15-18) in Hunan Province, China.

The delegates of the new conference listened to the opinions of a series of speakers on the manufacturing and safety standards of international aerial work platforms. The most important message is that aerial work platforms are a safe and temporary working method at height, but strong safety standards are crucial. Important, especially in fast-growing markets such as China.

The leading industry experts from Europe and the United States shared the latest news about the powerful speaker lineup. The plan includes briefings from: IPAF CEO and Managing Director Tim Whiteman; Teng Ruimin of Dalian University of Technology; Bai Ri, IPAF’s Chinese representative; IPAF Technology and Security Director Andrew Delahunt; Haulotte Security and Regulatory Manager Mark De Souza; and James Clare, the top designer of Niftylift. Simultaneous interpretation in English and Chinese was used for the conference and was hosted by Raymond Wat, general manager of IPAF Southeast Asia.

Tim Whiteman commented: “This is an important new event in China, and the aerial work platform manufacturing and leasing industry has really taken off. The attendance at the meeting was very smooth, and the participants signed contracts to understand the design, safe use and training standards of global aerial work platforms* New development; we expect it to become a fixture in IPAF’s growing global calendar of events.”

Raymond Wat added: “In Asia, we see a strong demand for IPAF training, security and technical expertise. Such incidents will ensure the safe and sustainable development of our industry. We would like to thank our speakers and sponsors, they Help us achieve this success.”

IPAF also organized the first Professional Development Seminar (PDS) for teachers and training managers in China and the wider region. Held in the same venue as the aerial work platform safety meeting, the first IPAF Chinese PDS attracted about 30 participants. The event will be organized every year in accordance with the requirements of IPAF instructors around the world in order to continuously improve and understand the development of IPAF training and aerial work platform safety.