IPAF Spain events celebrate local market

IPAF Elevando España and IPAF PDS took place in Seville, Spain, during February.

Attracting more than 125 attendees, IPAF Elevando took place 15 February, followed the next day by PDS for instructors. The central theme: How to increase safety and professionalism in the sector and quality training, marked the third edition of the event.

Peter Douglas presenting at IPAF Elevando España, in Seville during February.

Peter Douglas, CEO and Managing Director of IPAF, was in attendance, offering his support, as was Jose María Sevilla, President of IPAF’s Spain Council and Alberto Miñarro, the council’s Vice President.

A notable highlight was the presentation of the first IPAF Spain Awards for the highest PAL Card issuances. The winners were:

• Gold Award: Daryat Platforms, received by José Ramón Etxebarría
• Silver Award: LoxamHune, accepted by Inma Fabregat
• Bronze Award: Homs Rental, collected by José Carlos Blanquez

Additionally, special acknowledgment was given to IPAF’s first training centre in Spain AP Aerial, for its director Florencio Alonso. The event also saw the presence of the ELEVA Alliance, represented by local associations ANAPAT and Anagrual.

Discussions on challenges in quality training in companies, moderated by Macarena García, emphasised the necessity for substantial investment in employee training for effective outcomes, with collaboration between the Andalusian Government and IPAF in promoting safety and height training.

IPAF PDS

The following IPAF PDS took place, a mandatory event for IPAF instructors. It commenced with the introduction of the new IPAF board in Spain, followed by insights into the latest advancements in IPAF training, including digitalisation and practical workshops.

Key speakers included Ana Oñate, IPAF project coordinator, discussing IPAF 2024 digitalisation, and Juan Soria, IPAF auditor, elaborating on IPAF’s quality standards. Presentations covered topics such as MEWP inspection, total cost of ownership, energy impact of batteries on MEWPs, and correct load mooring.

The event also featured an exhibition of access equipment and related devices, including models from Sinoboom, LGMG, Haulotte, and the Gravity Joe device.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Ainara Greño, IPAF’s Spain Regional Manager, said, “We are delighted with the engagement received at IPAF Elevando España. The event offered a great lineup of speakers, delivering insights drawn from their extensive industry experience.

“It was refreshing to witness a genuine commitment to understanding the root causes of accidents, emphasising their role in informing future prevention strategies. The increase in attendance reaffirmed our collective dedication to enhancing safety standards within the industry and this collaborative effort reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring a safer working environment for all”