IPAF meets ISO 9001 and ISO 18878

Following an independent audit, IPAF (the International Powered Access Federation) can announce that it continues to meet the ISO 9001:2000 standard. The audit is carried out every three years - this year by David Willcocks from ISOQAR - no major and no minor non-conformities were found.

IPAF is also the only organisation to comply with ISO 18878:2004 Mobile elevating work platforms - Operator (driver) training. No non-conformities were found and IPAF passed the audit review of training administration, content and implementation.

Tim Whiteman, IPAF's managing director said, "We are extremely pleased to have independent confirmation of IPAF's good track record, both in general management systems and in its industry-led operator training programme." ISO 9001 relates to good quality management practices for organisations and IPAF has been independently audited against this standard since 2003.

Mr Willcocks from ISOQAR said IPAF was "a very methodically run organisation. No actual improvement opportunities were identified, which is a good reflection of IPAF's level of internal auditing and management of their system. Staff, as always, are confident and competent in their duties and are very helpful."

ISO 18878 refers specifically to the correct procedures to run a platform operator training programme. The IPAF PAL Card operator training programme conforms to this standard.

In his report, audit team leader Paul Latham from TÜV wrote, "The conformity to all the requirements of ISO 18878:2004 was completely affirmed. Implementation of the standard's requirements is plausible and suitable, and could be reliably ascertained during the audit."

The audit report highlighted positive aspects such as IPAF's experience and involvement with technical committees, manufacturers, associations and other interested parties; maturity of operational controls and ongoing development; strong surveillance system; clear customer focus; and team approach to improvements involving training centres and customers.

No negative aspects were noted. One opportunity, the development of international audit surveillance by an independent third party, was identified and is being addressed.