New AWPT course for managers and supervisors

The International Powered Access Federation's North American subsidiary, AWPT, has launched a new aerial work platform (AWP) training course aimed at enabling supervisors and managers to prepare for and safely coordinate various types of AWPs on site.

The one-day AWPs for Managers course provides attendees with the basic information every manager should know about planning, selecting and preparing for the use of AWPs on sites - from paperwork to logistics. This includes regulations, recognition and avoidance of hazards, risk assessment and looking at the various types of AWPs available and what they are best suited for.

The course does not qualify attendees to operate AWPs. However, attendees will receive instruction and training that will allow them to effectively address all aspects of AWP safe use on their projects.

"The course covers everything managers need to know about using aerial work platforms," said one site manager who recently completed the course. "It makes you totally aware of every possible danger. I now pay more attention to planning and control, and doing the risk assessment. For instance, I am more aware of the need to select the right machine and to walk the worksite prior to using the equipment."

The course content includes topics such as: Regulations and Standards, Machine Types and Use, ANSI Responsibilities, Operator Training and Familiarization, Pre-Start and Workplace Daily Inspection, AWP Fall Protection and Hazard Awareness and Prevention.

Attendees who successfully pass the written test at the end of the course will receive a certificate of completion. The course is targeted at project managers, construction foremen, supervisors and other construction personnel.

AWPs for managers is available from selected AWPT training centers. For more information on this new course, e-mail tony.groat@awpt.org or stop by booth 8328 at The Rental Show in New Orleans, February 5 - 8, 2012.