UK IPAF meeting raises awareness

Safe and effective use of spreader plates was the focus of an IPAF UK regional meeting.

The West Midlands meeting took place at the new headquarters of IAPS Group. After a welcome from managing director Steve Couling, the meeting heard an update from Brian Parker of AFI-Uplift on the Spread the Load campaign. Launched in 2009, this is IPAF’s initiative to raise awareness about the benefits of using spreader plates or outrigger pads, for access platforms that have stabilisers. IAPS Group supplies spreader plates through its Outriggerpads division.

Charles Grizzle, business development executive at Outriggerpads followed Mr Parker with a presentation on the safe use of spreader plates and the importance of choosing the right product for the job. He also officially launched a new guide to using the company’s Multi Mat system, which is designed for mobile cranes and other heavy plant.

IAPS Group displayed machines deployed with spreader plates, to highlight the features and benefits, including recent innovations such as bright yellow Hi-Viz pads that help to alert pedestrians to the potential trip hazard of deployed outriggers.

This was the first official visit IAPS Group has welcomed since moving this summer into larger headquarters on the Hortonwood business park in Telford, Shropshire. The three acre site includes a spacious yard, offices, workshops and a spare parts warehouse. In total it is more than double the size of the group’s previous facility, which was on the same industrial estate.

IPAF’s own Rupert Douglas-Jones presented IPAF’s Draft Guidance for Loading and Unloading, Loading & Unloading on the Public Highway and Operating MEWPS on the Public Highway. His colleague Chris Wraith concluded proceedings with a general update on IPAF’s current work – and how members can get more involved.