2008/06/27

Manufacturers have called on IPAF to draft a code of practice covering items such as basic training levels for sales staff and staff involved in setting up equipment at exhibitions, following an incident at the Vertikal Days event where a narrow aisle scissor lift designed for indoor use tipped over while on show outdoors.

The scissor lift was blown over by strong wind and came to rest against the boom of a telehandler. No one was injured and the machine was lifted back and safely lowered.

An urgent meeting was convened at Haydock Park, following the wish from several companies to review what could be learned from the incident. The meeting was chaired by Gordon Leicester of Facelift, who also chairs the IPAF Rental+ Committee that promotes quality standards for hire companies.

"It was truly impressive to see the speed with which the group decided on concrete action to make our industry even safer and more professional," said IPAF managing director Tim Whiteman.

IPAF has already issued basic exhibition guidelines, which are expected to form the basis of the new code of practice.