French telehandler and access platform manufacturer, Manitou is taking a leading role in establishing the Telescopic Handler Association of Australia (THAA), a division of the Elevating Work Platform Association of Australia (EWPAA). It is believed to be the first such association in the world.

Stuart Walker, Managing Director Manitou Australia, has been appointed as the inaugural president of the THAA. He said, "Manitou has had an important role to play in the establishment of the THAA. With the use of telescopic handlers in the Australia and Pacific Region gaining acceptance it was clear to us that an industry body was required to act as a conduit for information in the benefits and safe use of telehandlers to industry, customers, users, government regulators and other stakeholders.

"With such a versatile tool as the telescopic handler people must be educated in its safe and efficient use as well as ensure the industry monitors the very high safety standards that we set in Australia."

Manitou and THAA are working towards educating potential buyers of their obligations under the Australian Standards AS1418.19 & AS2550.19, especially since Australia has some specific requirements within its standards, particularly when using the machine to handle suspended loads. Increasing numbers of grey imports from less regulated countries make it more important to check that standards and safety regulations are followed.

Mr Walker said, "Since 1998 Manitou has been leading the push for a standardised position between the States and Territories of Australia when classifying the telescopic handler, today we are almost there and no doubt the THAA will be a valuable voice and industry body in helping manufacturers like Manitou get this message across.

"We see great benefits in working with other manufacturers, suppliers and stakeholders to get our message across. We face some big challenges to ensure people know their obligations especially under standards such as AS2550.19 Safe Use & Maintenance Telescopic Handlers. This is a standard that applies to owners of machines not manufactures so Manitou and other stakeholders have an obligation and duty of care to ensure people understand their obligations. Manitou can lead but we need others to follow"