IPAF celebrates 3 million PAL Cards issued globally

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has reached a training milestone, with 3 million Powered Access Licence (PAL) Cards issued across more than 60 countries.

The PAL Card is proof of operator training for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs). 

Issued following successful completion of IPAF-approved training, the card demonstrates that an operator has been trained and assessed as competent to operate powered access equipment safely.

IPAF first began certifying training in 1993 and the PAL Card was officially introduced in 1998. 

In its first year of issuance, just over 11,000 operators were certified. By 2014, a million PAL Cards had been issued, followed by 1.5 million in 2017, and more than 2 million by 2020.

IPAF said its training programme continues to evolve in line with technological advances, regional regulations and industry best practice. 

The launch of digital PAL Cards, available via the IPAF ePAL app, aims to further enhance accessibility and verification, making it easier for employers and site managers to confirm operator competence.

Peter Douglas, CEO and managing director of IPAF, said: “Issuing 3 million PAL Cards is a major milestone for IPAF and for the powered access industry as a whole. Each card represents an individual who has received recognised training and understands the importance of operating equipment safely. 

“This achievement reflects the dedication of our training centres, instructors, members and partners worldwide, and it reinforces our belief that proper training is fundamental to reducing accidents and improving safety at height.”

Douglas added that effective training is essential to reducing accidents and improving safety culture. 

“By ensuring operators understand not only how to use equipment, but how to assess risk and work responsibly, IPAF training plays a key role in preventing incidents and saving lives. 

“As the powered access market continues to expand globally, we remain committed to working with manufacturers, rental companies, contractors and regulators to ensure that training standards remain robust, relevant, and internationally aligned.”

Find more information about the PAL Card here and IPAF’s training programme here.