Ramirent bolster IPAF training offer in Baltic states

Operators can now benefit from ISO-certified MEWP training in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

OPERATORS can now benefit from ISO-certified MEWP training in Estonia and Latvia, which join Lithuania in being able to offer courses developed by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), thanks to Ramirent successfully achieving IPAF certification for their training centres in the Baltic countries.

Now that the IPAF accreditation process is completed, training candidates can undergo quality training leading to the IPAF PAL Card in all three Baltic countries via Ramirent locations. Ramirent, a Loxam company, have an established presence across Scandinavia and the Baltics, and are the latest company to offer IPAF training in the region, in line with increasing demand for quality trained MEWP operators.

Kent Boström, IPAF’s representative for the Nordic and Baltic region, commented: ‘Demand for quality training across the region continues to build, a surge that began in 2018 when it was announced that a global social media company was constructing a data centre near Odense, in Denmark. Mace were the main contractor on that project and specified IPAF-trained MEWP operators.

‘I think one factor why multinational contractors require IPAF’s MEWP operator training is that it is certified by TÜV as conforming to the international standard ISO 18878 Mobile elevating work platforms – Operator (driver) training and audited to be consistent wherever in the world it’s delivered. We hope that with Ramirent Baltics becoming accredited to deliver IPAF training, this will ultimately help to keep workers safe when using powered access across the whole region.’

Heiki Onton, managing director of Ramirent Baltics, said: ‘We are pleased that Ramirent Baltics have achieved the status of becoming a certified Training Centre for IPAF in all three Baltic countries – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. This helps us provide even higher levels of customer service when renting MEWPs and raise the quality of work and safety when providing powered access services to Ramirent customers.’

Mr Boström added: ‘With more than 2 million IPAF PAL Cards delivered worldwide to date, and almost 850,000 valid cards currently in circulation, IPAF offers the world’s best-recognized MEWP operator training. IPAF also now offers its digital PAL Card as standard wherever training is delivered, via the new ePAL digital mobile app for operators and managers. The app is free to download for all new and existing IPAF licence and qualifications holders. Simply search ‘IPAF ePAL’ in the Apple Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.’