IPAF TO START CONTROLLED TRIALS OF
PAL+ ADVANCED OPERATOR ASSESSMENT
USING VR SIMULATORS
I
n 2018, IPAF led an industry-wide
consultation into VR technology and
produced a detailed strategy paper based
on the fi ndings. IPAF members worked with
IPAF to produce a policy document on how
VR systems can be eff ectively and safely
harnessed to train MEWP operators. This
led to a set of recommendations that are
being implemented throughout 2019, the
fi rst of which was to integrate IPAF’s existing
globally-recognised operator training into the
VR realm.
In July 2019, following extensive develop-
ment work and fi ne-tuning involving IPAF
staff and member companies, including
senior instructors and experienced MEWP
operators, IPAF will commence controlled tri-
als involving some of its training members to
deliver PAL+ training that will test candidates
using sophisticated MEWP simulators in-
stead of real machines. The other elements of
the PAL+ course, notably the theory module
of the course and the pre-use inspection, will
be conducted as usual at an approved IPAF
Tr a i n i ng Cent re.
Giles Councell, director of operations,
IPAF, who has been leading in the develop-
ment of IPAF’s training in new and next gen-
eration applications, said: “There is no doubt
that the powered access industry is on the
cusp of a VR revolution, with MEWP simula-
tors now so advanced that IPAF is confi dent
that they can now form an integral part of
delivering candidate training and assessment.
After last year’s consultation and the analysis
of the feedback received, and working very
closely with IPAF member fi rms, it’s our con-
sidered view that, while we still want to see
people taking their basic operator instruction
using the real machines, for more advanced
operators who are well used to using the
machines in real life, we can be confi dent of
assessing their skills and behaviours using
these incredibly realistic simulators.”
The trials are taking place on specifi c
simulators that have been approved for this
purpose by IPAF’s training department.
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has announced it is ready for controlled
trials of its PAL+ advanced operator assessment in a virtual reality (VR) environment using MEWP
simulators.
Giles Councell added: “Working with some
of our largest training provider members
in both Europe and the US, IPAF will now
embark on proving trials testing genuine PAL+
training candidates in the way we would do
normally, but with the assessment taking place
on a simulator rather than a real-life MEWP. If
they pass their assessment using the simulator,
they will be issued with their certifi cation to
PAL+ as usual, so these are not ‘dummy runs’.
If the trials prove successful we will look to
fully develop the IPAF PAL+ course into eL-
earning and VR by developing a digital version
of the theory module and simulated pre-use
inspection, to be launched later in the year. It’s
a very exciting step forward and one that could
revolutionise and enhance the ways our ac-
credited training centres deliver IPAF courses.”
This year IPAF also launched an updated
version of its MEWPs for Managers supervisor
training in the eLearning format.
“While the theory element of IPAF’s opera-
tor course leading to the PAL Card has been
available in eLearning for some time, I think
the direction of travel in terms of embracingand adopting new technology is clear to see,”
said Councell.
IPAF’s PAL+ operator training was devel-
oped in response to increasing demand from
contractors for a recognised qualifi cation
demonstrating advanced operator profi ciency
and signifying a certain level of experience in
using diff erent types of MEWPs in a variety of
challenging environments and scenarios.
Currently not all IPAF approved Training
Centres off er PAL+ training, in part owing
to the signifi cant investment required to
purchase specifi c types of MEWP equipment
and the need for a large and secure training
area containing structures around and through
which the candidates must operate during
their assessment.
IPAF hopes that moving the PAL+ course
into the VR environment will open up IPAF’s
advanced operator training as a viable option
to more approved training centres, and in turn
make it more attractive to training candidates
who will need to spend less time away from
the worksite to successfully complete the as-
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18 TRAINING