Serious Labs is working to develop Powered Access Licensed-Registration (PAL) + virtual reality training modules for IPAF. PAL + training, which can be completed on a VR simulator for the first time, tests existing PAL Card holders at a more advanced level, the company says.
Completion of the course will renew an operator’s PAL card for five years.
IPAF is currently conducting “controlled trials” with some of its training members in Europe and the U.S. using the simulator instead of real machines. The training program was developed in response to the demand for operators to exhibit advanced proficiency when using MEWPs.
“Operating access equipment on a worksite requires a high level of training and awareness. When you combine the dangers of the worksite with a lack of operator competency, the risk of incidents begins to rise,” Jim Colvin, Serious Labs CEO, said in a press release. “Being able to improve and develop operator competency and skill through IPAF’s PAL+ training modules via a virtual reality simulator is simply the future of efficient, safe and proficient operator training.”
The controlled trials will run from July through October, with a launch in Q4 2019.
Source: IPAF
