The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Crane Association (KCA) for closer co-operation in the realm of work at height safety. The MOU was signed on 17 May by Romina Vanzi, IPAF’s head of regional development & MCWPs, and One-Kyu Chung, chairman of KCA.

The signing of this MOU is said to be the first of its kind in South Korea, where IPAF has steadily been increasing its profile since appointing Roberto Kim as a dedicated representative for the country in early 2020.  

Among the MOU’s objectives are a commitment for the two organisations to cooperate in the Korean powered access industry to promote and enable the safe and effective use of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), to aid companies in achieving compliance with legislation, national and international standards, expanding quality training, and to jointly participate in relevant exhibitions, conferences and seminars.   

The announcement also means that the KCA is set to open an IPAF training centre in Korea, following the Korea Rental Corporation, which was accredited as the first IPAF training centre in Korea in 2018 – just one example of how the MOU will further enable the wider promotion of quality MEWP operator training in the country.  

Ms Vanzi said, “The powered access industry in Korea is similar in size to that of the UK; IPAF has been working to increase the profile of quality training and industry safe practice in Korea since before the pandemic, so this link-up with the Korea Crane Association is an important step forward in spreading the safety message and building engagement with end users of powered access equipment.  

“The agreement has been signed and will run for five years before it needs to be renewed; we very much look forward to working with the KCA to further promote work at height safety, quality training and offer each other mutual support at industry events.” 

Peter Douglas, CEO and managing Director of IPAF, added, “We are pleased to come together with the Korea Crane Association to further our joint aims and to promote safety and the importance of quality operator training to all users of powered access in the country. We anticipate a long and fruitful co-operation with the KCA and thank them for engaging with us and signing this important agreement.”