After passing 2,000,000 issued PAL cards worldwide in 2020, IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) has launched a new digital app that IPAF believe will be a “game-changer” for safety and efficiency. The ePAL app will feature a digital PAL card, operator logbook, and safety guides. So it will also help easily verify an operators credentials, as well as helping users track and share their equipment time digitally.
Horizon Platforms have trained thousands of PAL cardholders, providing the full range of IPAF qualifications over many years. Speaking to Horizon’s Training Business Manager, Ben Hughes, this is what he had to say about the new innovations.
So Ben, why do you think IPAF have made these changes?
I think this was a necessary and inevitable development, that makes absolute sense. The ePAL app eliminates the need for traditional paper and plastic documents, and even the need to post something physical to the cardholder. It’s more sustainable, and convenient for both the holder of the card and the manager or administrator needing to verify those working on site.
What are the other main benefits?
Well, having everything in one place is definitely one of them. The fact that users can access their logbooks and safety guides easily has got to be a good thing for the industry. It’s convenient, plus with much of the admin removed, people qualifying will get the accreditation in their hands much more quickly.
How do customers access the ePal app?
It’s pretty straightforward. You download the app on your phone from the regular App Store. Just search for “IPAF ePAL” and install the app. Then create an account by either scanning your existing PAL card or by completing the details in the app.
As an IPAF centre, what changes or challenges do you foresee moving to ePAL?
The pandemic drove a lot of change very quickly. With IPAF we moved from classroom-style learning on much of the course, to e-Learning done online. Some find that an easy transition, but our team here are always focused on supporting those delegates who might feel less confident working on the course at home. So it’s a step-change and some people might be a little anxious or uncertain about how to get started. Luckily, we’ve got really good at talking people through the change to ePAL and helping them through the process. It’s still all about communication, and by working closely with people we make it a much easier transition.
HORIZON ARE AN IPAF RENTAL+ BUSINESS. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ePAL OR TO DISCUSS YOUR TRAINING NEEDS, PLEASE CONTACT [email protected]