The PAL Card online verification tool can be found at www.ipaf.org to check if presented cards are validated by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), or by its North American subsidiary AWPT.

The card is proof that the cardholder has been trained to operate powered access equipment safely and effectively.

IPAF has launched the online verification tool in response to requests from site and safety managers for a quick and easy way to check if a card presented to them is genuine.

The yellow, plastic PAL Card already contains several security features. The front side carries the cardholder’s name and photograph. It also shows the expiry date and the machine categories the cardholder has been trained to operate. PAL Cards are valid for five years.

The reverse side features an IPAF logo printed as a hologram to minimise counterfeiting risks, and the cardholder’s signature.

IPAF CEO Tim Whiteman said:: “PAL Cards are valuable because there are many job sites where operators without a valid card will not be allowed to operate powered access equipment, and there have been a small handful of cases involving forged PAL Cards.

“The online verification tool gives site and safety managers added security and confidence in the system.”

More than 80,000 PAL Cards are issued each year through a network of over 400 IPAF-approved training centres worldwide.