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In 2025, Boels officially joined as the fifth sustaining member of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF). IPAF is a non-profit organization that promotes and enables the safe and effective use of powered access equipment worldwide.
A shared mission: Safe and effective work at height
The title ‘sustaining member’ is reserved by IPAF for members who actively contribute to its strategic initiatives and make an impact on safety and productivity in the powered access industry. This recognition perfectly aligns with the course Boels has been pursuing for years.
As one of the largest rental companies in Europe – with leading rental brands Boels Rental, Cramo, and Riwal – Boels Group values safety, knowledge sharing, and innovation. Becoming a sustaining member underscores this commitment.
“This step unites Boels Group under our shared dedication to safety and professionalism,” adds Peter Douglas, CEO and Managing Director of IPAF. “Boels’ scale and influence across Europe make them an important partner in improving industry standards and supporting safe working at height. We are honored to welcome Boels as a sustaining member.”
Safety starts with knowledge. To ensure safety, Boels offers internationally recognized IPAF training
Sharing data for greater safety
For many years, Boels has actively collaborated with IPAF by sharing safety data on powered access incidents. This provides vital input for IPAF’s annual reports, analyses, and safety campaigns. Through this transparency, Boels helps to identify risks, spread knowledge, and raise safety awareness in the sector. Behind the scenes, work is ongoing on additional initiatives in data exchange to further strengthen the joint safety policy.
IPAF training with a Boels twist
Safety starts with knowledge. To ensure safety, Boels offers internationally recognized IPAF training through IPAF-certified training centers and instructors. This training program has been developed in close cooperation with industry professionals.
Recently, the training offer was expanded with innovative Virtual Reality simulations, where participants can practice realistic scenarios for different types of powered access equipment, such as scissor lifts, boom lifts, and rough-terrain lifts.
“Our strength lies in our ability to offer highly customer-focused training thanks to our broad expertise and extensive network,” says Funs Hermans, Training Manager at Boels Rental. “This way, we contribute to safer work environments – and thus to safer construction sites.”
Stronger together
Becoming a sustaining member of IPAF is not an end goal but a new step in a long-term collaboration. By sharing knowledge, offering training, and actively promoting awareness, Boels continues to work toward a sector where safety is the standard.
About IPAF
IPAF is a non-profit organization that promotes and enables the safe and effective use of powered access equipment worldwide. IPAF achieves this by providing technical advice, influencing legislation and standards, and developing training programs and safety campaigns. IPAF has members in more than 80 countries, representing the vast majority of rental activity and 85% of global production of mobile elevating work platforms.
