The first hire company in Ireland to be audited to the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) Rental+ standard has been presented with its certification by Damien O’Connor, IPAF’s new representative for Ireland.
IPAF Rental+ is a certification that ensures members meet and maintain the highest standards of training, equipment inventory and customer satisfaction. It is audited annually and is mandated as a condition of membership by the UK Country Council.
While it is not yet mandated by the IPAF Irish Council, Blulift Ltd is the first Irish company certified, though there are UK/Northern Ireland-based firms that operate or have locations south of the border.
Blulift is Briggs Equipment’s most recent acquisition in Ireland, joining the Briggs Equipment group in December 2022.
Gary Clements, managing director – Ireland Group, said, “It is a proud moment to see Blulift achieve IPAF Rental+. To be the first company in Ireland to do so is extra special and demonstrates the team’s commitment to innovation and driving industry standards.
“IPAF Rental+ is a significant achievement, as it highlights the importance we place on safety, employee development, training pathways and excellence in customer service. It also delivers assurance that all the requirements for running a modern, safe and efficient access hire company have been met and independently verified.
“On behalf on the Blulift team, I would like to thank Damien, Martin Wraith and all the IPAF team for helping us attain this coveted standard. It is undoubtedly a benchmark for the hire industry and a real milestone for us as an Irish powered access rental business.”
Damien O’Connor, IPAF’s Irish Country manager, said, “For my part it is an excellent start to my new role at IPAF to be able to meet the guys here at Blulift and to be able to hand over a certificate making the company Ireland’s first IPAF Rental+ member! The operation here is both professional and hospitable; I hope this will be the first of many member companies that become IPAF Rental+ certified in the months ahead.”
Peter Douglas, CEO and MD of IPAF, added, “IPAF Rental+ is a badge of professionalism across the powered access industry; I am pleased to say that as of 2022, all of IPAF’s UK hire company members have achieved the IPAF Rental+ standard, as mandated by the UK Country Council, and that now as an organisation we are turning our attention to internationalising the standard.
“It is brilliant to see a company such as Blulift taking up the baton and leading the way here in Ireland; we are making positive strides to roll out the scheme and increase industry uptake and recognition in other key markets this year and beyond, including in the Middle East. Well done to all involved at Blulift for achieving IPAF Rental+ and for setting a path for others to follow!”
● IPAF Rental+ is the powered access industry’s guarantee of a high-quality hire/rental company. It is proof that a hire/rental company has been independently audited and meets rigorous health and safety, quality, and environmental standards, and a mechanism for continual business improvement. Visit www.ipaf.org/rental for more information, to find an IPAF Rental+ certified company or for details of how to become an IPAF Rental+ certified member.
