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Both companies are currently developing a comprehensive plan focusing on the integration of the combined business. Haulotte Group anticipates that this integration will be completed at the end of year 2008. In the interim, both companies will continue to provide excellent products and services to their customer base.

Both familiarization and training required; free online guidance available

In 1999, the ANSI A92.6 standard for lift equipment introduced a definition for familiarization that clearly differentiated this activity from training. “Training” consists of the instructions necessary to enable a trainee to become a qualified person regarding the task to be performed, including the recognition of potential hazards. “Familiarization” is the information regarding the control functions and safety devices on a specific aerial platform to be operated by a qualified person (trained operator).

In 2006 many of the aerial lift standards were updated to consistently incorporate this language. The definition for familiarization was revised to add that the information regarding the control functions and safety devices is to be given directly to a qualified person or the operator who will control the movement of the aerial platform. Too often, however, familiarization upon delivery is being accepted as operator training.

The major difference between training and familiarization is the scope and extent of material covered. Familiarization is to be given to individuals who are qualified. In other words, you must be trained before you can be familiarized. The dealer/rental company has the responsibility to provide familiarization to the person designated by the receiving party. The receiving party is generally the entity who will be directing their employees to operate the aerial lift. They must ensure that operators are properly trained, familiarized and made aware of the requirements of an operator as defined by ANSI prior to authorizing them to operate an aerial lift.