IPAF’s ePAL app hits major milestone
The ePAL app, which serves as a digital wallet for machine operator licences and qualifications, has surpassed one million downloads globally.
Launched in June 2021, the app has been developed as part of an ongoing partnership between the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and construction technology provider Trackunit.
Following the launch, ePAL passed 500,000 downloads by December 2023, and then reached the one million milestone earlier this month.
Beyond serving as a digital wallet, the app now fully integrates with Trackunit’s Bluetooth-enabled Access Management solution, allowing users to unlock machinery directly through the app.
This functionality ensures that only verified, qualified personnel can operate equipment.
Users can build an operator profile with licences, familiarisations and machine activity; perform guided machine pre-use checks; unlock machines digitally; and log work activity automatically.
“It’s great news that more than one million people have downloaded the ePAL app, as it demonstrates the powered access industry’s trust in the app as a core safety tool,” said Peter Douglas, CEO and managing director of IPAF.
“Since its inception in 2021, ePAL has surpassed all expectations. The accelerating download rate is a clear indicator that the powered access sector is firmly on the path towards industry-wide digital transformation.”
Focusing on new innovations
As uptake of the app grows, IPAF and Trackunit are shifting focus from individual mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) operators to the wider contractor segment.
“As we and our partners work together to eliminate risk on the jobsite, the next stage in ePAL’s development will be critical,” said Douglas.
“With that in mind, we’re excited to be deepening an already fruitful relationship with Trackunit. We anticipate lots of new innovations in the app that will directly enhance safety for operators and those working at height.”
Søren Brogaard, CEO of Trackunit, added: “With the latest version of ePAL, we’re improving the way we access machines through digitisation, with automated worklogs and workflows in the app replacing manual inputs, eliminating human error and helping to drive behavioural change on jobsites.
“While construction’s digital journey is still unfolding, the widespread adoption of ePAL and its expanding features shows the sector is moving fast.”
Digital shift
According to Brogaard, the newly launched ePAL version 3.1 integrates with Trackunit On, enabling contractors to embed safer, more compliant access directly into jobsite routines.
This marks a shift from manual safety checks to digital-first access control.
“We’re seeing an industry that wants to adapt, wants to learn and wants to improve every aspect of its safety processes,” added Brogaard.
“Over the next three years, we’re committed to working relentlessly with IPAF to sustain this momentum and consolidate the process of digitisation throughout the industry.
“Together, we will develop and transform digital safety procedures, enabling contractors to embed them into their daily operations and support the drive towards a ‘zero-incident’ jobsite.”
Find more information and download the ePAL app here.
