Find a contractor Buyer's guide Partner with us
MCAA Logo
Log in Sign up Join Hi, there Account
2026 Midyear Registration is OPEN
Find a contractor Buyer's guide Partner
Log in Sign up Join Account

No banners on scissors, says IPAF

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) is urging organisers and exhibitors at county/state fairs and local festivals not to attach banners to scissor lifts, as this could create a “sail board” effect which could destabilise the lift and cause it to turn over.

Scissor lifts are a safe way to perform temporary work at height when used properly by trained personnel. However, they are not designed to hold banners or advertisement boards. Some scissor lifts are designed for indoor use only at zero wind speed. Those designed for outdoor use may be at risk of being blown over in an elevated position when the maximum safe wind speed is exceeded.

“Scissors lifts are safe, but improper use of this equipment can make them very dangerous,” said Andy Studdert, IPAF president, and chairman & CEO of NES Rentals. “Don’t put your visitors at risk — a machine with a banner attached to it could get blown over even in modest winds. Aerial lifts are not toys for joy rides or hanging banners and displays.”

IPAF is there to help managers and operators learn how to use this equipment correctly. More details about IPAF’s safety initiatives, technical guidance and training programmes are at www.ipaf.org.
 0
Masonry as the Standard: Delivering Strength, Durability, and Permanence at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs
July 2026

The replacement of First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs serves as a clear example of masonry’s ability to deliver long-term durability, structural integrity, and architectural permanence in worship facility construction. Following the tragic events

Anton Shadrock
Case Study
Read More
Designing Masonry Openings Without Compromising Aesthetics
July 2026

One of masonry's greatest strengths is its ability to create visually striking architecture. From arches and deep reveals to decorative brick detailing, masonry provides texture, depth, and character that continue to inspire architects today. As buildin

Erica Oliveraz
MAP Partner
Read More
Restoring the Breath of the Building: The Life-Saving Science Behind Historic Masonry Repairs
July 2026

When I first set out to become a historic preservation and restoration mason, I imagined that most of my trade would involve repairing the effects of old age. Instead, 99 percent of my work is attempting to stabilize and reverse damage caused by recent an

Technical Talks
Read More
Laying the Foundation for the Future: Workforce Development at the Arizona Masonry Council
July 2026

For generations, masonry has been built on a simple but powerful principle: knowledge passed from one set of hands to the next. In Arizona, the Arizona Masonry Council (AMC) is working to ensure that tradition continues by investing in one of the industr

Dawn Rogers
Industry News
Read More