THE EPSA ORGANISATION

EPSA (the European Platform and Stairlift Association) was founded on 17 November 1999 in London, initially by 24 European companies and is today the main European organisation representing manufacturers and distributors of platform lifts and stairlifts. The administration and work is organised through several different bodies.
EPSA participates in several EU working groups and committees to achieve harmonised industry standards and provide expert input to European authorities on technical and other product related issues.

EPSA aims to:

• Ensure that all accessibility products manufactured and sold by EPSA members comply with the Machinery Directive and all other relevant European legislation and standards.
  
  
• Promote the European platform and stairlift industry and its products.
  
  
• Safeguard the interests of the members and to actively promote their business.
  
  
• Provide a forum for manufacturers and distributors to discuss all issues regarding European legislation and the standardisation process..
  
  
• Work with the national authorities in different member states to explain the safety, technical and legislative aspects of lifting platforms and stairlifts.
  
  
• Encourage innovation and provide safe access solutions of a high quality for people with impaired mobility, architects and planners.
  
  
• Provide products in Europe that meet different requirements of accessibility, design and use by achieving the highest level of safety at affordable prices.

EPSA General Assembly

Open to all members, a General Assembly is held once every year with the task of setting the policy for EPSA and deciding the Objectives.

EPSA Board

The Board is responsible for the operational direction of EPSA as its executive body within the framework of the policies decided by the General Assembly.

The Board is comprised of between 5 and 7 elected members plus the Chairpersons of the two Sections, who are also Vice Presidents of EPSA. The members of the Board represent different countries as far as possible, with a maximum of two members for any country.

EPSA Sections and Workin Groups

Until recently, EPSA work has been steered by 2 working Sections: a Platform Lift Section and a Stairlift Section, each with a Chairman who is also a Vice President.

In 2007, the main body of work was transferred to 3 Working Groups which cover issues for all product types. These are:

• EU Legislation and Standards WG
• Marketing and Promotions WG
• Self Regulation WG

EPSA Secretariat

EPSA is administered by a professional Secretariat in London, UK, which looks after the administrative interests of EPSA, under the direction of the President.