Discussion:
New FLT Classifications

UK instructors.

ABA have issued a notice that from April 1st all awarding bodies are changing to use the same categorisations for lift trucks now. main change for me personally is the B2 category. this has changed from 5-10t now to 5-15t.
so essentially someone with a cert for 6t can operate a 15t machine.

good idea/bad idea?
would you allow this in your workplace?
what kind of internal familiarisation do you do?

thoughts?
  • Posted 28 Mar 2016 23:47
  • By TonytheTrainer
  • joined 24 Sep'15 - 21 messages
  • Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
Showing items 1 - 3 of 3 results.
A good initiative that will become accepted in time, but a little confusing, particularly around sideloaders.
  • Posted 24 Feb 2017 23:17
  • By Windsor_Comms
  • joined 24 Feb'17 - 5 messages
  • East Yorkshire, United Kingdom
The original classifications for LTs were developed by BITA for statistical analysis purposes. BITA report on manufacturers' sales performance to Government, and are UK representatives on various international standards bodies.
When ITSSAR was first set up in the BITA office of the day, they adopted the BITA classifications for identifying training. Over time, additional classifications have been added. For example, I got the pivot-steer and the vehicle-mounted truck classifications added when I worked for ITSSAR. I also sought the 5,000kg limit for counterbalanced trucks (raised from 3,000kg). After AITT split from ITSSAR, AITT continued to use the same classifications for training purposes.
Later, when I worked for RTITB, I adopted similar weight and stack height classifications for the purpose of consistency in operator training registration, although I didn't adopt the BITA names.
The principles of operating trucks of different weight or stack height categories will essentially be very similar. progress can be made from one to the other generally by conversion or familiarisation training, as one would do for transfer from one power source to another. It will be important to record and certificate such additional training. the actual type of training and the duration required will depend upon the size of truck involved and the type of work it is expected to perform.
  • Posted 24 Nov 2016 21:42
  • By Pusey
  • joined 15 Jan'16 - 13 messages
  • Somerset, United Kingdom
David
Hi Tony,
I am a Trainer on the B1 D1 category.
I think it should go up in 5000kg increments
a bit like the motor cycle tests. the government did this for a reason
:)
regards
  • Posted 19 Apr 2016 20:25
  • By andy_r
  • joined 29 Dec'12 - 20 messages
  • buckinghamshire, United Kingdom

Post your Reply

Forkliftaction accepts no responsibility for forum content and requires forum participants to adhere to our rules of conduct. Click here for more information.

If you are having trouble using the Discussion Forums, please contact us for help.

PREMIUM business

BSL New Energy Technology Co., Ltd
BSLBATT - practical expertise and excellent design in the industrial lithium-ion battery market.
Fact of the week
Portugal was the first country to implement a nationwide, automatic electronic toll collection system. This system allows vehicles to pass through toll booths without stopping, significantly improving traffic flow on highways.
SMV (Konecranes) 4632CC5
Balling, Denmark
New - Sale
Terberg YT220
Balling, Denmark
Used - Sale
Global Industry News
edition #1244 - 21 August 2025
In our feel good story for the week, we report on a donation from Wisconsin-headquartered Big Joe Forklifts to the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s College of Engineering, after discovering the institution was still using one of its 1960s walkie stackers... Continue reading
Fact of the week
Portugal was the first country to implement a nationwide, automatic electronic toll collection system. This system allows vehicles to pass through toll booths without stopping, significantly improving traffic flow on highways.