The UK's four main accrediting bodies that cover forklift operator training will form the Accrediting Bodies Association.

The representatives of the UK's four main accrediting bodies that cover forklift operator training have agreed to form the Accrediting Bodies Association (ABA).

In 1988, the first code of practice for forklift operator training was produced. The code recognised accrediting bodies to help employers select training organisations that offered quality training.

In 2010, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) held a conference to address the role of the accrediting bodies. After a period of consultation, representatives of AITT, ITSSAR, NPORS and RTITB agreed to form the ABA.

Established in early 2012, ABA aims to contribute to the reduction of workplace transport accidents/incidents, and to improve workplace transport safety through training.

Criteria have been formulated to qualify accrediting bodies based on the HSE proposal and widely used national and international standards for certification and awarding bodies.

The main areas the agreement covers are the standards to which the training providers will have to adhere, the methods of monitoring to be applied by the relevant bodies, and the future registration of operators by the training providers.

The standards each of the accrediting bodies will have to attain and adhere to will be regularly audited by an independent, external auditing body. Subject to final HSE board approval, the HSE Workplace Transport Team will continue working with the ABA in an advisory role.

The newly formed association expects the agreement to bring clarification for future training and testing of all workplace transport and materials handling equipment operators.

Employers will also have assurance that the accredited training provider will perform to the standards in ACoP (L117).

About the participants:

AITT

AITT is an independent, non-profit organisation which focuses on the training of operators, instructors, tutors and examiners on all types of industrial trucks. It applies the standards set out in the Health and Safety Commission Approved Code of Practice (ACoP L117) for all industrial sectors.

AITT also publishes guidance for the training of operators and instructors, and monitors training organisations and instructors. With a committee of industry experts, it provides advice on instructional techniques for all types of industrial truck operator training.

ITSSAR

Established in1991, ITSSAR is an independent, non-profit organisation, approved and listed for the provision of training for forklift operators, instructors and tutors. Its sole function is to write and monitor training standards for a wide range of mechanical handling equipment, including construction plant, crane operation, lifting and rigging operations, and slinging and signalling.

NPORS

Formed in 1992, NPORS currently accredits over 1,000 instructors and training providers in the UK who operate on both national and international projects. Its database currently lists over 180,000 registered operators who work in the construction, industrial, utilities, warehousing and distribution, agricultural and ports and marine sectors.
NPORS is also accredited with the Civil Engineer Contracts Association (CECA), and so is equipped to offer help and guidance to organisations in many sectors.

RTITB

RTITB, formerly the Road Transport Industry Training Board, has been providing training in the road freight and logistics industry for over 40 years. Its core business is the accreditation of materials handling equipment training, currently accrediting over 650 training locations in the UK and Ireland. RTITB's accreditation offering includes forklifts and large goods vehicles, as well as the bespoke accreditation of equipment used in ports, airports, construction and agriculture.