The Australian Industrial Truck Association (AITA) council discussed adopting harmonised international standards for materials handling equipment at a recent meeting.

The council received updates from its engineering committee, chaired by NACCO Materials Handling Group's Mark Fritzen, on progress made by International Organisation of Standardisation (ISO) committees on developing global standards for forklift design.

Chair of Standards Australia Committee ME-026 and a key member of AITA's engineering committee, Stan Palmer, has represented Australia at ISO meetings in London, Hamburg, New Orleans and Sydney.

AITA believes adopting harmonised international standards in Australia is essential for a safe, efficient materials handling industry.

AITA represents all major suppliers of forklifts and ancillary equipment in Australia. It meets as a full council three times annually, usually in Sydney.