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18.
February
2020.
Industry-first test to boost pallet and stacker truck safety
Dear Editor,
Please find below the latest press release from RTITB.
February 2020
Industry-first test to boost pallet and stacker truck safety
RTITB has welcomed the introduction of the first industry-standard operating skills test for pedestrian operated lift trucks.
The introduction of the new test will mean that operators training on all machines covered within the RTITB electric pallet and stacker truck trainers guide will now be subject to a standardised assessment. This includes those on training courses for low level pedestrian operated pallet trucks, pallet stackers, stacking counterbalance trucks and stacking reach trucks.
The new test has been developed over an 18-month period by the Accrediting Bodies Association for Workplace Transport (ABA) in consultation with sector experts, including the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), manufacturers, training providers, operators and unions. It will be recognised by all the main awarding bodies, including RTITB, the leading accrediting body for materials handling equipment training.
“This ground-breaking test will ensure that an operator’s journey into the world of logistics will be a safe and efficient one,” says Laura Nelson, Managing Director for RTITB. “What’s more, they will be reassured that by achieving the required standard, they will be among the best operators in the world.”
“Care has been taken to ensure that the new assessment process accurately reflects the workplace, and the work required in the real world,” says Laura, explaining that the testing standards are similar to those already in existence for other materials handling equipment.
The new assessment comprises both theory and practical tests. The practical element includes safe manoeuvring of a laden truck in confined areas and stacking safely at challenging heights (dependent on truck type). Operators must avoid repeatedly committing serious faults, as more than three occurrences of the same safety fault will result in failure of the test.
Candidates must also demonstrate understanding of the workings of the truck, accurately identifying and inspecting safety critical components unique to pedestrian operated trucks, such as the tiller arm, repel pads, fork sleeves, fold down platforms and steering systems, and ensuring they are safe before operation.
“At RTITB, we believe that standardising training and testing is at the core of improving and maintaining safety in logistics and transport operations,” says Laura. “We are proud to have contributed to the development of this important, industry-wide safety measure.”
To learn more about the new test, employers and Instructors may contact RTITB by emailing solutions@rtitb.com or calling +44(0)1952 520200.
For more information on electric pallet and stacker truck operator and instructor training, visit www.rtitb.com
Ends
398 words
NOTES TO EDITORS
RTITB sets industry leading training standards specifically designed to change behaviour and make measurable improvements to efficiency, risk and safety.
As the preferred regulatory body for workplace transport training, our accreditation, audit, certification and instructor training services are reliable, robust and developed by a team dedicated to the common goal of keeping people safe.
We set training standards for goods vehicle driver licence acquisition training, driver assessment, Driver CPC Periodic Training, yardshunter training, banksman training, and all types of materials handling equipment: making us the only company able to provide absolute assurance for a full range of workplace transport training.
Our training standards are used extensively in the UK, Ireland, India and the Middle East, across a number of sectors: supply chain, freight forwarding, warehousing, road haulage distribution, oil and gas, food and drink manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, construction, cold chain, ports, and airports and public sector organisations such as councils and prisons.
Established in 1965 and with over 50 years' experience, RTITB is the regulatory body of choice for businesses committed to safety and efficiency. Since inception well over 1 million people have attended RTITB courses. Since 2014, more than 268,000 delegates have been trained to RTITB standards.
Visit www.rtitb.com for further information.
Issued on behalf of RTITB by:
MOLOKINI MARKETING LTD
Nik Webb, Hannah Patterson & Emma Page | T: +44 (0) 1903 207408
MOLOKINI MARKETING LTD | www.molokini.co.uk