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13 September 2012
In 1988 the first code of practice covering operator
training for rider operated lift trucks was produced. This
provides guidance regarding the requirements for the
training of lift truck operators. The recognition of
accrediting bodies in this guidance was designed to "help
employers select training organisations who offer a good
standard of training".
In 2010 the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) held a conference to
address the way forward for Approved Code of Practice (ACOP)
and the role of the accrediting bodies.
Following a period of consultation, representatives of the
four main accrediting bodies, namely AITT, ITSSAR, NPORS and
RTITB, have agreed to form the Accrediting Bodies
Association
(ABA).
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Criteria has been formulated in order to qualify as an
accrediting body based on the HSE proposal, plus adherence to
widely used national and international standards for
certification and awarding bodies.
The main areas this 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 criteria will be the standards that each of the accrediting
bodies will have to attain and adhere to, being regularly
audited by an independent external auditing body. Subject to
final HSE board approval, the HSE Workplace Transport Team will
continue to work with the ABA in an advisory role.
The newly formed association is sure this agreement will bring
clarification for future training & testing of all workplace
transport and MHE operators.
It will also bring assurance to employers engaging the services
of an accredited training provider that the training will be
carried out to the standards prescribed in ACOP (L117). |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lift truck training accrediting bodies update
In 1988 the first code of practice covering operator training
for rider operated lift trucks was produced. This provides
guidance regarding the requirements
for the training of lift truck operators.
The recognition of accrediting bodies in this guidance was
designed to “help employers select training organisations who
offer a good standard of training”.
In 2010 the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) held a conference
to address the way forward for Approved Code of Practice (ACOP)
and the role of the accrediting bodies.
Following a period of consultation, representatives of the four
main accrediting bodies, namely AITT, ITSSAR, NPORS and RTITB,
have agreed to form the Accrediting Bodies Association (ABA).
Criteria has been formulated in order to qualify as an
accrediting body based on the HSE proposal, plus adherence to
widely used national and international standards for
certification and awarding bodies.
The main areas this 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 criteria will be the standards that each of the accrediting
bodies will have to attain and adhere to, being regularly
audited by an independent external auditing body. Subject to
final HSE board approval, the HSE Workplace Transport Team will
continue to work with the ABA in an advisory role.
The newly formed association is sure this agreement will bring
clarification for future training & testing of all workplace
transport and MHE operators.It will also bring assurance to
employers engaging the services of an accredited training
provider that the training will be carried out to the standards
prescribed in ACOP (L117).
Notes for Editors:
About the ABA
The Accrediting Bodies Association (ABA) was established in
early 2012, consisting of the four main accrediting bodies in
the UK; AITT, ITSSAR, NPORS and RTITB. The aim of the ABA is to
contribute to the reduction of workplace transport
accidents/incidents in the workplace, and to improve workplace
transport safety through training.
AITT
AITT is an independent, non-profit making organisation, which
focuses on the training of operators, instructors, tutors and
examiners on all types of industrial trucks, applying standards
as set out in the Health and Safety Commission Approved Code of
Practice (ACoP L117) in all industrial sectors.
AITT also publishes guidance for the training of operators and
instructors and with a committee of industry experts, provides
advice on instructional techniques for all types of industrial
truck operator training, monitoring training organisations and
instructors to these standards.
ITSSAR
Established since 1991, ITSSAR is an independent, non-profit
making organisation, approved and listed for the provision of
training for Lift Truck Operators, Instructors and Tutors. The
sole function of ITSSAR is to write and monitor training
standards for a broad range of mechanical handling equipment,
including construction plant, crane operation, lifting and
rigging operations, and slinging and signalling.
This scope of training ensures that ITSSAR registrants deliver
the highest quality of training within the workplace and all set
standards are relevant, current and comprehensive.
NPORS
Formed in 1992, NPORS currently accredits over 1000 Instructors
and Training Providers across the UK who operate on both
National and International projects. Its Operator Register
database currently lists over 180,000 registered operators who
work within the construction, industrial, utilities, warehousing
and distribution, agricultural and ports and marine sectors.
Focusing on the accreditation, monitoring and training of
Instructors and Training providers to deliver quality operator
training and testing, NPORS are also accredited with the Civil
Engineer Contracts Association (CECA), meaning it is equipped to
offer help and guidance to many organisation
In 2003 RTITB introduced NORS, a centralised validation,
registration and certification database to support its Materials
Handling Accreditation Service. This scheme became a standard
feature of accreditation for all RTITB accredited organisations
in 2006.
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INDEPENDENT TRAINING STANDARDS SCHEME AND REGISTER
Armstrong House28 Broad Street
Wokingham, Berkshire
RG40 1AB
Tel: 0118 989 3229/ 0118 979 6058
Email: lynda@itssar.org.uk
www.itssar.org.uk
October 2012
To: All Category 2 & 3 Training Organisations
As you are all
aware the four main accrediting bodies, namely AITT; ITSSAR;
NPORS & RTITB have agreed to form the Accrediting Bodies
Association (ABA).
The ABA & HSE have drawn up a criteria by which all accrediting
bodies will be audited by an independent external auditing body.
This will all
start to come into effect when the new L117 is published
possibly around January 2013. We shall have 18 months from that
date to fall into line with this new criteria.
One of the criteria is that each accrediting body must have in
place a registration scheme which must be used by all their
accredidated training organisations. We hope to have this
scheme up and running by about June 2013. There will be 4
options:-
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Registration
on to the data base. (This option will produce a unique ID
Number which the training organisation must display on their
certificates of training).
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Registration
on to the data base and ID Card
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Registration
on to the data base, ID Card and Certificate of Registration
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Registration
on to the data base and Certificate of Registration
The ITSSAR scheme
will be referred to as “Trained Operator Passport Scheme” TOP
Scheme. Each training organisation will enter the candidates
details on to the secure data base. No home address or employer
details of the candidate will need to be entered. We will of
course keep you informed on the progress on this scheme and how
it will be managed nearer the time.
If you do have any
queries or concerns, please phone Wokingham on the number above
or speak to the TSA when they are conducting your annual
monitoring visit.
Lynda Dopson (Mrs)
Managing Director
Independent Training
Standards Scheme and Register Limited
Registered Office : as above
Registered Number:
3947778
Place of Registration: England
Recognised by the HSC as an Accrediting Body for Lift Truck
PDF Copy Here |
Managing lift trucks
Key messages
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Lift trucks are particularly dangerous in the workplace
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Between 2001/2002 to 2005/2006 21,190 injuries involving
forklift trucks were reported. Of these 94 were fatal,
5758 were major and 15,338 resulted in people being off
work for 3 or more days
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On average forklift trucks are involved in 24% of all
workplace transport accidents
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Accidents involving lift trucks are often due to poor
supervision and a lack oftraining.
Safe working with lift trucks
The Health and Safety Commission has published an Approved Code
of Practice (ACOP) and guidance called Rider-operated
lift trucks: Operator training.
This sets the legal minimum standard of basic training people
should receive before they are allowed to operate certain types
of lift truck - even if they only operate the equipment
occasionally. It also provides detailed guidance about how they
can meet this standard.
The ACOP covers stacking rider-operated lift trucks, including
articulated steering truck types. 'Rider-operated' means any
truck that can carry an operator and includes trucks controlled
from both seated and stand-on positions. People who use
industrial lift trucks should usually be able to move their
whole body fully, to allow them to maintain good awareness of
hazards all around their vehicle.
If you employ anyone to operate a lift truck covered by the ACOP,
you should make sure that operators have been trained to the
standards it sets out there.
The Health and Safety Commission recognises six organisations as
competent to accredit and monitor training providers who train
instructors and train, test and issue certificates for lift
truck operators.
Resources
These organisations accredit and monitor training providers
against the standards set out in the ACOP. They are:
Safety in working with lift trucks, published by HSE Books,
gives more more information about the standards of physical
fitness, and other things you should consider when choosing lift
truck operators. This guidance is also a good basis for choosing
operators for other types of vehicle
http://www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport/personnel/lifttrucks.htm
No Responsibility accepted for the accuracy of this article
(08/05/12) |
HSC recognition of accrediting bodies
Recognised accrediting bodies
HSC recognition
of accrediting bodies is intended to promote professional,
consistent training standards and to help employers select good
quality training. Although accreditation by recognised
accrediting bodies is voluntary, the use by an employer of an
ATP provides some assurance that the training provided will be
at least to the standard described in the ACoP and guidance.
Each recognised accrediting body is required to provide details
of appropriately qualified and experienced ATPs to enquirers who
seek advice about lift truck training. They should also provide
a description of their assessment criteria. The schemes operated
by the recognised bodies differ in detail, but the principles
are the same.
The accrediting bodies accredit organisations or individuals -
'accredited training providers' (ATPs) - who are deemed
competent to provide (or, in the case of individuals, to be) the
instructors who carry out the training.
There are 6 recognised
accrediting bodies:
Accredited training providers
An ATP
may be an organisation, individual or an in-house training
scheme. HSC recognises only the accrediting bodies, not ATPs.
The main conditions of
accreditation are that ATPs use qualified and experienced
instructors only, that they follow course syllabuses approved by
the accrediting body and that they be subjected to regular
monitoring visits by the accrediting body. The training must
also be carried out in suitable premises, which may be a
dedicated training centre or an area set aside for the purpose
at an employer's premises.
To become accredited, a
training provider applies to one (or more) of the recognised
accrediting bodies. If the training is to be carried out at a
training centre, the accrediting body will inspect that
facility. If training is to be carried out at employers'
premises, then the applicant is asked to demonstrate that they
have all the necessary equipment and documentation, and to
arrange to conduct a training course at which an assessor from
the accrediting body would be present.
InstructorsThere are 2 levels of instructor associated with accrediting
bodies: accredited and registered. Both are trained as
instructors, and assessed as being competent, on a course
approved for the purpose by an accrediting body.
An accredited instructor
(AI) will additionally have been inspected by the
accrediting body as described in para 9 above, be subject to
regular monitoring and have to use a course syllabus approved by
the accrediting body. AI registration is valid for 5 years,
after which the instructor is reassessed and reaccredited. HSC
recognises only the accrediting bodies, not AIs.
A registered instructor
(RI) is trained and tested to the same standard as an AI.
Registration is for a 5 year period after which the instructor
is reassessed and re-registered. However, an RI is not
inspected, monitored or subject to control over their course
syllabus by the accrediting body. This does not mean that the
standard of training provided by an RI is necessarily lower, nor
that they do not follow a syllabus produced by an accrediting
body. However, being outside the accredited system, the training
may not be as uniform as that provided by an AI, nor is it
subject to the same control. Some in-house training schemes are
provided by an RI, and the employer may not consider it
necessary to apply for accreditation because they monitor their
own standards.
Certificates of training
Certificates
issued by an ATP (or AI/RI) will quote their accreditation
number, the name of the accrediting body, and the name and
registration number of the instructor who conducted the
training. Certificates should always provide sufficient
information to allow the training to be traced back to course
content. If training has been limited (eg lifting to (say) 3
metres), then the certificate should identify this limitation to
ensure that operators only undertake work for which they have
been trained. Note that there is no legal requirement for
certificates, which are often confused with licences, but ATPs
will always issue them and HSE encourages their use as a good
way of demonstrating that training has been provided
.Training courses
Duration
There are many
factors that can affect how long a training course should be. It
is not possible to set out hard and fast rules, but the
following information is given as a general guide. It should be
noted that there are training providers other than those
accredited by a recognised body, but their courses should be of
similar duration to those of an ATP.
A course of basic training
for novices with a trainee: instructor ratio of 2 or 3:1 is
likely to last 5 days. This will allow time for training. Where
the instructor has only one trainee, the training is not meant
to cover the full range of lift truck work, or trainees are not
complete novices, then courses may be shorter.
The length of a refresher
training course is dictated by the amount of training required
to bring operators back up to the required standard of
competence. The content and length of the course will be set by
assessment of the operators to identify shortcomings and any
unsafe habits which need correction. It is not, therefore,
possible to advise on the length of refresher training. However,
it is unlikely that refresher courses of less than one day will
be effective. The quality of the original basic training may be
a factor, but the primary indicator is the assessment of
training needs by a competent person. As with basic training,
the trainee: instructor ratio will influence course duration.
Frequency of refresher training
There is no set
frequency for refresher training in legislation, neither is
there any logical basis for saying that refresher training
should be provided at set intervals. Employers should
continuously monitor the performance of operators to ascertain
whether they might need refresher training (indicators might be
near misses, accidents or simply consistently unsafe working
practices). Although employers are free to set refresher
training intervals, they should not then ignore operators for
the intervening period.
Supervisor training
For monitoring to
be successful, it is essential that people responsible for
supervising lift truck operators are also adequately trained.
Supervisors need sufficient training to be able to understand
the risks involved and to recognise safe and unsafe practices.
They do not need full operator training. Accrediting bodies are
able to advise on supervisor training.
Use of trucks by non-employees
Use of lift trucks
by people other than employees is increasingly common. Typically
this is done by visiting lorry drivers and service engineers.
Employers and site controllers should cooperate to ensure that
only adequately trained people operate lift trucks.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport/factsheets/hscrecognition.htm
No Responsibility accepted for the accuracy of this article
(25/10/06)
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Lorry Loader Training Scheme. The
first to be recognised by the HSE
We are pleased to announce that due to the consistently high
standards of its training scheme, ALLMI Training Ltd. has been
awarded the Health and Safety Executive’s ‘Working in Partnership’
logo of recognition. The logo comes complete with a commendation:
“The Health
and Safety Executive (HSE) commends the use of this Training
Programme to those who have duties under the Health and Safety at
Work etc. Act 1974. This programme was drawn up with the
participation of a HSE representative and will be referred to in
relevant HSE publications.”
ALLMI
Training Ltd, the independent training accreditation service and
standards body for the UK lorry loader crane industry, has been
awarded the HSE’s ‘Working in Partnership’ logo of recognition
for its national training scheme. Acknowledged as the industry
standard, the scheme is designed to equip operatives with the
necessary skills and knowledge to make the use of lorry loader
cranes safer and more productive.
Awarded for
its consistently high standards, ALLMI Training is the only
organisation in its sector to receive such a commendation. The
programme was drawn up with the participation of a HSE
representative and will now be referred to in relevant HSE
publications.
Comments Tom Wakefield, Training Manager of ALLMI Training Ltd:
“We are delighted that the HSE now commends the use of this
training programme to all those who have duties under the Health
and Safety at Work Act 1974. It reflects great credit on
everyone involved in developing and delivering the scheme
nationwide.”
ALLMI Training operates through a fast-growing network of
training centres whose instructors must not only satisfy the
stringent requirements of the initial accreditation process, but
must consistently achieve agreed standards. Regular audits are
conducted on all instructors to ensure a common high standard
throughout the scheme.
You can find
there details at
www.lorryloaders.info
or
www.allmitraining.co.uk
No Responsibility accepted for the accuracy of this article |
Safety trainer receives HSE prohibition notices
Prohibition notices have been issued to a UK plant training company
following an HSE investigation. As a consequence of evidence of
malpractice found during the investigation the HSE has named David
Harris and his company Future International Training Ltd as the
recipient.
These notices require an immediate halt to the issue of training
certificates, plant operators licences or any other indication that
training and testing has been carried out unless a proper scheme has
been followed.
Such notices are only issued where an activity is deemed to involve,
or will involve, a risk of serious personal injury. It has the
effect of stopping the activity immediately or after a specified
time period, and not allowing it to be resumed until remedial action
is taken. The Notice is served under the Health and Safety at Work
etc. Act 1974 (HSW Act), and failure to comply is an offence which
could lead to a fine of up to £20,000 and/ or six months in prison
on summary conviction by a Magistrates' Court. Warning
Under the circumstances, generally, the HSE wishes to alert the
industry over training certificates and plant operator licences. The
warning concerns the practice of claiming affiliation or
accreditation to the Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT)/Independent
Training Standards Scheme & Register (ITSSAR) and other nationally
recognised organisations such as the Construction Industry Training
Board (CITB), Lantra and City & Guilds where no current
accreditation exists. Mr Harris and his company did hold
accreditation with AITT/ITSSAR until 21 April 2001. However, this
accreditation was not renewed.
Evidence of competence
HSE reminds employers, employees and the self-employed that under
health and safety legislation workers require to be properly trained
to operate plant and work equipment. To assist with compliance
several nationally recognised training providers have developed
schemes to train and test plant and machinery operators. Once
trained and assessed under these schemes plant operators are usually
issued with a plant operators licence which is typically valid for
five years with further renewal by reassessment.
Other health and safety courses, such as the detailed registration
scheme for streetworks operatives and supervisors or the more
general 'safety awareness training', are frequently completed with
the issue of a training certificate and a credit card size identity
card.
Employers and the self-employed have come to rely on these as
evidence of competence in particular categories of plant. Part of
these arrangements should involve checks to ascertain the validity
of training certificates or plant licences. If the authenticity is
in doubt, the accreditation body whose name appears on the
certificate or licence can be contacted. Employers and the
self-employed must not allow people to operate plant or equipment
unless they are competent to do so.
No Responsibility accepted
for the accuracy of this article |
Accreditation Information
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Following considerable support from the UK
British Industrial Truck Association and in
consultation with the Confederation of British
Industry (CBI), Trade Union Congress (TUC),
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and others
involved in the professional training of
operators and instructors of industrial trucks. ITSSAR
introduced an accreditation scheme
driven by practical training specialists and
aimed at improving standards of training and
safety in the operation of industrial trucks. |
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ITSSAR is
a body approved and listed as an accrediting
organisation by the Health & Safety Commission (HSC)
in the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) for Fork
Truck Operator Training.
It has been constructed to cover all sectors of
industry which use industrial trucks and it
registers and monitors instructors and training
organisations meeting its standards.
Practical trainers specialising everyday in the
industrial truck training industry set ITSSAR standards.
The standards are relevant, current,
comprehensive and meet national standards.
ITSSAR promotes
the high standard of training and operation in
industry targeted by the ACoP.
ITSSAR specialises
in all types of industrial truck and mobile
materials handling equipment, abrasive wheels,
slinging/signalling, etc..
ITSSAR is
dedicated to help you to improve your training. |
BENEFITS
• Low cost, because the scheme is industry
driven and non profit making.
• Covers all sectors of industry
• Access to information to assist you in
maintaining standards of training beyond the
required minimum.
• Inclusion in the ITSSAR Directory
which is distributed to professional bodies and
organisations seeking Accredited Trainers.
• Access to training aides and literature
• A laid down complaints procedure is available
if needed
• All members accept that their activities will
be independently monitored.
• All registrations are verifiable by
certificate and identity card which include a
photograph for recognition and security.
• A National Registration Scheme is available to
all ITSSAR Instructors
for registration of Operators.
ITSSAR offers
several categories of accreditation:
Category 1: Registered Instructor
Category 2: Operator Training Organisation
Category 3: Instructor & Operator Training
Organisation
Category 4: Registered Tutor
Category 5: Registered Examiner
Category 6: Site Safety Awareness (Operator)
Category 8: Plant Operator
Category 9: Management & Supervisors
ITSSAR also
offers the facility for registrations of Fork
Lift Truck Operators. |
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HSC welcomes new standard test for lift
truck operators
The Health and Safety
Commission (HSC) welcomes a new standard test, introduced this month, to
validate training for lift truck operators. The test was developed by
accrediting bodies and the Joint Industry Council for Lift Truck
Operations (JiC). Lift truck safety has improved greatly since the late
1980s, when there was an average of 17 fatalities a year, but there is
still an average of ten fatalities and about 8,000 accidents resulting
in injury every year. During the same period the number of lift truck
operators has increased at least threefold.
- The test, for users of
industrial counterbalance and reach trucks, is a practical and
theoretical assessment of the skills and knowledge acquired during
training for the safe and effective use of lift trucks. It has three
elements: a theoretical test a pre-use check of the lift truck a
practical test which includes laden and unladen manoeuvring,
stacking and de-stacking within an aisle, and correct parking
procedures.
HSC
Chairman, Bill Callaghan, said:" Lift truck accidents are frequently
associated with lack of suitable and sufficient operator training. To
comply with the law employers must ensure that all operators are
adequately trained and, where necessary, given refresher training. Good
training is a major factor in reducing accidents, and I welcome the new
test as a step towards creating a uniform, national standard."
The organisations responsible
for administering the test through their accredited training providers
are:
Association of Industrial Truck
Trainers (AITT)
Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)
Lantra National Training Organisation Ltd
National Plant Operators Registration Scheme Ltd
RTITB Ltd.
Notes for Editors
1. Accrediting bodies are recognised by the HSC as competent to accredit
and monitor organisations to train instructors and/or to train, test and
certificate operators. The voluntary system was set up in 1988 to
establish and maintain a high, consistent standard of training for lift
truck operators and instructors.
2. In Britain there are more than 1,000 accredited training providers
and there are about 200,000 lift trucks of all kinds being operated by
more than 600,000 people.
3. Counterbalance and reach trucks are the most commonly used types of
truck in manufacturing industry and distribution.
4. Advice on training of lift truck operators, and details of the
accrediting bodies, is contained in the HSC publication
"Rider-operated lift trucks: Operator training", ISBN
0-7176-2455-2, price £5.00 are available from HSE Books,
PO Box
1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, tel: 01787 881165 or fax: 01787-313995.
No Responsibility accepted for the
accuracy of this article
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HISTORY OF AITT & ITSSAR
ACCREDITING BODY ROLES
In 1989 at the AGM of the Association of
Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT), a unanimous mandate was given by the
membership for the Association to apply to the HSE to become an
accrediting body under the terms of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC)
Approved Code of Practice and Supplementary Guidance (ACOP) "Rider
operated lift trucks - operator training". A totally independent
monitoring body was established by AITT at that time in order that the
monitoring of the AITT standards, registration and certification for the
AITT accreditation scheme could be undertaken on behalf of the
Association. This organisation was called the Independent Training
Standards Scheme and Register (ITSSAR) and it was originally overseen by
an independent Committee which included representatives from the CBI,
TUC, Iron and Steel Federation, BITA, etc. The working party elected to
set up the scheme comprised of knowledgeable members within the
Association and the then Director General of the British industrial
Association George Coates. This working party eventually became a sub
committee of AITT with Jim Brown being appointed as Chairman of this
standards committee, it was his responsibility to produce operator and
instructor training standards which could be adopted for use by the AITT
scheme. Various organisations within the standards working party agreed
to contribute priming funds to initially finance this scheme.
In 1991 the HSC officially recognised AITT as an accrediting body for
the purpose of the ACOP and their standards as set up and revised by
AITT were to be monitored by an independent monitoring organisation.
A prerequisite of the HSC was, that the scheme was to be made available
to both members and non members of AITT alike and the independent
monitoring system was to be operated so as to maintain complete
impartiality and security in the registration, certification and
monitoring of the participants in this accreditation scheme. It was not
to be used as a recruiting system for membership of the AITT.
From the outset it was the duty of AITT to set out, maintain and revise,
on a regular basis, standards for the scheme.
The role of monitoring these standards along with certification and
registration on behalf of AITT accreditation was the responsibility of
ITSSAR.
An AITT standards committee meets every 3 months along with ITSSAR to
review, revise and where and as necessary introduce new standards, Jim
Brown being elected Chairman of this committee in 1991, he has decided
to retire from this post later this year after 12 years or more service.
Please note that this is the authentic history of AITT and ITSSAR.
For further further information on this article please contact:
Jim Brown on 024 7646 9027
http://www.train-a-lift.co.uk
No Responsibility accepted
for the accuracy of this article |
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