Date Posted: 14.02.2024
Mastering Safety: ABA’s Protocols Stacking & De-Stacking
The Accrediting Bodies Association for Workplace Transport (ABA) is dedicated to implementing and upholding operator testing standards for lifting equipment.
Operator testing plays a pivotal role in ensuring safe lift truck operation. The synergy of industry expertise, adherence to international standards, and effective decision-making processes is crucial for achieving success. During a recent ABA members meeting, a key question emerged regarding the safe protocol for levelling loads while using a lift truck for stacking or de-stacking.
Collaborating with representatives from HSE and UKMHA, ABA members engaged in a comprehensive discussion to define safe procedures for such operations. The collective consensus identified two safe protocols for stacking or de-stacking activities.
The ABA protocols for stacking and de-stacking procedures during operator testing are outlined as follows:
Stacking Procedure 1:
- Reduce the travel tilt to level the load.
- Raise the load to the required height and move it into the deposit position.
- Lower the load into its final position until the forks are free of the load.
De-stacking Procedure 1:
- Lift the load just clear of the racking or stack.
- Apply tilt to level the load and counter any mast deflection.
- Reverse clear of the racking or stack.
Stacking Procedure 2:
- Reduce the travel tilt to stabilizing tilt with the load slightly tilted back.
- Raise the load to the required height.
- Move the load into a suitable deposit position, allowing for the adjustment of the remaining back tilt.
- Level the load over the stack and lower it into its final position until the forks are free of the load.
De-stacking Procedure 2:
- Lift the load just clear of the racking or stack.
- Apply stabilizing tilt with the load slightly tilted back.
- Reverse clear of the racking or stack.
Given the dynamic nature of operational environments, it is imperative to assess and document the applicable protocol in the workplace’s risk assessment.
These confirmed methodologies will be outlined in updates to relevant operator testing standards in due course.
