In May 2024, we were delighted to host our annual Accrediting Bodies Association for Workplace Transport (ABA) Summit. We welcomed accrediting bodies, training providers, and manufacturers to discuss several key topics.
This year’s summit featured a comprehensive review of workplace transport groupings, with a particular focus on Multidirectional trucks and Stock Picker machines.
Key Outcomes
Stock Pickers – Stock Pickers, such as the Crown Wave work assist vehicle, will now be categorised independently. The new category, SP1, will be designated as ‘Vertical Stock Picker.’ This change aims to provide clearer classification and enhance training specificity for these machines. No date has been set for this to be implemented, but ABA aims to start working on this change before the end of 2024.
Low Level Order Picker – Low Level Order Pickers (LLOPs) will be incorporated into the E category, alongside High and Medium Level Order Pickers. LLOPs will be under the new code of E0. This addition is intended to streamline the classification system and ensure proper training registration protocols are in place for this equipment type. We will communicate an update when we have confirmed timings for this update.
M Category Review – For the M category (multi-directional machines), there is still further discussion around updates to this workplace transport grouping. In order to progress this, selected ABA members will be conducting a visit to Combi-Lift to review multi-directional equipment. This will be crucial to aid in the final decision regarding the classification, training, and testing requirements for these versatile machines. We are currently coordinating dates so that we can arrange this visit and gather this information before the end of the year.
Looking Ahead
We believe these changes will lead to better clarity and improved standards across the industry. By refining our classification system, we can ensure that operators receive the most relevant and effective training for the specific machines they use.
Thank you to all participants at the Annual Summit for their valuable contributions and ongoing commitment to workplace transport safety.
For any further information on what was covered at the ABA Annual Summit or how the ABA codes will be updated following the session, please contact us.
