Minimum Stacking Requirements in Counterbalance Forklift Training
The expectation when booking counterbalance forklift training is usually simple: book training, train the operators, assess their skills and issue the certificates. However, one part of forklift training that gets overlooked is the requirement for delegates to have 3 metres of height to stack in order to meet the testing criteria of the specific truck.
However, in some cases, workplaces cannot provide a 3 metre stacking area which can have implications on certification.
Why 3 Metre Stacking is Required
Forklift truck training is designed to ensure operators are competent in all key areas of forklift operation. As loads are lifted higher, numerous risks increase:
- Reduced visibility
- Higher chance of instability
- Greater risk of damage or accidents
To cover these risks, operators are assessed at three stacking levels during training. Low-level stacking is at or near ground level, up to a maximum height of 300mm. Medium-level stacking requires the forks to be inserted between 301mm and 2,999mm. High-level stacking requires lifting and placing loads at a minimum height of 3 metres which normally can be found in the delegate’s working environment.
Because of this, the Accrediting Bodies Association (ABA) require operators to demonstrate safe stacking at 3 metres or above to ensure that they can operate safely. Even if your current workplace only stacks to lower heights, operators are required to stack at higher levels to meet national standards.
Low Level Stacking Certificates
There are several reasons why businesses may not be able to facilitate the stacking element of a counterbalance forklift training course. Common reasons include:
- Low ceilings
- Limited training space
- No racking or suitable stacking materials
- Different fixed attachments
- Different types of loads
- Outdoor areas with uneven ground that are not safe for stacking
Operators will receive a certificate but limited to the height they have been tested to if the 3 metre stacking element of the course cannot be achieved.
A low-level certificate still confirms that operators passed their training, but it limits them to working below 3 metres. This can affect compliance with workplace standards, as well as operational standards including:
- The roles they can perform within your business
- Their flexibility if your storage height changes
Training Delivery Options
If you cannot meet the stacking height requirement, you can book training at an accredited training centre, where the facilities are already set up for full-height counterbalance assessments, ensuring operators can complete every element needed for training.
We work with our trusted partner, Mentor Training, to deliver a wide catalogue of forklift training courses. For more information, contact a member of our team today.