ITSSAR - Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register

ITSSAR - Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register

Established in 1991, our dedicated team writes and monitors training standards for all Mechanical Handling Equipment (MHE). We promote the highest quality of training within the workplace. We are a founding member of the Accrediting Bodies Association – Workplace Transport (ABA) 2012.

Training & Accreditation

ITSSAR offers an accreditation scheme that is driven by practical training specialists. Our aim is simple; to improve the standards of training and safety in the operation of MHE.

We have a vast knowledge and expertise in a broad range of mechanical handling equipment. We recognise, approve and accredit a full range of courses Worldwide, including Counterbalance, Reach, Powered Pallet Trucks and Manual Handing among many others.

Aim

To reduce MHE and workplace transport accidents/incidents, whilst improving standards and safety through training.

Objectives

To ensure that all accredited training meets the criteria as prescribed in The Approved Code of Practice (ACoP L117) and ITSSAR Course Syllabus Manuals. We provide a safe and secure scheme which provides a means of verifying accredited training.

300+

Over 300 accredited training providers across the UK

Benefits

Accreditation Scheme

Provides validation and verification of training undertaken for a wide range of courses

Operator Focused

Promotes confidence in operator training with a lifelong, safe and secure scheme

Promotes Communication

Connects training organisations, employers, operators and the industry

First-class System

Provides a quick, reliable and user-friendly system with a unique Identification number

Trained Operator Passport Scheme

Our Trained Operator Passport Scheme (TOPS) is a database of all Mechanical Handling Equipment (MHE). Accredited organisations access the scheme and provide details of all accredited operator training.

Operator ID numbers can be checked
online in real-time.

Latest news

November 4, 2025
Haulage company fined £250,000 following death of employee
A Middlesbrough road haulage company has been fined £250,000 after a man died while working inside a shipping container. Gary Lee James, 30 was working for Ward Bros (Malton) Ltd at its yard at South Bank, in the early hours of 8 January 2019, when he suffered a fatal injury. Mr James and a colleague […]

Haulage company fined £250,000 following death of employee

Man died due to company’s failures Company had never carried out the tasked before. HSE guidance is available. A Middlesbrough road haulage company has been fined £250,000 after a man died while working inside a shipping container. Gary Lee James, 30 was working for...

Protecting workers from workplace transport: getting the basics right

Every year, families across Great Britain face the devastating loss of a loved one killed by a reversing vehicle at work. These are not just statistics. They are family members, friends and colleagues whose lives were cut short by entirely preventable accidents. The...

Stress Awareness Week 2025: Time to act on work-related stress

As Stress Awareness Week 2025 begins, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is reminding employers that work-related stress is one of the leading causes of ill health at work – and that preventing it is a legal duty, not just a ‘nice-to-have’. In 2023/24, HSE...