the present invention is embodied in a separator sheet handling assembly that includes a lifting assembly adapted to receive a pallet containing a stack of separator sheets . the lifting assembly positions the stack of separator sheets into a predetermined location where a feed assembly engages a separator sheet positioned at the top of the stack of separator sheets . the feed assembly removes the separator sheet and transports it to a test assembly where the separator sheet is monitored for a particular characteristic such as cleanlines or structural integrity . the separator sheet is delivered to a first storage assembly if the separator sheet has the particular characteristic , or a second storage assembly if the separator sheet does not include the particular characteristic .