Companies purchasing or hiring used forklift trucks are being urged to make sure that they see a valid Thorough Examination Report for every machine they bring on site.

Geoff Martin, Chairman of CFTS - Consolidated Fork Truck Services, the body behind a UK national standard for the Thorough Examination of lift trucks – said, “Any piece of materials handling equipment must be fit for purpose and not pose a risk to health and safety. A Thorough Examination Report will show you that the truck has been assessed and whether there are any faults on it. Without the Report, you have no assurance of the truck’s condition.”

It is a legal requirement that forklift trucks receive a Thorough Examination at least once every 12 months. Employers have a responsibility to ensure a truck has valid documentation when taking possession under any kind of lease, hire or loan agreement.

Geoff Martin continued, “Insisting on checking the Thorough Examination Report when you get a truck is a sensible thing to do as it gives you peace of mind. More importantly, you are fulfilling your legal obligation to your employees to provide safe equipment. If you are investigated by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) and are deemed to be acting negligently then you could personally face a significant fine or even prison; and will shoulder the responsibility and guilt if one of your staff is injured.”

CFTS Thorough Examination embraces all specified requirements of LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations), plus a 34-point inspection of forklift attachments. It can be applied to a wide range of vehicles, including counterbalance trucks, telehandlers, rough terrain trucks, man-up models and reach trucks, and certifies that they work in accordance with legal standards.

Photo: Forklifts need a thorough examination at least once a year.