‘Poor lift truck inspections could pose risk to life’

Thorough Examinations should be completed by qualified engineers, says CFTS — the body behind the national standard.

CFTS has issued a warning to forklift truck operators that they could be at increased risk of accidents if vehicles are not inspected properly.

“Many within the materials handling, construction and agriculture industries will be familiar with LOLER, which legally requires lifting mechanisms to be inspected,” says CFTS Chairman Geoff Martin. “But this is only half the job. Under PUWER, you are dutybound to ensure that safety-critical parts such as brakes and steering are also in safe working order.

“Heavy-duty use leads to wear and tear on parts that could be pushed to breaking point. Letting things go unchecked may result in an accident that has life-changing effects on your staff and your business.”

The CFTS Examination standard uniquely covers all criteria under LOLER and PUWER, and includes a 34-point inspection of forklift attachments. It is also the only inspection to be governed by leading industry bodies BITA and the FLTA, as well as the HSE.

All CFTS-accredited engineers are trained to the highest standard and operate under a Quality Assurance Code.

“The law states that Thorough Examinations must be carried out by a qualified Competent Person,” adds Geoff Martin. “This is especially important when it comes to inspecting complex machinery such as telescopic handlers and rough terrain vehicles.

“At CFTS we believe that Thorough Examinations are not just box-ticking exercises, which is why every single one of our accredited examiners across the UK is a professional lift truck engineer with years of experience.”

Driving for Better Safety - Free eBook download

This eBook will guide you through some of the key understandings you need to be able to manage driver safety effectively and, at the end, provide a series of free resources you can access to help you ensure your own driver safety management system is robust, legally compliant and in line with industry-accepted good practice.

Download this eBook from Driving for Better Business and SHP to cover:

• Why do we need to manage driver safety?
• Duty of care – a shared responsibility;
• Setting the rules with a driving for work policy;
• Managing driver safety;
• Ensuring safe vehicles;
• Safe journeys and fitness to drive;
• Record keeping;
• Reporting;
• The business benefits of good practice;
• Additional resources

Download Now