Forklift operation is a specialised job that requires training and authorisation from your employer. It is estimated that tens of thousands are injured or killed a year due to misuse or lack of forklift training. Procedures and protocols need to be exercised and taken extremely seriously when operating any type of forklift or heavy machinery. To reduce accidents training and regulations must be implemented and practiced.
A Thorough Examination is a bit like a car’s MOT. Both a Thorough Examination and an MOT are means of certifying that, at the time of testing, all components which have a bearing on safety have been formally inspected and assessed as being in a safe condition.
Just as a car’s MOT and 10,000 mile service are two different things, so Thorough Examination is distinctly separate from a truck’s regular maintenance programme.
It is not part of maintenance – it is an examination embedded in legislation. As a result, Thorough Examination would not normally be included in a maintenance agreement, unless specifically requested.
Yes. It is required under two pieces of Health and Safety legislation:
Every truck you have in service, including hired trucks, must have a current Report of Thorough Examination. This is akin to the MOT certificate.
It must comply with Schedule 1 of LOLER 98. You must be able to produce it when required to do so by an enforcement officer.
The responsibility for obtaining this Report of Thorough Examination lies with you, the user of the truck (whether you own, lease or hire).
At least every 12 months. Depending on the application, the intensity of use and the nature of any attachments, the regulations may require this interval to be reduced to 6 or even 4 months.
Someone designated as a Competent Person under the terms of the regulations. To be designated, the examiner must have had appropriate experience and training.
To ensure safe operation, your Forklift Trucks must have the following: