Interactive guides

Available now on the CFTS website – www.thoroughexamonation.org –  the straightforward guides clearly illustrate, at a glance, which components truck users must have checked in order to fulfil their obligations under both LOLER98 and PUWER98.

Thorough examination of industrial lift trucks is required under health and safety law. As the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)says: 'LOLER 1998 covers lifting equipment, and PUWER 1998, deals with all other safety-related items, such as brakes, steering and tyres. Your regular inspections as part of a preventive maintenance scheme or scheduled service are not a thorough examination.’

CFTS says there is considerable confusion surrounding the Thorough Examination of different types of lift truck. The guides make it clear what must be checked under LOLER and PUWER – illustrating why comprehensive thorough examination, incorporating both sets of checks, is so important.

CFTS Chairman Mike Mathias said: "Initially, we printed vehicle-specific, laminated leaflets to help CFTS-accredited companies explain Thorough Examination to their customers. These proved to be incredibly popular – with many customers asking to keep them for reference – so we decided to make this important information freely and easily accessible to all, online.

"There’s a common misconception that the legally-required inspection is covered by regular servicing. Still, more are unsure of how often it’s required and what items should be covered. Working with intrinsically hazardous equipment, it’s vital that users of lift trucks, of all types, understand the importance of comprehensive inspections and are aware of what needs to be checked. These new online guides should leave people in no doubt.”