• Introducing an accredited national scheme for Thorough Examination of fork lift trucks
  If you own or operate a fork lift truck, you are required by law* to ensure that it holds a report of Thorough Examination. This applies even to trucks on hire.
  
  Failure to comply can leave you open to prosecution and could invalidate your insurance, or much worse in the case of a serious accident arising from faulty equipment.
  
  Premier Fork Lift Ltd is an accredited company, able to carry out the new national Thorough Examination procedure, which meets the requirements of both LOLER 98 and PUWER 98 legislation. For more details please telephone or email Premier.
  
  
• Over 8000 accidents each year
  According to figures published by the Health and Safety Executive, firk lift trucksare involved in over 8,000 accidents each year. A proportion of these are due to unsafe trucks. No matter how well maintained a machine may be, its safe condition still depends on rigorous and regular inspection.
  
  
• What is Thorough Examination?
  The new national Thorough Examination procedure meets the requirements pf both LOLER 98 and PUWER 98 legislation.
  
  In many ways it is like an automotive MOT, but it is much more rigorous. It is a legal requirement that applies to every fork lift truck - including trucks that are just one year old. Crucially, as an owner or user, you are responsible.
  
• Who can deliver it?
  The new national Thorough Examination procedure can only be carried out by a competent person from an accredited company. These companies have proved themselves capable of - and committed to - meeting the strict Quality Assurance Procedural Code.
  
  
• Why is a national scheme so important?
  Just imagine if there were no cohesive national system for assessing the safe condition of cars. Imagine garages were allowed to decide for themselves how to carry out MOT tests. Imagine if an MOT certificate issued by one garage was based on criteria and procedures which differed widely from those used by another. Imagine if there was no one to oversee the process nationally and ensure consistent high standards.
  
  This is very much like the situation which has applied to fork lift examinations..... until now.
  
  The definitive new scheme, developed by the two organisations which represent the fork lift truck industry, with the support of the HSE, tackles all the current deficiencies in delivery of Thorough Examination.
  
  Its stringent Quality Assurance Procedural Code raises and maintains the standard of testing and the scope of the examinations. In doing so it answers a pressing need within British Industry for increased confidence when it comes to the safety of materials handling equipment.
  
  
• Who runs the new scheme?
  The new national procedure has been set up by Consolidated Fork Truck Services (CFTS), a joint venture between the two major industry trade associations in materials handling.
  
  The Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA)
  The British Inductrial Trucks Association (BITA)
  
  As the acknowledged experts on Thorough Examination, their unrivalled expertise has been combined to produce a unique scheme which carries the authority of the whole industry.
  
  
• What is distinctive about the new procedure?
  Huge effort has gone into ensuring that the complex legislation relating to Thorough Examination is delivered in a very effective and practical package. Through it you can keep on the right side of the law and check that your truck is in a safe and productive condition.
  
  The national procedure developed by CFTS ensures you benefit from:
  
  • the authority and backing of both BITA and the FLTA
  • the in-depth knowledge of examiners who truly understand fork lift trucks
  • the preotection and assured quality of the CFTA Procedural Code
  • total peace of mind because you meet all current and pending legislation
  
  
• How does the national procedure work?
  The new national Thorough Examination procedure has a full audit trail which ensured that all examinations are recorded and, where necessary, checked by an independent inspector.
  
  Documentation used with the new scheme will bear a reassuring and distinctive quality mark. You will see it on a special sticker applied to every truck which passes examination under the new scheme.
  
  Remember only Thorough Examinations carried out under this scheme are subject to the rigorous CFTS Quality Assurance Procedural Code and endorsed by the quality mark.
  
  
• What if I don't use an accredited company?
  Compying with legislation is paramount, which is why it makes such sound sense to ensure any testing is carried out by a fully accredited company.
  
  By using someone without accreditation you could open yourself up to the risk of:
  
  • inadequate or inaccurate advice
  • inconsistent standards
  • superficial examinations that do not comply with HSE requirements
  • legal problems
  • dangerous trucks and resulting accidents leading to...
  • damage to equipment, goods and premises
  • delays in productivity
  • corporate and personal litigation
  • heavy fines
  • adverse publicity
  • ... and a terrible cost to lives, health and suffering
  
  
• Are there any other benefits?
  By opting for the new national procedure you can rest assured that your Thorough Examinations will be administered efficiently and carried out to the highest professional standards. In addition, the quality mark of the scheme will give a 'stamp of approval' to your business
  • giving immediate credibility and authority to the Thorough Examination documentation you hold
  • making a positive statement to your customers and staff that you care about safety and their welfare
  • marking your trucks with a symbol of excellence that is nationaly recognised
  • reducing the risk of accidents - with their economic and human costs
  • completely fulfilling your legal requirements

* The requirement for Thorough Examination is embedded in Health and Safety Legislation. Lifting components are covered by the Lifting Operators and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER 98) and all other safety related items, such as brakes, steering, tyres, etc. are covered by the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98)