An extra Thorough Examination

According to accrediting body CFTS, most employers now understand that regular safety inspections (Thorough Examinations) are needed under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations, or LOLER 98. 

However, CFTS director Rob Fisher believes that relatively few are aware of “exceptional circumstances” mentioned in the regulations, which might mean that an additional Thorough Examination is legally required to ensure equipment is compliant.

“Most employers and managers know their lifting equipment must be inspected regularly – typically once or twice a year, depending on the application and conditions,” Fisher explains. “But in certain situations, an extra Thorough Examination might be needed.”

Under the regulations, an “exceptional circumstance” is an event or action that could compromise equipment safety. 

For instance:

• Equipment being out of use for long periods
• Major changes which could affect the equipment’s integrity
• Overload, impact, damage, or failure
• Modifications or repair of critical parts

In such cases, equipment may need to be re-inspected, even if there is a Thorough Examination report in place.

The little-known rule adds further uncertainty around the often-misunderstood inspection requirements where handling equipment comes under both LOLER and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) rules. Research by CFTS shows that managers usually expect a whole machine to be inspected, when in practice some LOLER inspections focus on lifting parts only.

Rob Fisher continues: “Thorough Examinations are vital to workplace safety – which is why CFTS was created to bring clarity as the industry’s own accreditation scheme. If you are in any doubt at all about your inspection schedule, or what should be included, please talk to your local CFTS member. We have more than 800 accredited members all around the UK, so help is never far away.”

For more information on CFTS Thorough Examinations and what they include, visit CFTS Thorough Examination - Consolidated Fork Truck Services.