Following the introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act, the HSE has put the responsibilities of managers and supervisors of fork lift operators into sharp focus with the publication of L117: Rider-operated lift trucks. Operator training and safe use. Approved Code of Practice and Guidance.
The introduction of FFI (Fee For Intervention) empowers the HSE to charge for carrying out inspections where a breach of law has been identified, whether knowingly or unknowingly. And the cost of intervention can be up to 10 times the ensuing fine.
To protect yourself against the risk of prosecution, it makes sense to seek advice and work to standards that unambiguously satisfy current regulations.
This is particularly so in the area of Thorough Examination, where ignorance and lack of clarity mean many companies may be unwittingly breaking the law.
According to the HSE, “Thorough examination of industrial lift trucks is required under health and safety law: LOLER 1998, covering lifting equipment, and PUWER 1998, dealing with all other safety-related items, such as brakes, steering and tyres.” But even this explanation allows for considerable interpretation over what should be included in a Thorough Examination.
To overcome this situation, in 2004 BITA and the FLTA joined forces to create a single inspection procedure available to truck users, wherever their industry or location.
The resulting organisation, Consolidated Fork Truck Services (CFTS), established a comprehensive procedure and strict code of practice, giving fork lift truck users a consistent, safe national standard certain to fulfil the requirements of both LOLER and PUWER, backed by dedicated training of competent persons, unparalleled technical back-up and complete traceability via paperwork bearing a hologram.
The CFTS scheme is dedicated exclusively to the inspection of fork lift trucks by those who understand the equipment best. The inspection checklist is comprehensive and specific.
Ten years on, the CFTS scheme has proved a remarkable success. Some 400 companies are now accredited to carry out Thorough Examinations, each identifiable by the kite-mark accreditation logo.
CFTS’ website www.thoroughexamination.org helps you calculate how often a Thorough Examination is required. Fork lifts are due for their first Examination after 12 months or sooner, depending on your equipment and application.
On the website, you’ll also find an interactive function to help identify what should be covered by a Thorough Examination on your particular type of truck… and an entertaining video highlighting what can happen if you settle for half a job!
For managers and supervisors, keeping compliant has never been so tough. Moreover, with the growing trend towards extending hire agreements beyond five years and keeping owned equipment much longer, a schedule of properly conducted inspection is paramount.
Phone: 01276 502930
Email: mail@thoroughexamination.org
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