Shaun Prendergast, CFTS technical manager, discusses the scheme’s achievements in 2016 and reveals its direction of travel for the years ahead.
Since CFTS was first formed just over a decade ago, it has become a name synonymous with Thorough Examinations of the highest standard.
It’s hardly surprising then that – in a relatively small space of time – CFTS has established itself as the expert on the Thorough Examination of fork lift trucks in the UK.
The success of the scheme, which is delivered by more than 450 members nationwide, owes its success largely in part to its comprehensive inspection procedure and strict code of practice. Together, these offer those operating lift trucks with a consistent and safe national standard which fulfils the legal requirements of LOLER 98 and PUWER 98.
One of our biggest achievements this year was the development of a Thorough Examination standard for temporary and/or permanent vehicle attachments.
In response to a lack of clarity on what is expected in attachment inspections (across all types), we worked closely with the UK’s leading attachment manufacturers and suppliers: creating a robust new 34-point attachment inspection checklist that is fit for that very purpose.
This was one of the topics we discussed at IMHX with current and prospective CFTSaccredited companies, as well as end users, on a stand we shared with the two organisations that founded CFTS: the FLTA (Fork Lift Truck Association) and BITA (British Industrial Truck Association).
There, members had the opportunity to meet members of the CFTS Board, including new chairman, Geoff Martin, a director of Jofson Ltd. Geoff succeeds Mike Mathias, Managing Director of Toyota Material Handling UK in this important role. 2017 and beyond Looking ahead, CFTS will continue to look at ways to strengthen the Thorough Examinations process, in a bid to provide greater clarity on legal and regulatory compliance – enabling those choosing CFTS Examinations to feel even more confident about their choice.
We also look forward to working even more closely with the Health and Safety Executive as it reviews the issues relating to the Thorough Examination of fork lift trucks. As ever, this is a relationship we hope will long continue as, together, we can help British businesses work more safely – saving life and limb.
CFTS established a national standard for Thorough Examinations in the UK fork lift truck industry. For more details on what’s inspected, how often and how to find an accredited company in your area, visit www.thoroughexamination.org or call 01344 623 800.
CFTS
01344 623 800
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