Bringing clarity to lift truck inspections at IMHX

On it, CFTS – the accrediting body for UK’s largest and fastest-growing network of Thorough Examination specialists – is offering visitors the opportunity to discover and discuss what constitutes a truly thorough examination… and what doesn’t.

“Let’s make one thing clear,” says CFTS Chairman Geoff Martin, “simply carrying out a LOLER inspection does not comply fully with HSE guidelines. They require that those responsible for overseeing forklift operations must embrace the requirements of both LOLER 98 and PUWER 98. 

“Put simply, it means making sure your steering, brakes, transmission etc are checked, as well the mast and other lifting parts. Yet frequently those additional checks are simply not carried out.”

According to Mr Martin, “not all Thorough Examinations are the same”, and to prove the point visitors to the CFTS stand will be invited to test their knowledge and spot the differences in an entertaining, interactive game. 

“Another important differentiator between a CFTS Thorough Examination and most others is what happens after the inspection in the case of a non-compliance” he emphasises. 

“Most inspectors’ involvement ends with identifying a problem… leaving you to side-line the truck until someone can get out to fix it.

“In complete contrast, because CFTS-accredited companies employ fully trained forklift engineers to carry out the Thorough Examination, at the conclusion of the examination they can actually remedy any faults. 

“In many ways, it’s exactly what you’d expect when you take your car in for its MOT. However, this is by no means standard practice. In our view it is essential that the customer stays safe and on the right side of the law… but also remains operational.” 

Visitors to the stand can also identify their nearest CFTS-accredited provider on the CFTS mega-map (which shows all 400+ companies and their locations). Stand 6F212