Leaflet explains Thorough Examination

Originally, Consolidated Fork Truck Services (CFTS) distributed the information to its 425 accredited member companies. However, following an enthusiastic response, it will be made available more widely.

The two opposing sides of the double-sided laminated leaflet are designed to clearly illustrate the difference between a LOLER-only Thorough Examination, which focuses on the lifting parts of the truck, and the CFTS approach, which ensures the whole vehicle is safe to use.

CFTS Chairman Richard Hayes said: "Research shows most fork lift owners and operators of fork lift trucks simply assume their regular Thorough Examination has checked the whole truck. This could lead to a potentially unsafe situation as it may mean the brakes, the tyres, the counterbalance fittings – in fact, over a dozen vital safety aspects – never get checked.

"Ironically, although Thorough Examination is set out in LOLER 98, that failure to ensure the whole truck is safe could land you in trouble under PUWER 98.

"This leaflet makes it really clear: one side shows what's covered as a bare minimum legal LOLER 98 Thorough Examination. The other shows the standard CFTS checks. It really speaks for itself.

For more information on the CFTS standard for Thorough Examination – or to download a copy of the 'two sides' card – visit www.thoroughexamination.org.