Guaranteed
Certificated Business
On Request
A Thorough Examination
Within The Industry
Keeping your forklifts and warehouse equipment safe and compliant is essential for workplace safety, legal adherence and operational efficiency. But how can you ensure your machinery is always in top condition?
At Multy Lift, we provide CFTS-accredited Thorough Examinations, ensuring your material handling equipment meets LOLER 1998 and PUWER 1998 regulations. Our expert forklift safety inspections help businesses across the UK stay compliant while minimising risks and downtime.
Mast
Hydraulic cylinders, reservoir, hoses and pipes must be checked carefully, as sudden loss of pressure can be catastrophic. Filters can be checked for signs of debris and, if there is cause for concern, load handling parts might be subjected to a prolonged load test to rule out unacceptable descent.
Chains
Sudden lift chain failure is potentially lethal; however, the wear, elongation or corrosion that can cause it can be very gradual, and tricky to spot. Careful measurement in at least three places is therefore essential: a change of just 3% means the chain must be replaced (below this, the examiner must judge whether the chain is safe - making experience essential). Chain anchor points and pulleys also require particular attention.
Controls
All controls, cables and linkages should be checked for correct operation, corrosion, damage and signs of potential failure. They must be securely mounted, and their function clearly marked.
Tilt Mechanism
The tilt must move in a controlled, even manner with no signs of damage or scoring. Hydraulic cylinders, hoses and piping are also inspected.
Load Backrest
The load backrest should be inspected to ensure it is structurally sound and securely mounted; otherwise it may not only cause falling loads, but could become a hazard in its own right.
Hydraulic Systems
Hydraulic cylinders, reservoir, hoses and pipes must be checked carefully, as sudden loss of pressure can be catastrophic. Filters can be checked for signs of debris and, if there is cause for concern, load handling parts might be subjected to a prolonged load test to rule out unacceptable descent.
Rating Plate
Clear rating information is absolutely critical to the safe operation of any fork lift truck. Capacity data plates must be securely attached, legible and have the capacity rating for the truck and any attachments fitted. If a load capacity indicator is fitted, the information should be clearly visible to the operator.
Attachments / Side Shift (if fitted)
Permanently fitted attachments and side shifts can be included in the truck’s usual Thorough Examination interval. If removable, they must be checked at least twice a year. To ensure safety, they must be free from distortion or cracks, mounted securely, and operable in a smooth, even manner throughout their full range of movement.
Carriage
The fork arm carrier must be checked for distortion or cracking, along with the mounting and soundness of any load backrest extension. If a side shift is fitted, it must move in a controlled, even manner.
Forks
Fork arms are subject to constant abrasion and stress, making them particularly vulnerable. They must be of the correct capacity, and need to be inspected for signs of wear (meeting ISO 5057), cracks, deformation and splaying. The means of fork location and end stops are also checked.
Overhead Guard or Cab
As well as compromising protection from falling loads, a damaged overhead guard or cab can be a clue to potentially lethal structural problems. It must therefore be checked to confirm it is sound and securely mounted. Any transparent screens must be clear and undamaged.* Note: Overhead guards are often NOT checked under non-CFTS examinations *
Safety Equipment
Safety systems can only protect workers if they operate correctly. Moreover, because operators come to depend on them, any failure can instantly cause serious unsafe practices. All safety systems should therefore be checked to ensure they function properly – including visible and audible warning devices, capacity/data plates and safety interlocks such as seat switches.* Note: Safety equipment might NOT be checked under a non-CFTS examination *
Steering
All mechanical and hydraulic components must be inspected for damage, excessive wear, signs of failure or corrosion. A specialist fork lift truck engineer is also able to manoeuvre the truck at low speed to check steering response and operation.* Note: Steering might NOT be checked under a non-CFTS examination *
Seat Restraint
Any operator seat restraint (including seatbelts and other devices designed to keep the operator safely seated in the event of a tipping accident) should be securely mounted, and free from damage.
Seat Mountings
The mounting must be secure, along with the panel to which it is attached. Any operator restraint (e.g. seat belt) or anti-vibration mounting is also checked for signs of damage.* Note: Seat mountings might NOT be checked under a non-CFTS examination *
Traction System
The prime mover and transmission are checked, along with the exhaust system on IC engine (diesel and LPG) trucks, and battery and connections on electric trucks.* Note: The traction system might NOT be checked under a non-CFTS examination *
Brakes
Brake failure is a fork lift truck operator's worst nightmare, but brakes are left unchecked in many non-CFTS inspections. All service and parking brake systems must operate as expected, and an experienced fork lift truck specialist will be able to make an initial evaluation with a slow drive test. Inspection should also cover hydraulics/pneumatics, mountings, cables, linkages, pedals levers and controls.* Note: Brakes might NOT be checked under a non-CFTS examination *
Chassis
Where possible, the chassis should be inspected for signs of damage and cracking in welds.* Note: Chassis might NOT be checked under a non-CFTS examination *
Wheels & Tyres
Because of the forces involved, wheel failure not only causes accidents, but can be a fatal hazard in its own right. Wheels and their assemblies should be in sound condition and securely fixed. Tyres must be checked for specification, wear, damage and bonding failure. Composite wheels and tyres must be a correct combination, suitable for the application and truck. Wheel bearings also need particular attention.* Note: Wheels and tyres might NOT be checked under a non-CFTS examination *
Counterweight
Often a cast iron block of two tonnes or more, the counterweight suddenly coming loose can be catastrophic – both to truck stability and as a hazard in its own right. The fastening must therefore be inspected to ensure it is secure and undamaged. Other structural components and mountings, such as for fluid containers, axles and batteries, should be checked in the same way.* Note: The counterweight might NOT be checked under a non-CFTS examination *
Regular Thorough Examinations are critical to maintaining safety, reliability, and compliance.
Call us today at 01623 794 094 or complete our online form to book your Thorough Examination!
Multy Lift Forktrucks Ltd are the Midlands leading Mitsubishi Forklift Dealer.
Please browse our website and contact us should you have any questions.
Multy Lift Forktrucks Limited was founded in 1986 in the Midlands and is still a family run/privately owned business offering outstanding local service backed by a Global Brand.
Multy Lift is recognised as one of the UK’s largest independent Forklift Truck Dealers stocking the entire range of Mitsubishi Material Handling Equipment.
Not only do we supply new Mitsubishi equipment, we also stock a wide range of competitively priced Used Material Handling Equipment available for purchase, contract rental or short term hire.
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