'Thorough examination’ LOLER inspections

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A thorough examination is crucial for ensuring the ongoing safety and reliability of your forklifts, tail-lifts, man up cages and man up machines. These inspections are designed to assess the condition of your equipment, ensuring it remains safe to operate at all times. Ultralift provide 'thorough examination' forklift, tail lift and man up equipment inspections. Contact us now to arrange yours. 

Here's what a thorough examination involves and what it covers:

Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), a thorough examination is a comprehensive and systematic inspection of a tail lift, forklift or man up equipment, including all safety-critical components. This inspection is conducted at specified intervals by a competent person, who will then provide a written report outlining the condition of the forklift or tail lift. The report will include:

• The date of the examination.
• The date of the next scheduled examination.
• Details of any defects identified during the inspection that are currently hazardous or could potentially become a hazard.

The inspection covers several key aspects of the forklift, including:

• A visual examination and functional checks.
• Measurement of wear and tear.
• In some cases, traditional non-destructive testing (NDT) and load testing may also be included.

Regular thorough examinations are essential for maintaining the safety and efficiency of your forklifts.

If a significant defect is discovered during an examination, the person conducting the inspection must immediately notify the dutyholder. 

A "competent person" is defined in the LOLER Approved Code of Practice and guidance. According to these guidelines, a competent person must possess sufficient practical and theoretical knowledge, as well as experience with the lifting equipment being examined, to effectively identify defects or weaknesses and assess their impact on the safety and continued use of the equipment.

The required intervals for thorough examinations are:

• Every 6 months for lifting equipment and accessories used to lift people - tail lifts, man up cages and man up machines.
• Every 6 months for all lifting accessories.
• Every 12 months for all other lifting equipment.

These examinations are a legal obligation for anyone responsible for or operating forklifts and lifting equipment on their premises. 

Ensure your forklifts and lifting equipment are booked for inspection at the appropriate intervals throughout the year.