Understand LOLER And PUWER
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 cover lifting equipment used at work. Forklift lifting components fall within that framework. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 also apply to the truck and its safe condition and use.
A forklift has safety-critical parts beyond the lifting mechanism, including brakes and steering. Ask whether the examination appointment also covers relevant non-lifting safety items. CFTS guidance explains the relationship between LOLER and PUWER for lift trucks. Do not assume that every appointment described informally as a LOLER check includes the same scope or documentation.
Agree The Examination Interval
The examination schedule needs to reflect the equipment and its use. HSE guidance sets out default intervals and the option of a written examination scheme drawn up by a competent person. Equipment used to lift people and lifting accessories have different default requirements from other lifting equipment.
For most goods-only lifting equipment, HSE states a default interval of twelve months, with six months for equipment lifting people and for lifting accessories, unless an examination scheme specifies otherwise (HSE). Exceptional circumstances can require further examination. Ask the competent person to confirm the applicable schedule rather than automatically copying a date from another truck.
Prepare The Truck And Records
Provide the make, model, serial number and details of attachments. Share the previous examination report, maintenance history and any recent repairs, damage or change of use. Tell the examiner about unusual loads, intensive shifts or a difficult working environment that could affect deterioration.
Arrange safe access to a clean truck and a suitable working area. Confirm what assistance or facilities the competent person needs. If a defect is already known, report it before the appointment. Do not continue using unsafe equipment while waiting for the examination date to arrive.
Follow The Process Step By Step
Start by sending truck details and the current report or due date. Next, agree the examination scope, the competent person's requirements and site access. Clarify whether attachments or other lifting accessories are included, and whether separate inspections are needed.
The examiner assesses the relevant safety-critical parts and produces a written report. Review that report promptly and record any action dates. Arrange repairs separately where required, then follow advice on further checks or examination. File the report so those responsible for the truck can retrieve it, rather than relying on a label alone.
Act On Defects And Restrictions
An examination report may identify defects that require action immediately or by a specified date. Read the wording carefully and communicate restrictions to supervisors and operators. A report is not a blanket permission to continue using a truck regardless of its condition.
HSE guidance explains reporting duties where defects pose an existing or imminent risk of serious personal injury. The competent person has responsibilities as well as the dutyholder. Arrange the required work and keep evidence of its completion. If the report is unclear, ask the examiner to explain the operational implications before returning the equipment to service.
Costs, Hire Trucks And Ongoing Checks
Examination cost depends on the truck type, attachments, access, number of machines and scope. Remedial repairs are a separate issue unless explicitly included. Ask whether attendance, reporting and any return visit are part of the quotation.
Owned, leased and hired trucks all need clear responsibility arrangements. Review the contract and confirm who books examinations and retains reports. Routine servicing and operator checks continue between examinations. They serve different purposes and remain necessary even when a report is current. Send your truck list and previous dates if you want to scope a coordinated examination visit.
Forklift LOLER Inspection Questions
Is A LOLER Inspection A Forklift Service?
A forklift LOLER inspection is a thorough examination rather than a routine service. The examination assesses safety-critical lifting parts and produces a formal report. Servicing addresses maintenance such as lubrication, adjustments and replacement of worn items. Ask whether relevant non-lifting parts are also covered under PUWER and keep each record with the truck history.
Who Arranges Examination For A Hired Truck?
Examination arrangements for a hired forklift should be clear in the hire agreement. Ask who books the work, who receives the report and who deals with defects. Your business still needs to check that equipment it uses is safe. Review the paperwork at handover and monitor examination dates throughout a longer hire.
Read The Safety Guidance
Plan your work using HSE lift truck guidance, PUWER guidance and HSE thorough examination guidance. For training, read HSE operator training advice. Examination buyers can also consult the CFTS examination questions.