Uncertainty of Thorough Examination Responsibilities

Nationwide research has revealed that over 80% of supervisors and managers surveyed incorrectly hold their materials handling provider at least partially accountable for ensuring their Used Bendi or Used Flexi Forklift truck holds a current Report of Thorough Examination.

Alarmingly, 30% of surveyed people who look after operations and warehousing of one or more Bendi or Flexi fork lift trucks, believed that their service provider as the truck’s owner would be solely responsible for this essential task. This is not the case.

It is important to note that when a truck is leased or rented on a long-term basis, this responsibility remains with the employer of the driver.  He or she must make certain that a current and valid Thorough Examination Certificate is in place and available for inspection. Any change to this, making the maintenance service provider responsible, should be included in the maintenance contract.

There is a requirement under PUWER 98 for all work equipment to be regularly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and under LOLER 98 for lifting equipment to be thoroughly examined to ensure it remains in a safe condition.

Fork lift truck users should ensure that their lift trucks have been thoroughly examined by a Competent Person within the previous 12 months (or sooner depending on the operational conditions).

Tags: articulated forklift, bendi forklift, Bendi forklift trucks, flexi forklift, flexi forklifts, Flexi trucks

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013 at 9:13 am and is filed under Forklift Regulation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.