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Reliable assessments for safety and compliance
PROTEC STATUTORY SAFETY INSPECTIONS LTD
Forklift Truck Examination.
Forklifts, like other lifting equipment, must comply with both the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and the Provisions and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). Here’s a breakdown of how each regulation applies:
LOLER:
- Thorough Examination: Forklifts must undergo regular thorough examinations by a competent person to ensure the lifting mechanisms are safe to use. This includes checking the mast, chains, forks, and hydraulic systems.
- Load Testing: The lifting equipment must be tested to ensure it can handle the maximum load safely without any risk of failure.
- Safety Devices: All safety devices, such as overload protection systems and emergency stop mechanisms, deadman switches, must be inspected to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Forklift Truck Examination Cont.
PUWER:
- General Condition: The overall condition of the forklift, including the bodywork, chassis, and cab, must be free from significant damage and corrosion.
- Braking System: The brakes must be in good working order, with no leaks, wear, or damage to the brake lines, pads, or discs.
- Steering and Suspension: The steering mechanism and suspension components must be secure and free from excessive wear or damage.
- Lights and Reflectors: All lights and reflectors must be operational and correctly positioned.
- Tyres and Wheels: Tyres must have adequate tread depth and be free from cuts, bulges, or other damage. Wheels must be secure and free from cracks.
- Hydraulic Systems: The hydraulic systems used for lifting must be free from leaks and in good working order.
- Load Security: The mechanisms for securing loads must be effective and in good condition.
By adhering to both the LOLER & PUWER Regs, businesses can ensure that their forklifts operate safely and efficiently, minimising the risk of accidents and equipment failures.
Lifting Equipment Examinations
Lifting Tackle & Small Lifting Equipment.
We cover a wide range of lifting accessories and appliances, ensuring the safety and functionality of your lifting equipment is crucial. Lifting equipment is governed by Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) therefor Inspections are law! and Thorough Examinations MUST be carried out frequently by a Competent person every 6 months (lifting Accessories) and 12 months (Lifting Appliances).
Lift Examinations
Lift and elevator inspections are primarily about safety and legal compliance. Think of them like an MOT for a car: a mandatory check to ensure the vehicle won’t fail and hurt someone, even if you’ve been keeping up with regular "oil changes" (maintenance).
In the UK, the gold standard for these inspections is the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (1998), or LOLER.
Why are inspections carried out?
The core goal is to prevent catastrophic failure. Because lifts transport people or heavy loads over vertical distances, the risks are high.
- Safety & Life Preservation: To identify wear and tear (like fraying cables) before they cause an accident or entrapment.
- Legal Liability: In the UK, if you own or manage a building with a lift, a LOLER inspection is a statutory requirement. Failing to have one can lead to prosecution, massive fines, or the invalidation of your insurance.
- Independent Verification: While a maintenance company services the lift to keep it running, a LOLER "thorough examination" is usually done by an independent "competent person" (often from an insurance company) to provide an unbiased safety report.
Lift Examinations Cont.
What is checked during a LOLER examination?
A LOLER examination is a "thorough" look at the safety-critical components. It is less about fixing things and more about diagnosing the lift’s "health."
Structural & Mechanical Integrity
- Suspension Ropes/Chains: Checking for signs of fatigue, broken wires, corrosion, or stretching.
- The Car & Guide Rails: Ensuring the lift car is secure and the rails it travels on are properly aligned and lubricated.
- Runby Clearances
- Machine Room: Inspecting the motor, gearbox, and drive sheave for leaks or excessive wear.
Safety Devices & Braking Systems
- The Governor: This is the "speed cop" of the lift. The inspector checks it can trigger the emergency brakes if the lift moves too fast.
- Safety Gears: Mechanical clamps that "bite" the guide rails to stop the car if the cables fail.
- Emergency Buffers: The "shock absorbers" at the bottom of the shaft.
Electrical & Operational Safety
- Door Interlocks: Arguably the most important check. The inspector ensures the lift cannot move unless the doors are fully locked and that the doors cannot be opened unless the car is safely at a floor.
- Emergency Communication: Testing the alarm button and the two-way communication system (the phone/intercom).
- Leveling: Ensuring the lift stops flush with the floor to prevent tripping hazards.
Compliance & Documentation
- SWL (Safe Working Load): Ensuring the maximum weight capacity is clearly marked and visible to users.
- Maintenance Logs: Reviewing the records to ensure the lift has been serviced regularly since the last inspection.
Summary of Frequency
Equipment Type Inspection Interval Passenger Lifts (carrying people)Every 6 months Goods-Only Lifts (carrying freight)Every 12 months.
Pro Tip: Don't confuse Maintenance with LOLER Examinations. Maintenance is the routine work (greasing parts, replacing light bulbs) to keep the lift running; LOLER is the high-level safety audit to prove it is safe to stay in service.