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Industrial Vehicle Safety
News Release from: Consolidated Fork Truck Services (CFTS) | Subject: Consolidated Fork Truck Services scheme
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 21 October 2004
Thorough Examination of fork lift trucks
The UK materials handling industry has unveiled a definitive, accredited, national scheme for Thorough Examination for fork lift trucks.
Back in January 2004, in a move hailed as its biggest safety advance in many years, the UK materials handling industry unveiled a definitive, accredited, national scheme for Thorough Examination for fork lift trucks For those unfamiliar with Thorough Examination, it is similar in many ways to a car's MOT test - but much stricter
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 12 Nov 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Website has answers to fork lift examination FAQs
A new website has been set up by CFTS (Consolidated Fork Truck Services) to answer questions about fork lift truck Thorough Examinations - the materials handling equivalent of an MOT.
Fork lift users may be breaking the law
Leading figures in the materials handling industry have voiced concerns over continuing ignorance of Thorough Examination - which is leading many truck users to break the law, albeit unwittingly.
Like an MOT, it is distinct from any maintenance procedure and is a legal requirement that applies to every fork lift truck in service.
Unlike an MOT, however, it even applies to trucks as young as one year old.
Importantly, the end user is obliged by law to ensure that any truck operated has a valid Report of Thorough Examination.
Further reading
CFTS Thorough Examination scheme expands
"We have now reached critical mass," is how the administrators of the materials handling industry's own accredited scheme for Thorough Examination describe its progress after 18 months in operation.
Added status for CFTS Thorough Examination logo
The CFTS Thorough Examination logo has gained 'Certification Mark' status from the UK's Trade Marks Registry.
This applies whether it is owned, leased or hired.
Under the banner of CFTS (Consolidated Fork Truck Services), the two leading bodies in the materials handling industry - the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) and the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) - established this scheme to overcome previous deficiencies in the delivery of Thorough Examinations.
It was developed in close association with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and in consultation with the whole industry.
"Its comprehensive procedures meet all the requirements of the crucial LOLER 98 and PUWER 98 legislation," says CFTS chairman Richard Baxter.
"Everything is underpinned by stringent quality assurance and accreditation.
"Its aim is, quite simply, to ensure uniformly high standards in the implementation of Thorough Examination - and hopefully improve safety across the whole of British industry".
Documentation relating to the CFTS scheme bears a distinctive quality and certification mark, featuring a symbolic 'fork lift tick'.
This also appears on a special sticker applied to every truck passing the examination.
Only companies accredited to the scheme are allowed to use these materials or this mark.
To become accredited, they have to show that they have the capability and commitment to stick to the strict CFTS Quality Assurance Procedural Code.
"The CFTS mark is the user's key to complete peace of mind," concludes Richard Baxter.
"By opting for an accredited company you can be sure that your Thorough Examinations will be administered efficiently and carried out to the highest professional standards.
"In addition, the mark will give a 'stamp of approval' to your business - a clear sign to your staff and customers that you take safety seriously".
For further information on the fork lift truck industry's accredited Thorough Examination scheme, or details of your nearest accredited company, please contact CFTS.
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