Forklift Thorough Examination
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
Statutory 6- or 12-monthly thorough examination of forklift trucks under LOLER 1998.
Overview
A forklift thorough examination is the statutory LOLER inspection that confirms your truck is safe to keep lifting. Safe-Lee carries these out for operators across Manchester and the North West, on single trucks and full fleets, and issues the report you need to satisfy the HSE and your insurer. We are an independent consultancy, so we have no interest in selling or maintaining the trucks we examine.
A visit is planned around your operation. Our engineer examines each truck and every attachment, functionally rather than just visually, records the findings, and issues a clear report of thorough examination, typically within one to two working days. For the detail behind the intervals and what is checked, see our forklift thorough examination guide.
What we inspect
Each truck is examined as lifting equipment in its own right. A typical forklift examination covers:
- Mast, channels and rollers, for wear, alignment and free movement
- Lift chains and their anchorages, for stretch, wear and correct tension
- Forks, for heel wear, cracks and distortion, and the fork locating pins
- Hydraulics: lift and tilt cylinders, hoses and connections, for leaks and damage
- Carriage, tilt mechanism and any side-shift or attachment mounting
- Attachments such as clamps, rotators and fork extensions, examined as lifting equipment in their own right
- Brakes, controls and the operator restraint or seat belt
- The rated capacity plate and identification markings
Inspection frequency
LOLER sets the maximum period between thorough examinations. For forklifts:
- Every 12 months for a truck used only to lift and move goods
- Every 6 months where the truck is used to lift people, for example with a working platform or man-cage
- Every 6 months for any lifting accessories used with the truck, such as slings
- Sooner after substantial repair or modification, or an exceptional event such as a collision or overload
These are maximums, not targets. Heavy use or a harsh environment can justify examining more often.
Common defects we find
Forklifts work hard, and the same faults come up repeatedly. Findings we commonly record include:
- Stretched or worn lift chains, and seized or corroded chain anchorages
- Fork heel wear beyond the safe limit, and cracks at the fork heel
- Hydraulic leaks from lift and tilt cylinders or their hoses
- Worn mast rollers and pivot bushes
- A damaged or missing operator seat belt or restraint
- Illegible or missing rated capacity information
Why choose Safe-Lee
Safe-Lee is an independent inspection consultancy. Examinations are carried out by Engineer Surveyor Lee Charnock (EngTech MSOE MBES), reports are typically issued within one to two working days, and we cover Manchester and the North West. Because we do not sell or maintain forklifts, there is no conflict of interest in what we report.
Planning a budget? See our guide to what affects a forklift thorough examination cost, or read more about our LOLER inspection service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does a forklift need a thorough examination?
Every 12 months for a truck used only to lift goods, and every 6 months if it is used to lift people. Accessories used with the truck are examined every 6 months. These are LOLER maximum intervals.
Do you examine attachments as well as the truck?
Yes. Clamps, rotators, fork extensions and similar attachments are lifting equipment in their own right and are examined alongside the truck. It is worth confirming attachments are included when you compare any quote.
Can you examine our whole fleet in one visit?
Yes. We plan fleet examinations around your operation, including out of hours where that avoids disrupting production. One planned visit is more efficient than separate trips.
Who is responsible for examining a hired forklift?
It depends on the hire agreement. Confirm whether the duty sits with you or the hire company before the interval falls due.
What happens if a truck fails?
The report records the defect and how urgently it must be addressed. A truck with a serious defect should be taken out of service until it is repaired and re-examined. We explain findings on site and follow up in writing.
Need a forklift thorough examination?
Quick conversation, honest scoping, fast quote. Talk to a competent person.