Forklift Thorough Examination: UK Legal Requirements Explained
A forklift thorough examination is one of the most important — and most frequently misunderstood — legal requirements for businesses that operate lifting equipment. Here is a clear, straightforward explanation of what the law requires and what it means in practice.
Is a thorough examination a legal requirement?
Yes. Under LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998), all lifting equipment used in the workplace — including forklift trucks — must undergo a thorough examination at regular intervals. Failure to comply is a criminal offence under health and safety law and can result in prosecution, fines, and in serious cases, imprisonment.
What does a thorough examination involve?
A thorough examination is a comprehensive, systematic inspection of the forklift by a qualified competent person. It goes considerably further than a pre-use check or standard service. The examiner will inspect and test:
- Mast, forks, and carriage assembly
- Chains, sheaves, and pulleys
- Hydraulic cylinders, hoses, and seals
- Braking and steering systems
- Tyres and wheels
- Overhead guard and operator protective structures
- Electrical systems (on electric trucks)
- Safety devices including horn, lights, and reverse alarm
The examination must be documented in a written report that identifies any defects and specifies any required remedial action.
How often must it be done?
Most forklift trucks used for standard load-lifting operations require a thorough examination at least every 12 months. Trucks used to lift people (such as order pickers with an elevated operator position) must be examined every 6 months. Equipment used in harsh environments — outdoors, in refrigerated warehouses, or in high-usage operations — may need more frequent examination.
What is the difference between a thorough examination and a service?
A service is preventative maintenance — checking and replacing wear items, changing oil and filters, and adjusting components to keep the truck operating correctly. A thorough examination is a formal safety inspection with legal standing. The two are complementary but distinct. Servicing your forklift does not replace the requirement for a thorough examination, and vice versa.
What if a defect is found?
If the examiner identifies a defect that poses an immediate danger, the truck must be taken out of service immediately and not used until the defect is rectified. The examiner is required to notify the relevant enforcing authority — usually the HSE — if an imminent danger is found. If a defect requires attention within a defined period, the report will specify a deadline for repairs.
Keeping records
All thorough examination reports must be retained. For equipment that is hired, the owner of the equipment holds responsibility for ensuring examinations are up to date. Businesses must be able to produce examination records on request from the HSE or local authority enforcement officers.
Get your forklift examined by Davison Forklift
Our certified engineers carry out thorough examinations on all makes and models of forklift truck, at your site or at our workshop. We serve businesses across the West Midlands, Telford, Shropshire, Staffordshire, and beyond. Call us on 01952 915 060 to book.
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