Thorough EXAMINATIONS
Thorough Examinations/LOLER inspection
TSW Mechanical Handling offers a Thorough Examination/LOLER inspection service as a CFTS certificated inspector giving you full confidence that your machine is being inspected by a HSE defined ‘competent person’
Please contact us for exact pricing but thorough examinations start at £80+VAT
Do I need a thorough examination?
A ‘report of thorough examination’ is a legal requirement for all machines over 1 YEAR OLD with timescales/interval recommendations dependant on machine type and application.
The maximum interval for all lifting equipment is 12 MONTHS.
The maximum interval for all lifting equipment lifting persons is 6 MONTHS.
Current advice is that mechanical handling equipment with a lift height of less than 12”/300mm is not subject to LOLER regulations but must still comply with PUWER regulations. Regular servicing is sufficient to meet these requirements.
Examples recommended by the FLTA:
Conventional machines (counterbalance, reach etc) in normal working environments operating no more than 40hrs per week – 12 MONTHS (mandatory)
Conventional machines (counterbalance, reach etc) in normal working environments operating more than 40hrs per week but less than 80hrs per week – 6 MONTHS (recommended)
Machines that lift people by design (order pickers, VNA’s etc) or via fork mounted accessories (man-up cages) – 6 MONTHS (mandatory)
Machines that operate in abrasive/corrosive environments – 4 to 6 MONTHS (recommended)
Removable attachments/lifting accessories – 6 MONTHS (mandatory) note: attachments permanently fitted to a machine such as side shifts, clamps etc are considered part of the machine they are fitted to and not subject to separate inspection.
Other situations where it is recommended to conduct a thorough examination includes, but not limited to:
After assembly at a new location before use – if the machine must be disassembled for transport and assembled on site.
Following exceptional circumstances – After an accident/’close call’ incident, being out of use for a long period or after major changes/modifications.
What is the difference between a thorough examination and a LOLER inspection?
This has always understandably created some confusion, there are two legislative bodies that cover the safe working condition of your forklift – LOLER (1998) and PUWER (1998).
LOLER regulations only cover certain specific parts of your machine such as forks, chains, lifting mechanism, parking brake etc, but do not cover other safety critical items such as service brakes, overhead guard, steering etc which fall under PUWER regulations.
A LOLER only inspection does not provide the full picture to the true condition of your machine whereas a ‘thorough examination’ inspects ALL safety related components.
If your provided report states ‘Report of thorough examination’ you can be assured your inspection satisfies both LOLER (1998) and PUWER (1998) legislation.
Please see HSE’s website with more detailed information
TSW Mechanical Handling cannot carry out thorough examinations on MEWPS (scissor/boom lifts) Other types of non-mechanical handling equipment subject to LOLER inspections may be considered on a case by case basis.
Get in touch
If you are looking for a Thorough Examination or Loler Inspection then TSW Mechanical Handling has got you covered, contact us for a quote or further information