CFTS lends support to managers and supervisors following L117 update

Consolidated Fork Truck Services (CFTS) is urging managers and supervisors to be vigilant when it comes to Thorough Examination.

As the body responsible for the fork lift truck industry’s national accreditation scheme and standards in relation to Thorough Examination, CFTS is also drawing attention to the latest official guidelines following a spate of management prosecutions.

CFTS Chairman Mike Mathias explains: “In the Health and Safety Executive’s updated fork lift truck safety guidance document, management’s duty to ensure a safe working environment is highlighted.

“Thorough Examination is one of the areas of responsibility specifically covered by the revised documentation.”

Entitled “Rider-operated lift trucks: Operator training and safe use, Approved Code of Practice and Guidance (L117)”, the guidance clarifies what is expected of those in charge of operations and work sites.

“There is a serious risk of prosecution for those who fail to meet the required safety standards. In addition, managers and supervisors may also find their companies subject to fees which the HSE can charge, under recently granted powers, for its intervention to resolve material breaches of the law.”

To help managers and supervisors avoid this situation with their Thorough Examination, contains clear and concise advice, as well as a member finder app which signposts visitors to CFTS accredited companies in their area.

“These specialists are fully equipped to advise fork lift truck users on any issue related to their Thorough Examination obligations,” said Mike Mathias.

“Better still, if you choose to obtain your Thorough Examinations through a CFTS-accredited company – and there are more than 400 of them UK-wide – you can be sure of consistently high standards of inspection and ongoing support, which will make Thorough Examination much less of a worry.”