Forklift Service.
Forklift Inspections.
Regular forklift inspections help reduce downtime and improve safety, ensuring your equipment meets required standards and works as expected.
Local Forklift Dealer.
When was the last time your equipment was inspected?
Keeping your forklift trucks and racking in a safe, compliant condition isn’t just best practice. It’s a legal requirement! At Rack‑N‑Stak, we provide approved forklift and racking inspection services for businesses across Lancashire and the wider North West, helping you meet your obligations and maintain a safer workplace.
Our inspections are carried out by competent, independent professionals and are designed to reduce risk, prevent costly downtime and protect both your people and your operation.
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Thorough Examination of Forklift Trucks.
Under UK health and safety law, industrial lift trucks must undergo Thorough Examination in line with:
- LOLER 1998 (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations)
- PUWER 1998 (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations)
These regulations cover both lifting components and safety‑critical items such as brakes, steering, tyres and controls.
It’s important to note that routine servicing or preventative maintenance does not replace a Thorough Examination. A Thorough Examination is a separate, legally required inspection carried out by a competent person.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Yes. A Thorough Examination of industrial lift trucks is a legal requirement under UK health and safety law. It is covered by:
- LOLER 1998, which applies to lifting equipment
- PUWER 1998, which applies to safety-related items such as brakes, steering and tyres
A Thorough Examination is separate from routine servicing or preventative maintenance and must be carried out by a competent person to ensure the equipment is safe to use.
LOLER addresses the specific risks associated with lifting equipment. It requires duty holders to ensure that lifting equipment exposed to conditions that could cause deterioration is thoroughly examined at appropriate intervals by a competent person. Any additional inspections or tests identified must also be completed within the timescales specified.
LOLER applies to a wide range of equipment, including:
- Lifting equipment: Any work equipment used for lifting or lowering loads, including attachments that support or anchor the equipment
- Accessories for lifting: Equipment used to attach loads to machinery, such as forks, chains and slings
A Thorough Examination is a systematic and detailed inspection of lifting equipment carried out to identify defects that are, or could become, dangerous. The competent person will determine the scope of the examination, inspect safety-critical components, and produce a written report detailing any defects and required actions.
A competent person must have sufficient practical and theoretical knowledge of the equipment to identify defects and assess their impact on safety. They must be independent, impartial, and not responsible for the routine maintenance of the same equipment.
Thorough Examinations are required:
- Before first use (unless supplied with a valid EC Declaration of Conformity and not assembled on site)
- After installation or assembly where required
- At regular intervals during use, typically:
- Every 12 months for equipment lifting goods only
- Every 6 months for equipment lifting people or lifting accessories
- Or in accordance with a written examination scheme drawn up by a competent person
Both the hire company and the user have a duty to ensure hired lift trucks are safe and thoroughly examined at the correct intervals. Responsibility for maintenance and examinations should be clearly agreed. A copy of the most recent Thorough Examination report must accompany the truck and be available for inspection at all times.
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Why Choose Rack-N-Stak for Forklift Inspections?
Approved inspection services for forklifts and racking
Local Leyland‑based team serving Lancashire and the North West
Clear, detailed reports with practical guidance
Support to help you remain compliant with LOLER and PUWER
Friendly, professional advice you can trust
Book a Forklift Inspection.
If you need a Thorough Examination or would like advice on your inspection obligations, Rack‑N‑Stak is here to help. Contact our team to arrange forklift or racking inspections at your site in Lancashire or the wider North West.