Businesses which use forklifts have been reminded by the UK’s accrediting body for Thorough Examinations, the CFTS (Consolidated Fork Truck Services), that forklift attachments must also be included in regular inspections.

Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), forklift lifting goods must be inspected annually for safety, while those being used in harsh environments must be checked every six months.

Permanent attachments which are bolted to the forklift must be inspected as frequently as the forklift, while non-permanent attachments must be inspected twice yearly.

However, the CFTS says it has learned of cases where attachments have been “hidden” from inspectors.

“Tens of thousands of attachments like side shifts, access platforms, and bale grabs are used with lift trucks, tractors, and telehandlers across the UK,” the CFTS states. 

“Crucially, the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 require these implements to be inspected by a competent person like other lifting machinery – even if they’re only used temporarily.

“As the body established by the UKMHA to oversee the industry’s own Thorough Examination standard, CFTS is concerned that misunderstandings over these rules could leave companies at risk of prosecution, and worse.”

CFTS director Rob Fisher says the ultimate responsibility for the safety of staff using lifting equipment and attachments rests with the business owner.

“Worryingly, we’ve learned of cases where these attachments have been hidden while a thorough examination is taking place,” Fisher adds. 

“That’s dangerous, counterproductive, and leaves businesses exposed to unnecessary risk and prosecution if an accident were to happen. With the HSE’s 94% conviction rate, it’s really not worth it.”

The UKMHA estimates there are around 22 different kinds of lifting attachments in common use across the UK ad CFTS engineers carry documented Thorough Examination processes for each of them.

Common tests conducted on lifting equipment attachments include assessing the security of attachment mounts, testing winch and chain brakes as well as chain and sling wear, inspecting for general damage, checking wear on plates and looking for warning signs of potential problems

“Because of the kinds of work where attachments are used, they generally require more frequent inspections than the equipment they’re fitted to," Fisher adds. "This is another sticking point we frequently hear about, as owners assume that attachments only need to be checked as often as the truck they’re used on. 

“To eliminate any doubt, my advice is to contact your nearest CFTS-accredited provider. They’ll give you expert guidance and advice, obligation free, so that you can stay safe, productive, and legally compliant.”