An inspector conducting a CFTS thorough examination of a forklift.

Two months after publishing the results of a survey on thorough examination, Consolidated Fork Truck Services (CFTS) says its accredited scheme for the examination has reached critical mass (Forkliftaction.com News #212).

The Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) and the British Industrial Truck Association, (BITA) working together as CFTS, developed the national scheme, which is now being delivered through more than 100 accredited companies across the UK.

CFTS chairman Steve Hodkinson said there was now a CFTS accredited company close to every forklift user.

"The CFTS scheme was set up with the aim of minimising the risk of accidents and it applies the same agreed criteria and procedures nationally," Hodkinson said.

"CFTS has actually been criticised by some for trying to establish a gold standard for the thorough examination of fork lifts. Well CFTS accepts the criticism and is proud of it. There can only be one standard where safety is concerned," he said.

Forklift supplier United Forklifts Ltd has conducted more than 1,900 CFTS thorough examinations since being accredited to the scheme.

"Customers have remarked that the CFTS thorough examinations take much longer than those carried out previously by other inspectors," United Forklifts director Paul Nichol said. "They say they find our attention to detail very reassuring."

To find out more about thorough examination, visit www.thoroughexamination.org