New truck sticker

Consolidated Fork Truck Services (CFTS) has responded to feedback from accredited companies by upgrading the Thorough Examination documentation (Forkliftaction.com News #223).

"The goal of CFTS in upgrading the documents was to make them as easy as possible to use," says John Chappell, chairman of CFTS. "And to make sure they are instantly recognisable - with absolute confidence - as genuine CFTS Thorough Examination documents."

The current CFTS documents have been in use for four years and while there was nothing wrong with them, CFTS was keen to improve its service.

"The Thorough Examination certificate has been increased in size from A5 to A4 for consistency with other CFTS documentation," says Chappell. "Its size and general appearance are similar in many ways to a car's MOT certificate."

This similarity, Chappell points out, helps reinforce the message that Thorough Examination for forklifts is a legal obligation.

A CFTS Certification Mark hologram has been added to the report and certificate to ensure that users know the documentation is genuine.

"The hologram will safeguard the users so they know the documents are not a photocopy issued by a rogue company," adds Chappell.

Genuine hologram

Chappell says it is important to have genuine documents because the report is a legal document and it ensures that there are consistent high standards within companies that are accredited to the scheme.

"If a company presents a forklift user with a photocopied document, you should suspect that company is not CFTS accredited," he says. "And you should not do business with that company!"

The layout of the forms has also been improved to make it easier for engineers to complete certain sections.

"A sticker attached to new trucks indicates the date the vehicle should have its first Thorough Examination," says Chappell. "This will serve as a reminder and protect people from falling foul of the law."