To help ensure that your man-up forklift abides by both LOLER 1998, which covers lifting equipment, and PUWER 1998, which deals with other components such as brakes, steering and tyres, you should opt for a CFTS-approved Thorough Inspection.
This inspection will cover every component of the machinery to look for faults or malfunctions that can reduce the safety of operators and passersby; to give you an indication of what kinds of things will be checked, we’ve created this interactive guide that explains the different checks your man-up forklift will undergo. Simply click on a part to find out more.
We also have interactive guides for other forklift trucks including counterbalance, telehandler, reach and rough terrain forklifts.
Man-up * Click an area to find out more
Loler (Lifting Parts)
Puwer (Other Parts)
1Mast
The mast must be operated to show it can move in a smooth motion through its full range of extension. It will also be inspected for signs of damage that can affect its structural integrity.
2Chains
Wear, elongation and corrosion can cause lift chain failure, but often these declines occur gradually and are missed. A CFTS examination will check the condition of the chain in 3 separate places to spot this, and will also check the condition of the anchors and pulleys.
3Controls
All safety functions must be present and working, and all controls should be fully functional and very clearly marked.
4Hydraulic Systems
All aspects of the hydraulic systems are checked for any sign of damage, including the hoses, pipes, cylinders and reservoir, and filters, which are also inspected for debris that may impede functioning. A prolonged load test will also be carried out to check on how well the descent is happening.
5Rating Plate
The rating plate must be securely attached with clear, legible information.
6Forks
Fork arms are inspected for signs of abrasion or stress and must be in accordance with the standard ISO 5057 in regards to wear, cracks and deformations. The fork locations and their end stops are also inspected.
7Carriage
The mini mast carriage should be securely attached, undamaged and free from distortion of any kind.
8Mini | Auxiliary Mast
The mast is inspected for smooth operation throughout its lift, reach and rotation movements. It is also checked for a secure, undamaged attachment.
1Overhead Guard | Cab
A guard or cab will be inspected to make sure it is robust and securely attached. If there is a transparent screen present, it must offer a clear, unmarked view.
2Visibility Aids (If Present)
If there are any lights, mirrors or cameras, they must be clean and in perfect working condition.
3Safety Systems
Any audible or visible alarms are checked for full functionality. Gate switches are also checked and a speed reduction at height is performed to ensure complete safe use is possible. There must be a safe means of egress accessible for the driver in case of a forklift malfunction.
4Steering
All mechanical and hydraulic elements of the steering will be inspected for any signs of failure, or the potential for failure, such as corrosion, damage or excessive wear. A manoeuvre will be performed at a low speed to check the steering response times.
5Seat Mountings
The strength of the seat mounting attachment is checked, along with the panel it is attached to. If there are any anti-vibration mechanisms attached, they will be thoroughly inspected for any signs of damage.
6Structural Fastenings
Any structural fastenings such as any holdings for axles, fluid reservoirs or batteries will be tested for strength of attachment and any physical defects.
7Guidance Systems
Any guidance system such as a railing or wire guidance is tested, along with end of aisle slowdown systems to ensure safe operation.
8Emergency Lower Valve
The operation of the emergency lower valve is tested to ensure that operators can be returned safely to the ground in a forklift failure.
9Battery
The fitting of the battery is checked for strength of attachment; this is especially important as the battery acts as a counterweight which can cause the forklift to topple over.
10Final Safety Check
A final safety check will be performed by driving the forklift in and out of aisles and using the different safety functions.
11Chassis
The chassis is checked for damage or cracking - this is of critical importance on articulated trucks.
12Brakes & Wheels
Bearings and rail guidance wheels are inspected, alongside brakes, hydraulics, pneumatics, mountings, pedals and levers for any signs of damage or failings which can cause the brake systems to fail or the tyres to dismount.
Loler (Lifting Parts)
1Mast
The mast must be operated to show it can move in a smooth motion through its full range of extension. It will also be inspected for signs of damage that can affect its structural integrity.
2Chains
Wear, elongation and corrosion can cause lift chain failure, but often these declines occur gradually and are missed. A CFTS examination will check the condition of the chain in 3 separate places to spot this, and will also check the condition of the anchors and pulleys.
3Controls
All safety functions must be present and working, and all controls should be fully functional and very clearly marked.
4Hydraulic Systems
All aspects of the hydraulic systems are checked for any sign of damage, including the hoses, pipes, cylinders and reservoir, and filters, which are also inspected for debris that may impede functioning. A prolonged load test will also be carried out to check on how well the descent is happening.
5Rating Plate
The rating plate must be securely attached with clear, legible information.
6Forks
Fork arms are inspected for signs of abrasion or stress and must be in accordance with the standard ISO 5057 in regards to wear, cracks and deformations. The fork locations and their end stops are also inspected.
7Carriage
The mini mast carriage should be securely attached, undamaged and free from distortion of any kind.
8Mini | Auxiliary Mast
The mast is inspected for smooth operation throughout its lift, reach and rotation movements. It is also checked for a secure, undamaged attachment.
Puwer (Other Parts)
1Overhead Guard | Cab
A guard or cab will be inspected to make sure it is robust and securely attached. If there is a transparent screen present, it must offer a clear, unmarked view.
2Visibility Aids (If Present)
If there are any lights, mirrors or cameras, they must be clean and in perfect working condition.
3Safety Systems
Any audible or visible alarms are checked for full functionality. Gate switches are also checked and a speed reduction at height is performed to ensure complete safe use is possible. There must be a safe means of egress accessible for the driver in case of a forklift malfunction.
4Steering
All mechanical and hydraulic elements of the steering will be inspected for any signs of failure, or the potential for failure, such as corrosion, damage or excessive wear. A manoeuvre will be performed at a low speed to check the steering response times.
5Seat Mountings
The strength of the seat mounting attachment is checked, along with the panel it is attached to. If there are any anti-vibration mechanisms attached, they will be thoroughly inspected for any signs of damage.
6Structural Fastenings
Any structural fastenings such as any holdings for axles, fluid reservoirs or batteries will be tested for strength of attachment and any physical defects.
7Guidance Systems
Any guidance system such as a railing or wire guidance is tested, along with end of aisle slowdown systems to ensure safe operation.
8Emergency Lower Valve
The operation of the emergency lower valve is tested to ensure that operators can be returned safely to the ground in a forklift failure.
9Battery
The fitting of the battery is checked for strength of attachment; this is especially important as the battery acts as a counterweight which can cause the forklift to topple over.
10Final Safety Check
A final safety check will be performed by driving the forklift in and out of aisles and using the different safety functions.
11Chassis
The chassis is checked for damage or cracking - this is of critical importance on articulated trucks.
12Brakes & Wheels
Bearings and rail guidance wheels are inspected, alongside brakes, hydraulics, pneumatics, mountings, pedals and levers for any signs of damage or failings which can cause the brake systems to fail or the tyres to dismount.
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