By Lolerflow Team | LOLER Compliance Specialists
LOLER and Forklifts — the Basics
Forklifts are lifting equipment. They lift loads using a mast and fork assembly — both of which are safety-critical and must be thoroughly examined under LOLER 1998. The legal position has been clear since LOLER came into force: any forklift used at work requires thorough examination at defined intervals, records kept, and results reported to the dutyholder.
Despite this, the HSE consistently identifies forklift LOLER compliance as one of the most frequent gaps in workplace inspection programmes — particularly the fork arms, which are technically lifting accessories and require a separate 6-monthly examination.
Examination Intervals
Counterbalance forklift (standard)
Includes reach trucks, pallet trucks with mast, side loaders — any forklift not used to carry people.
12 months
Order picker / man-up truck
Any forklift where the operator rides up with the load is classified as equipment used for lifting persons.
6 months
Fork arms (tines)
Fork arms are lifting accessories, not part of the forklift itself. They require separate examination at 6-monthly intervals regardless of the truck's 12-month cycle.
6 months
Forklift attachments (rotators, clamps)
Attachments classified as lifting accessories. If they are used to hold or support a load, 6-month rule applies.
6 months
The fork arm trap: Many operators get their forklift examined annually and assume they are compliant. They are not — if the fork arms haven't been separately examined at 6-month intervals, the company is in breach of LOLER regardless of the truck's examination status. HSE inspectors know this and check for it.
What Gets Examined
Mast assembly
Channels, rollers, chains, hydraulic rams — wear, cracking, deformation
Fork arms
Blade thickness, heel, shank, hooks — measured against discard criteria
Hydraulic system
Cylinders, hoses, fittings — leaks, pressure integrity
Capacity plate
Legible, matches current configuration — attachments affect rated capacity
Tyres
Load-bearing condition — chunking, wear beyond limit
Overhead guard
Intact, secure, no cracks or missing fixings
Safety devices
Seatbelt, horn, lights, warning beacon — functional check
Load backrest
Secure, no damage — prevents load falling towards operator
CFTS — The UK Standard for Forklift Examinations
CFTS (Consolidated Fork Truck Services) is the industry body that accredits thorough examination providers for forklifts. CFTS accreditation is not legally required under LOLER, but it is widely recognised as demonstrating competence. Using a CFTS-accredited examiner provides a strong defence in any HSE investigation and is recommended by the FLTA (Fork Lift Truck Association).
Track fork arms and trucks on separate schedules
Lolerflow tracks each asset independently — so your 12-month truck and 6-month fork arms never get confused. Alerts fire before each deadline. 30-day free trial.
Start free trial →Does LOLER apply to forklifts?+
Yes. Forklifts are lifting equipment under LOLER 1998 and must be thoroughly examined at least every 12 months. Forklifts with a man-riding capability (order pickers, mast-climbing platforms) require 6-monthly examination. The fork arms themselves are lifting accessories and also require examination.
What is the difference between a LOLER examination and a forklift service?+
A service is maintenance — oil, filters, tyres, brakes — to keep the forklift working. A LOLER thorough examination is a safety assessment by a competent person focused on lifting-specific components: mast, forks, hydraulics, capacity plate, and load-bearing structure. The same engineer can do both, but they are legally separate activities.
Who can carry out a LOLER examination on a forklift?+
A competent person with sufficient knowledge and experience of forklift mechanics and LOLER requirements. In practice, most companies use independent forklift engineers or their hire company's examination service. CFTS (Consolidated Fork Truck Services) is the recognised accreditation scheme for forklift thorough examinations in the UK.