A Thorough Examination is a legal requirement to ensure the mechanical parts of lifting equipment are in safe working order. Since 2004, CFTS has helped companies across the UK to confidently comply with regulations covering both the lifting (LOLER 98) and driving mechanisms (PUWER 98) of lifting equipment. This joint venture between the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) and the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) has been developed to improve safety across the lift truck industry. CFTS set out to develop a truly ‘thorough’ Thorough Examination scheme which would deliver employers with a one-stop, confident LOLER and PUWER compliance. Our quality-controlled Thorough Examination procedure offers up to five times the number of checks as other inspection providers. What’s more, it saves employers time, money, and frustration. The CFTS mark is your guarantee that your truck will be examined carefully, and that key components such as brakes and steering will be checked along with the lifting mechanism. Only accredited companies that have committed to adhering to the strict Quality Assurance Procedural Code are allowed to use this mark. There are currently more than 650 CFTS-accredited depots operating across the UK and Ireland who take pride in being able to offer their customers the highest quality procedures available. Each member company works to an agreed process that is continuously assessed for quality. CFTS examiners must have the appropriate experience and training to carry out a Thorough Examination. For example, they must have at least five years’ experience servicing and maintaining lifting equipment and undergo regular training and strict checks to ensure competence and independence. Steps like this mean that wherever you are in the UK or Ireland you can be confident that you’re complying with the law and working safely.