Forklift LOLER Inspection Checklist

by Graham Bramley | Aug 7, 2024 | Guides, LOLER Inspection

What goes into ensuring the safety of lifting equipment and machinery in workplaces? The LOLER regulations play a crucial role in safeguarding workers from accidents involving forklifts, cranes and any other lifting equipment. Yet, there are some surprising aspects of these checks that many day-to-day operators overlook. In this article, we’ll guide you through key forklift checks you need to be mindful of to ensure your equipment is always up to standard.

What is a LOLER check?

LOLER is the Lifting Operations and Lifting Regulations, which are designed to improve workplace safety by regulating the use of all lifting equipment, including forklifts and cranes through regular safety checks. Duty holders (often machine operators, company owners, site managers, employers etc.) must conduct regular, thorough examinations; plan and supervise lifting operations; and keep detailed records of all repairs, maintenance and reports.

Forklift LOLER test frequency

Generally, forklifts should have a LOLER test at least once every 12 months, although this can vary depending on the type of forklift and its specific use. For heavily used forklifts, or those operating in high-risk environments, more frequent inspections may be necessary. We also recommend daily or pre-shift checks to ensure ongoing safety day-to-day. If you’re uncertain about the inspection frequency required for your forklifts, get in touch and we’ll help you plan and schedule the correct frequency.

Forklifts should also receive a LOLER check:

Before first-time use
When operating at a different location
After exposure to adverse conditions (such as harsh weather, environmental factors, or collisions) that could cause deterioration and pose a danger
After any damages or repairs

Our Complete Forklift LOLER Inspection Checklist:

Follow this LOLER checklist to see if your forklift would likely pass a LOLER inspection. If your forklift ticks all of these boxes, it will likely be safe for use. Remember that this is a guide. To be compliant, an official thorough examination must be conducted by a competent person for the forklift to meet LOLER standards.

Suitability of forklift:

Does the forklift have an ergonomic design with the operator’s comfort and usability in mind?
Is the forklift suitable for the required tasks?
Has a recent PUWER risk assessment been conducted?
Is the forklift appropriate for the operating conditions?

Positioning and movement:

Do the forklift operations reduce the need to lift or suspend loads above personnel?
When the equipment moves, is there appropriate safeguarding for the load/equipment?
Have measures been taken to prevent or eliminate trapping points?
Does the site provide adequate headroom for safe access during operation?
Are precautions in place to prevent equipment from overturning during operations?
Have steps been taken to avoid collisions between forklifts or loads nearby?
Are there suitable barriers, gates (minimum height 2m), signage or warning sounds to prevent hazardous behaviours during lifting operations?
Have reasonable measures been taken in areas where there’s a risk of someone being struck by a forklift?
Have nearby structures and buildings been considered as potential proximity hazards?
Is there a provision for a designated supervisor when the operator lacks full visibility during operation?

Strength and stability:

Can the equipment handle loads up to its Safe Working Load specification?
Are there measures to prevent forklifts from falling down shafts or hoistways?
Has the environment, including slopes, uneven terrain, and weather conditions, been assessed?
Is dragging of loads prohibited to prevent equipment damage or overturning?

Organisation of lifting operations:

Are all lifting operations and forklift activities pre-planned?
Does the plan include responsibilities, necessary resources, and actions for adverse conditions like high winds or reduced visibility?
Is the competent person aware of derating requirements for equipment when necessary?
Are there established signals or verbal communications between operation participants?
Is there a system in place for safely lifting and handling loads of unknown weight?
During equipment tests (e.g., overload), is the surrounding area clear and only essential personnel present?
Is there adequate supervision for all lifting operations?

Marking forklift:

Is the Safe Working Load clearly marked?
Are accessories labelled to indicate which equipment they are intended for?

Attaching, detaching, and securing loads:

Are lifting accessories compatible with the loads they are intended for?
Is the load’s centre of gravity determined before lifting operations commence?
Are slings protected from sharp edges to prevent damage?
Are measures in place to minimise the swinging or swaying of suspended loads?
Does the operator wait for approval before beginning lifting operations after attaching or detaching a load?
Are additional precautions taken for securing loads that could break apart, such as pallets secured with plastic sheeting?

Suspended loads:

Have operations involving suspending loads above personnel been rearranged or prevented to mitigate risks?
Is access to the zone where loads are left suspended between lifting operations prevented?

Storage:

Is the storage environment suitable to prevent the deterioration of the forklift and accessories over time?
Is there a designated section with clear markings to prevent materials from being stored in areas regularly used for lifting operations?

How to book a LOLER Inspection

Keep on top of your LOLER test with our scheduling, reminders and record-keeping services. Get a free quote from us today and speak with one of our experienced engineers about booking your next LOLER inspection. Or drop us an email at enquiries@bramleyengineering.co.uk for more information.