Forklift Truck Inspections
If your business operates forklift trucks, they must be thoroughly examined under LOLER 1998 by a competent person. We carry out forklift thorough examinations across Leicester, the East Midlands and nationwide, with digital certificates delivered through our customer portal.
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Which regulations apply?
Forklift trucks are lifting equipment, so the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) apply: every truck must undergo a periodic thorough examination by a competent person, and you must hold a current Report of Thorough Examination to keep it in service.
The truck as a piece of work equipment (brakes, steering, controls, guards) also falls under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), which is why our examinations look at the whole machine, not just the lifting mechanism.
Read our full LOLER thorough examination guide →
Independent by design: we examine equipment. We don’t sell, hire or repair it. Our only interest is whether your equipment is safe and compliant.
What the thorough examination covers
- Mast, carriage, forks and chains: wear, cracks and deformation
- Hydraulic system: lift and tilt cylinders, hoses and leaks
- Load backrest and overhead guard condition
- Rated capacity and load plate markings
- Brakes, steering and operating controls
- Tyres, wheels and chassis condition
- Safety devices, seat restraint and warning equipment
Every examination is reported digitally through the Fox Engineering customer portal: defects, actions required, and the date your next examination is due, audit-ready at any time.
Real feedback from businesses we’ve helped
Excellent service! The crane inspections are thorough and professional. David is knowledgeable and ensured all safety standards were met. Highly recommend for reliable and efficient inspections
Dave's knowledge and professionalism stand Fox Engineering head and shoulders above other LOLER, PSSR and PUWER inspection companies. He's our go-to expert in Leicester and surrounding areas for delivering the bespoke, personal touch that we need. Highly recommended!
Great service and communication, very knowledgeable, highly recommend this company, they offer a wide range of services
We've been working with Fox Engineering Safety for our compliance needs, and the experience has been excellent. Their attention to detail, thorough understanding of regulations, and practical approach have made a real difference. They don't just tick boxes—they take the time to ensure everything is genuinely safe and up to standard.
Forklift Truck Inspections FAQs
Is a forklift thorough examination the same as a service?
No. Maintenance keeps the truck running; a thorough examination is a statutory inspection by a competent person that checks the truck is safe and legally compliant. You need both: a recent service does not satisfy LOLER.
Do I need a thorough examination for a hired forklift?
The duty sits with whoever controls the use of the equipment. For long-term hires this is usually the user, so check your hire agreement and make sure a current Report of Thorough Examination exists either way.
What happens if defects are found?
The report will state the defects, whether they are (or could become) a danger to persons, and the action required. Serious defects mean the truck must come out of service until they are fixed.
Do you inspect telehandlers too?
Yes, telehandlers, reach trucks, pallet trucks and other lift trucks are all covered. See our telehandler inspections page for more detail.
Need a forklift thorough examination?
Based in Leicester, covering the Midlands and surrounding counties, and nationwide when required. Tell us what you run and we'll confirm what needs examining and when.