Toyota bids to clarify rules on Thorough Examinations

Despite it being a legal requirement for forklift trucks and lifting equipment, many users are still unsure what a Thorough Examination entails and who is responsible for ensuring equipment complies with legislation. The national accreditation body for Thorough Examination is CFTS (Consolidated Fork Truck Services), which comprises representatives from the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) and the Forklift Truck Association (FLTA). CFTS is responsible for administering the national accreditation scheme for those companies able to carry out out Thorough Examinations. Phill Bird, Toyota's after sales director, explains: "Like an MOT for a car, a Thorough Examination is a legal requirement for lifting equipment. Unfortunately confusion arises when customers believe a Thorough Examination is part of a standard service and are not clear on the benefits of a Thorough Examination carried out by a CFTS-accredited company." As part of its educational campaign, Toyota will be publishing information about Thorough Examination, including key facts and answers to frequently asked questions. Details are available online: see link below.