CFTS - A new national scheme
Just imagine if there were no cohesive national system for assessing the safe condition 
of cars. Imagine if garages were allowed to decide for themselves how to carry out MOT
tests. Imagine if an MOT certificate issued by one garage was based on criteria and
procedures which differed widely from those used by another. Imagine if there was no
one to oversee the process nationally and ensure consistent high standards.
This is very much like the situation which has applied to fork lift examinations... until now.
There is now a definitive new scheme. It has been developed by the two organisations which represent the fork lift truck industry, with the support of the HSE. It tackles all the current deficiencies in delivery of Thorough Examination.
Its stringent Quality Assurance Procedural Code raises and maintains the standard of testing and the scope of the examinations. In doing so it answers a pressing need within British industry for increased confidence when it comes to the safety of materials handling equipment.
Rather than reading the rest of this section you may wish to watch this video instead.
Who runs the new scheme?
The new national procedure has been set up by Consolidated Fork Truck Services (CFTS), a joint venture between the two major industry trade associations in materials handling:
The Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA)
The British Industrial Truck Association (BITA)
As the acknowledged experts on Thorough Examination, their unrivalled expertise has been combined to produce a unique scheme which carries the authority of the whole industry.
What is distinctive about the new procedure?
Huge effort has gone into ensuring that the complex legislation relating to Thorough Examination in delivered in a very effective and practical package. Through it you can keep on the right side of the law and check that your truck is in a safe and productive condition.
The national procedure developed by CFTS ensures you benefit from
- the authority and backing of both BITA and the FLTA
- the in-depth knowledge of examiners who truly understand fork lift trucks
- the protection and assured quality of the CFTS Procedural Code
- total peace of mind because you meet all current and pending legislation
What if I don't use an accredited company?
Complying with legislation is paramount, which is why it makes such sound sense to ensure any testing is carried out by a fully accredited company.
By using someone without accreditation you could open yourself up to the risk of:
- inadequate or inaccurate advice
- inconsistent standards
- superficial examinations that do not comply with HSE requirements
- legal problems
- dangerous trucks and resulting accidents leading to...
- injured personnel
- damage to equipment, goods and premises
- delays in productivity
- corporate and personal litigation
- heavy fines
- adverse publicity
How does the national procedure work?
The new national Thorough Examination procedure has a full audit trail which ensures that all examinations are recorded and, where necessary, checked by an independent inspector.
Documentation used with the new scheme will bear a reassuring and distinctive quality mark. You will see it on a special sticker applied to every truck which passes examination under the new scheme.
Click here to go to the Thorough Examination website Remember, only Thorough Examinations carried out under this scheme are subject to the rigorous CFTS Quality Assurance Procedural Code and endorsed by the quality mark.
Quality Assurance Procedural Code
A copy of the CFTS Procedural Code (60 pages) is available to view or download. This version does not include the BITA Guidance Note GN28 which may be purchased separately through the BITA website www.bita.org.uk
Companies wishing to be considered for accreditation may obtain a complete copy,
with GN28, by contacting CFTS at mail@thoroughexamination.org
or direct from BITA or the FLTA.
To download a copy please click on this link: Quality Assurance Procedural Code
Are there any other benefits?
By opting for the new national procedure you can rest assured that your Thorough Examinations will be administered efficiently and carried out to the highest professional standards. In addition, the quality mark of the scheme will give a 'stamp of approval' to your business:
- giving immediate credibility and authority to the Thorough Examination documentation you hold
- making a positive statement to your customers and staff that you care about safety and their welfare
- marking your trucks with a symbol of excellence that is nationally recognised
- reducing the risk of accidents - with their economic and human costs
- completely fulfilling your legal requirements
Don't take chances
- insist on the mark of quality...
From an accredited examiner. The easiest way to find an accredited company that is also an FLTA Member is to click here. For more information about the CFTS scheme visit www.thoroughexamination.org.
According to figures published by the Health and Safety Executive, fork lift trucks are involved in over 8,000 accidents each year. A proportion of these are due to unsafe trucks. No matter how well maintained a machine may be, its safe condition still depends on rigorous and regular inspection.