UK farms using post-harvest downtime to book LOLER Thorough Examinations for lifting equipment, telehandlers, and forklifts have been reminded to check that their inspections satisfy PUWER rules too.  

Agricultural specialists at CFTS, the industry-backed Thorough Examination standard, see a surge in bookings each autumn as farms take advantage of a rare opportunity to schedule the compulsory safety checks.  

However, because LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) 1998 governs lifting equipment, some examiners focus on lifting components only. This saves time but can put farms at risk of prosecution under PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) 1998.  

CFTS Director Rob Fisher explains: “Thanks to action by the NFU and others, more and more farms understand they need a LOLER Thorough Examination on any equipment that can lift or lower a load — and that it’s separate from regular maintenance. 

“That’s great, but a telehandler, for example, is also work equipment that falls under PUWER, so it must be safe to use. If your examiner checked the foreloader or hydraulics but not the steering, tyres, or brakes, that’s potentially a major headache.” 

A dangerous grey area 

Created in 2004, the voluntary CFTS standard was a collaboration of industry bodies to bring clarity to the overlapping rules around Thorough Examination. Members follow an independent procedure covering both LOLER and PUWER requirements for a machine. 

Rob Fisher continues: “The grey area between LOLER Thorough Examination and PUWER inspections isn’t just a legal problem; it puts lives at risk. Just last year, a farmer from Greater Manchester was jailed for 12 months having reversed over his son in a telehandler with defective mirrors. The vehicle was dangerous, but mirrors aren’t lifting parts so it might still have passed a LOLER-only inspection. 

“That’s why it’s essential to know exactly what your Thorough Examination covers, and what it doesn’t.” 

With 392 agricultural specialists throughout the UK, CFTS is urging farmers to seek local support if they have any doubts. A full list of accredited providers can be found at: https://www.thoroughexamination.org/postcode-search.