Forklift attachment safety audit and inspection at an industrial site

With the final quarter of the year well under way, sites are getting busier – and that's exactly when a failed attachment or an overdue examination can cause the most disruption.

Carrying out a forklift attachment audit now gives you time to identify and address issues before they lead to downtime during a shift.

A year-end attachment audit is an opportunity to review equipment condition, examination records, suitability and any outstanding maintenance requirements.

1 Start With a Full Attachment List

You can't audit what you haven't listed. Walk around your site and record every attachment, including those sitting unused in a corner or on a spare truck.

For each attachment, record:

  • Attachment type and serial number
  • Safe Working Load (SWL) and whether the marking is still legible
  • Which forklift truck it is used on
  • Date of the last Thorough Examination
  • When the next examination is due

Important: Any attachment without a legible SWL marking or identification should be flagged for further investigation before use.

2 Check Your Examination Dates

Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), attachments classed as lifting equipment must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every 12 months, or every six months for equipment used to lift people, such as man-riding cages, where these intervals apply.

Check that:

  • Examination reports are up to date
  • Any defects identified in previous reports have been addressed
  • Examinations due in the first quarter of next year are booked in advance
Competent person carrying out a LOLER Thorough Examination of a forklift attachment

Reviewing Thorough Examination records helps identify upcoming inspection requirements.

Need to arrange a Thorough Examination? Find out more about our forklift attachment Thorough Examination service .

3 Look at the Equipment Itself

Records only tell part of the story. Visually inspect each attachment for signs of damage, wear or deterioration.

Key areas to check include:

  • Bent, cracked or heavily worn forks and carriages
  • Cracks or poor repairs around welds
  • Hydraulic leaks or weeping hoses
  • Worn pivots, loose fixings and missing pins
  • Latches, gates and other safety features that no longer work as designed

Safety Reminder: Anything that has been struck, dropped or overloaded deserves closer inspection. If you suspect damage that could affect safe operation, take the attachment out of service until it has been assessed by a competent person.

Visual inspection of forklift attachment welds and structural components

Visual checks can identify wear, damage and potential maintenance issues before they cause downtime.

4 Repair, Replace or Retire?

Not every fault means buying new. Worn parts and hydraulic issues can often be repaired, depending on the condition of the attachment and the nature of the fault.

When Repair May Be Suitable

Where worn components or hydraulic issues can be safely repaired and the attachment remains suitable for its intended application.

When Replacement May Be Better

Where there is structural damage, repair costs approach the cost of new equipment, or the attachment no longer suits your loads or forklift trucks.

5 Does It Still Fit the Job?

Sites naturally change over time. Check that each attachment remains suitable for the loads being handled and the truck it's used on.

Make sure anyone operating specialist attachments has received the appropriate training.

If your current attachments no longer meet the demands of the job, a purpose-built forklift attachment may be a better solution than adapting equipment that wasn't designed for that use.

Forklift attachment being assessed for suitability in an industrial working environment

An attachment audit should also confirm that equipment remains suitable for the job.

6 Keep a Record

Finish with a clear summary of what was checked, what needs attention, who is responsible for each action, and when the next examinations are due.

Keeping accurate records helps you track outstanding work, demonstrate that issues are being addressed and support your wider maintenance and compliance processes.

Your Year-End Forklift Attachment Audit Checklist

☐ All attachments identified and recorded

☐ SWL and identification markings checked

☐ Thorough Examination reports reviewed

☐ Outstanding defects followed up

☐ Equipment visually checked for damage and wear

☐ Truck and attachment compatibility reviewed

☐ Operator training requirements checked

☐ Repair or replacement needs identified

☐ Upcoming examinations and maintenance scheduled

Start the New Year Prepared

Starting the year with a clear picture of your attachments can help reduce unexpected downtime and keep your equipment fit for purpose.

If you need support with Thorough Examinations, repairs or replacing equipment that has reached the end of its working life, our team can help.

Is Your Forklift Attachment Fleet Ready for the New Year?

Speak to Contact Attachments about Thorough Examinations, attachment repairs and replacement equipment.

Explore Our Thorough Examination Service

Call us on 01686 611200

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