What is a thorough equipment inspection and why is it important?

An Action Handling Equipment thorough equipment inspection is a detailed safety and condition check on pallet trucks, stackers and lifting equipment to ensure they can be operated, adjusted and maintained safely without putting operators at risk. It focuses on identifying wear, damage or deterioration so that issues can be corrected before they lead to breakdowns, accidents or costly downtime.

How often should pallet trucks and lifting equipment be inspected?

Inspection frequency depends on how often the equipment is used, the environment it operates in and the consequences of failure, but regular pre use checks plus periodic thorough examinations are strongly recommended. Many businesses schedule daily visual checks, weekly functional checks and more extensive examinations every 6–12 months to stay compliant with UK regulations and best practice.

What types of equipment inspections do you provide?

Typical services include pre use and routine safety checks, detailed visual and functional inspections, and statutory thorough examinations for pallet trucks, manual and powered stackers, lift tables and other handling equipment. Action Handling Equipment inspections usually cover critical components such as forks, chains, hydraulics, brakes, controls and safety devices, with a report highlighting any defects or remedial work needed.

Are equipment inspections a legal requirement in the UK?

Under UK regulations such as PUWER and LOLER, employers must ensure that work and lifting equipment is suitable, maintained in a safe condition and inspected where significant risk could arise from deterioration or incorrect installation. Thorough examinations are legally required at defined intervals for lifting equipment and accessories, and businesses must be able to demonstrate compliance if audited or after an incident.

Who should carry out my equipment inspections?

Inspections should be carried out by a competent person with the right technical knowledge, experience and independence to assess the safety of the equipment. Using a specialist nationwide inspection team helps ensure consistent standards, up to date regulatory knowledge and clear documentation that can be relied on for insurance, audits and internal safety management.

What documentation will I receive after an inspection?

After each thorough inspection, businesses should receive a written report detailing what was inspected, any defects found, the level of risk, and recommended repair or withdrawal from service where necessary. These records form part of the equipment’s maintenance history, provide evidence of compliance and are essential to demonstrate that reasonable steps have been taken to protect operators and meet legal duties.