Yes, pallet trucks must be inspected under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER). These regulations apply to anyone who owns, hires, operates or controls work equipment.
It is the responsibility of workplaces to inspect and maintain work equipment such as pallet trucks, and to ensure that all employees are aware of and understand PUWER.
How often should pallet trucks be inspected?
To comply with PUWER regulation 6, pallet trucks must be inspected at least once a year.
These regulations apply to all types of pallet truck, including electric pallet trucks.
Additionally, high lift pallet trucks – that is, pallet trucks which lift higher than 300mm – must undergo an additional inspection in accordance with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER).
Why do pallet trucks need to be inspected?
Faulty pallet trucks can cause accidents and injuries as well as damage to the goods you’re manoeuvring.
Inspecting your pallet truck to make sure it is safe to use isn’t just a good idea – it’s a legal requirement. If someone gets hurt because you failed to comply with the PUWER regulations, you may be prosecuted.
Who can inspect pallet trucks?
The inspection should be carried out by a competent person within a workplace or by a qualified third-party provider like SafetyLiftinGear.
The inspector must…
- have adequate experience and knowledge of pallet trucks
- understand the truck’s key components and be able to identify faults
- be able to report in accordance with Regulation 6(3) of PUWER
Book a pallet truck inspection
Safety Lifting Gear offers professional servicing and inspections for a huge range of manual handling products, including pallet trucks. If you need to get your equipment inspected, simply get in touch and a member of our qualified team will be more than happy to arrange this.
Get in Touch
0117 9381 600
