Does my tipping skip need testing?

Tipping skips are vital to the waste management procedures of countless commercial sectors. From agriculture to construction, hospitality to warehousing, tipping skips play a large part in disposing and transporting raw, organic or even hazardous materials.

However, with their regular use comes the responsibility of ensuring their safety and compliance with regulatory standards. 

Ensuring tipping skips are tested and examined periodically is not just about adhering to legal requirements but is a proactive step towards safeguarding the well-being of site personnel.

What is a CFTS mark?

Standing for ‘Consolidated Fork Truck Services’, the CFTS mark is a recognisable badge of safety and quality assurance within the equipment industry.

When equipment, especially forklift trucks, sports this mark, it signifies that it has undergone a comprehensive Thorough Examination. 

Companies that proudly display the CFTS logo on their equipment show their dedication to safety. But it's more than just a logo. It's a commitment. It tells users that every piece of equipment with this mark has been meticulously inspected and is in optimal condition.

What is ‘Thorough Examination’?

But what counts as a ‘thorough examination’?

Similar to how all vehicles must undergo regular MOT tests, the safety of forklift skips must be inspected via a ‘thorough examination’: this is a comprehensive test for work equipment established by the CFTS (Consolidated Fork Truck Services) in 2004.

This testing standard was introduced to address the inconsistency in equipment inspections and the potential risks associated with inadequate checks.

Before the establishment of CFTS, there was no national standard, leading to potential gaps in safety checks and putting equipment users at risk.

What are PUWER regulations?

The CFTS created Thorough Examination tests because of The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER). These standards legally mandate that all work equipment, including forklift skips, be suitable and safe for its intended purpose.

So, what specifically do PUWER regulations entail? It holds organisations and businesses responsible for ensuring that equipment used at work is:

• “Suitable for the intended use (e.g. a container being used as a tipping skip should be specifically designed for that purpose)

• Safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and inspected to ensure it is correctly installed and does not subsequently deteriorate

• Used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training 

• Accompanied by suitable health and safety measures, such as protective devices and controls. These will normally include guarding, emergency stop devices, adequate means of isolation from sources of energy, clearly visible markings and warning devices

• Used per specific requirements for mobile work equipment and power presses”.

What are LOLER regulations?

More specifically related to tipping skip testing is LOLER standards, also known as Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations. 

LOLER places duties on people and companies operating, operating, or controlling lifting equipment, including all businesses and organisations whose employees use lifting equipment, irrespective of ownership. 

It stresses the importance of managing and controlling the risks associated with using lifting equipment. During all lifting operations, employees must:

• Plan the activities properly
• Ensure all those using the equipment are sufficiently competent
• Supervise them appropriately
• Ensure that they are carried out safely

To ensure the lifting equipment is ‘sufficiently competent, they must undergo the CFTS’s ‘thorough examination’.

How often does a skip need a thorough examination?

Your tipping skip will need to pass a thorough examination every 12 months.

This regular assessment ensures that all safety-related components of the skip are in optimal condition and fit for use. It's a proactive measure to prevent potential hazards and ensure the longevity and efficiency of the equipment.

How do I obtain a thorough examination for my forklift skips?

To obtain a Thorough Examination for your tipping skip, contact a company accredited by CFTS.

Companies like Forklift Skip Market are CFTS-accredited and can perform these examinations on their skips and those from other manufacturers.

Having a current examination report for each skip you use is essential, and failing to do so could lead to legal consequences.

Choose Forklift Skip Market for your Tipping Skip

For a reliable solution to your waste management needs, contact Forklift Skip Market. We specialise in high-quality forklift tipping skips, expertly designed for efficient waste disposal.

Our products will make your day-to-day operations easy, reducing the need for drivers to leave the cab with their self-pivot mechanisms. But we don’t just offer tipping skips: we’re also top providers of telehandler skips, lidded skips, packaging skips and more! 

Just ensure that, once a year, you contact the CFTS to conduct a thorough examination of your purchase.