Forklift Fork Extensions are classed as a forklift attachment and follow the following Criteria.
DO FORKLIFT ATTACHMENTS NEED TO BE CERTIFIED?
The short answer is yes, forklift attachments, forks and extensions need to be professionally inspected for safety.
WHY DO FORKLIFT ATTACHMENTS NEED TO BE CERTIFIED?
It’s a requirement that forklift owners/operatives arrange inspections for equipment to confirm it’s safe and doesn’t present any danger to people. These inspections are known as Thorough Examinations. At the end of the inspection, you receive a valid Report of Thorough Examination.
Thorough Examinations fall under the HSE Regulations of LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998). They are required by law.
HOW OFTEN DO FORKLIFT ATTACHMENTS NEED TO BE CERTIFIED?
Every 6 months.
Fork extensions should have a Plate showing SWL/ Manufacturer/serial no.
Selection of lifting equipment, lifting equipment must be selected by a suitably competent person to ensure that all lifting equipment, accessories, and systems of work comply with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). Due consideration should be given to:
Nature of the work being undertaken. • Characteristic of the load and the lifting operations required. • Particular site constraints including ground conditions. • The need for additional handling attachments such as fork width extensions and their effect on the safe working load of the forklift truck. • How best to secure the load to prevent it moving or sliding during transport. • The weight of any handling attachments must be included in any load calculations. • The need to de-rate the SWL of equipment to provide an increased factor of safety when using ancillary equipment. Supervision arrangements.
Ensure that all lifts comply with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). Good practice can only be achieved by thorough planning and adequate supervision. When lifting any load that can affect the key principles of stability of the lifting equipment, ensure that every lift is adequately planned and supervised to comply with LOLER & BS 7121 (part 6) Further Guidance • L113 The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 • BS 7121 Safe Use of Cranes Part 6 • ACOP L117 Rider Operated Lift Trucks – Operator Training
Fork arm extensions are intended to be fully engaged with the load, i.e., the load should be against the fork shank. Fork arm extensions are not designed to be tip loaded, and at least 50% of the load should always be supported by the parent fork arm.
Fork arm extensions intended for fork arm blade lengths ≥ 750 mm manufactured in accordance with ISO 13284 allow an overhang (increase in length) of 66.7%, i.e., at least 60% of the fork extension shall be supported by the parent fork arm.
For example, fork arms 1200 mm long can be increased by a maximum of 800 mm, to 2000 mm, using ISO 13284 fork extensions.
Fork arm extensions manufactured in accordance with ANSI B.56.1 allow an overhang (increase in length) of 50%, i.e., at least 66.7% of the fork extension shall be supported by the parent fork arm.
For example, fork arms 1200 mm long can be increased by a maximum of 600 mm, to 1800 mm, using ANSI B.56.1 fork extensions.
In all cases, the fork arm extension should be marked with the blade cross section and minimum length of the parent fork arm that it can be used with. Where the load centre distance with the fork extension fitted exceeds that shown on the truck capacity plate, the truck shall be de-rated accordingly. Both the rated capacity of the truck and that of the fork extension shall be respected.
THE FULL RANGE CAN BE SEEN HERE - https://www.liftruck.co.uk/forks-extensions/heavy-duty-extension-sleeves.html
