A telescopic handler, or telehandler, is a hydraulic lifting machine used to carry and place heavy materials. Sometimes called boom lifts, they move loads with a crane-like tool called a boom. Operators fix attachments to the end of their boom to hold different materials. An attachment’s design suits the kind of load it’s built to carry, such as forks for pallets or buckets for soil.

Some operators call telehandlers a combination of forklifts and cranes. Not only do they transport goods across a work site, but telehandlers’ booms let them move with greater precision and flexibility. No other device can haul thousands of pounds with the same degree of maneuverability. Investing in one machine that does the work of several helps teams stay within a project’s budget.

• Have a basic understanding of the industry, the dangers of working in the industry and their responsibilities as a Plant operator.
• Have a working knowledge of the manufacturer’s handbook for the machine to be used and other relevant sources of information.
• Be able to locate and identify the major components of the Machine and explain their functions.
• Be able to locate and identify steering, driving and braking controls and explain their functions.
• Conduct all pre-operational checks in accordance with manufacturers and legislative requirements.
• Safely mount and dismount the machine
• Start and stop the engine and safely move the Machine off and stop it safely.
• Configure the machine for travel and manoeuvre it safely laden and unladen, over varying terrain, rough ground, inclines, in open and confined areas.
• Conduct all necessary Safety checks at the work area.
• Manoeuvre the machine to the work area and correctly Configure in readiness to Carry out lifting and Load handling tasks.
• Carry out lifting and Load handling tasks.
• Lift and transfer loads accurately and safely at different locations
• Load and unload external transport safely.
• Fit, adjust and or remove attachments.
• Demonstrate Knowledge and understanding of loading and unloading procedures for machine transportation.
• Carry out all end of shift and shut down procedures.

• Suitable and safe area to lift and lower loads to 75% of total reach of machine.
• 3 x palletised loads (IBC containers or similar) for Stacking and De Stacking tasks.
• Lorry bed or flatbed trailer.
• Varying terrain and slopes.
• Suitable and safe area to travel through chicane.
• Suitable and safe area to ravel 20 meters.
• Suitable and safe area to complete paperwork.
• Suitable welfare facilities.
• Telescopic handler with pallet forks and any attachments.
• Operators’ manual.
• Risk assessment completed.
• In date thorough test examination for machine.

• Suitable head protection.
• Suitable eye protection.
• Suitable hearing protection.
• Suitable work clothes.
• Suitable work boots including steel toe protection.
• High Viz.

• Avoiding danger from overhead power cables guidance GS6 https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/gs6.pdf
• Rider operated lift truck.
• https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l117.pdf
• Avoiding danger from underground services HSG47 https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg47.pdf
• PUWER Regulation.
• https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l22.pdf
• LOLER Regulation.
• https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l113.htm

• 20 multiple choice questions.
• 5 written questions.
• 4 marks per question.
• 80% pass mark required.

Onsite and off-site centre testing available.