Telehandlers or also known as telescopic handlers are flexible variable reach trucks capable of traveling over rough terrain on construction site sites.
However, this flexibility can also lead to misuse, which could result in serious accidents. Telehandlers have the potential to tip, personnel can fall from high heights, and crushing injuries can also pose a risk. The environment can be affected by windy conditions, sloping terrain, and other environmental factors.
Telehandlers need to be operated safely on-site, as with any lifting equipment. It is important that the staff are competent and have the necessary knowledge.
It is essential to have a safe outcome for everyone through training.
Here are our tips to safely use a telehandler.
Safety Tips for Telehandlers
1. Check That Operators Have Been Properly Trained
Telehandler courses are designed to give workers the knowledge necessary to use telehandlers in industries such as construction, resource, and infrastructure. Before using a telephone handler at the workplace, one should be competent enough to prove their ability.
Telehandler training by Safety Training Academy offers a Telehandler. The course will give participants the skills and knowledge required to obtain a Gold Card License.
• Plan Operations: Consultation & Hazard Management
• Pre-operational Inspections: On the telehandler, and each attachment being performed
• Operate: Move loads and travel through obstacles
• Concluding Operations: Parking, securing the equipment, and following any site-specific procedures
2. Pre-Inspection, Workplace Hazard Assessment
Before you begin, make sure to inspect the machine, and the environment, as well as check that critical functions on the Telehandler, are functioning properly. If you suspect that there is an issue with the telehandler, please notify your supervisor.
3. Keep Your Loads Safe
Your training will teach you how to load and unload a telehandler, and how it can be used. Overloaded or imbalanced loads can cause the Telehandler to tip. Therefore, ensure load capacity charts exist and that the load doesn’t exceed the machine’s capabilities.
4. Be Safe On the Slopes
If you drive on a slope, there is the possibility that your telehandler could be overturned. This is especially true if a load that is loosely suspended or unsecured is being carried. It can cause the machine to shift and decrease its stability. Always travel up or down the slope. Avoid traveling on a side slope or in reverse. Always lower the boom before moving, take your time and secure any load that could be moved.
5. Workers at Height Should Not Be Exposed To Danger
It is important to use a workstation that is mounted directly on the telehandler, not on forks when working from height. Never use a slip-on platform or a makeshift platform to work at height. The operator must be qualified and trained to operate a boom-type EWP, such as with the Telehandler gold card.
6. Be Aware Of Crush Hazards
Operators must be aware of where they are working and what is happening around them. Be sure to keep your fellow workers out of the vicinity when loads are being lifted and are in transit. Also, never leave the cabin once the booms have been raised.
7. You Should Be Aware Of Potential Hazards from Electricity
It is important to identify potential hazards, such as trees and overhead power lines. It is the best practice to treat all overhead lines as live, even if the power company responsible for them informs you otherwise.
