New Best Practice Guide for Using a Telehandler

A new document has been published by the UK's Health & Safety Executive to serve as a user guide for operators and owners of a telehandler to prevent the accidents that can occur when using these machines. Manufacturers, owners and operators of telehandlers assisted the HSE in writing the document. Read on for more advice on the safe usage of these vehicles as recommended by the HSE.

In the preface to the new Best Practice Guidance document from HSE, Phillip White, chief inspector of construction at the Health & Safety Executive said: “Not only do these accidents have a terrible cost in terms of human suffering,they also have a significant financial cost for all concerned. Consequently there is a very strong business case for improving safety performance. This new guidance is straightforward, comprehensive and easy to adopt. I commend the guidance to anyone who owns, supplies or controls the operation of telehandlers. Please read the publication and turn the advice into action.”

The telescopic boom, the arm that lifts and places the loads, is the signature feature of a telehandler, but is also the main source of danger when operating it. Firstly, operators must gain the proper training in the use of a telehandler, especially regarding load weights. Whilst these machines can lift several tonnes, if the operator has over extended the boom, or not properly calculated the load distance and capacity when lifting, the machine will tip, potentially damaging the load, the machine and injuring the operator.

There is never any room for error when operating lifting equipment, and these machines are built with very exact specifications that operators must adhere to. For example, every single jcb telehandler has a specific weight capacity and lifting specification. These should be provided to you when buying or renting the equipment, and are also available on the manufacturer's website.

In addition, it is hugely important that site managers make their employees aware of the telehandler and its dangers when it is working. There have been many cases recently where workers or operators of the machine have been killed by the falling boom of a telehandler. Telehandlers are built with non-opening side windows to reduce this risk, but some operators remove side windows reach out to get a better look at their load and positioning. In one case the operator, whilst leaning out, accidentally triggered the lowering of the boom and was crushed by it. It is the equipment's owner's responsibility that side windows are secured and that every possible safety precaution is taken to prevent accidents of this nature. 

Operator error is the most common cause of accidents involving telehandlers, so it is of utmost importance to ensure all operators are both fully trained to use that specific model, and take regular refresher courses to prevent the adoption of bad habits and reinforce best practice. This ultimately will improve productivity and efficiency, as well as reduce risk.

Most manufacturers of telehandlers offer training courses for the various models of machine and the different telescopic booms they employ. Some manufacturers and plant hire firms will even offer on-site training for particular tasks. The safest option when renting the use of a telehandler is to hire an operator through the same firm, as they are obliged to ensure their employees are regularly trained.