Working with telehandlers is a dangerous business. They provide much needed assistance with a variety of tasks within multiple sectors, but it is vital that you understand how to use telehandlers correctly. This is especially crucial if you are searching for telehandler hire to help you out over a short-term basis or on a single project, as you might not necessarily have as much experience with a telehandler and will require the help and expertise of your plant hire company to get the most out of the plant hire whilst maintaining strict safety standards throughout its use.
There are a few bits of guidance that you can follow when hiring a telehandler to ensure that you are limiting the chances of an accident and injury. It is a priority to maintain high safety standards on any site of work and when it comes to working with a telehandler and other types of equipment and machinery that have higher rates of accidents relating to them, it pays off to be doubly careful at every stage.
Be fully trained – A telehandler accident can cause injury or a fatality and you need to do everything that you can to limit the chances of this happening. Any person that is tasked with operating a telehandler needs to undertake the right type of telehandler training first. This ensures that they get used to a specific machine and operation. When hiring telehandlers make good use of training materials and become familiar with safety symbols and regulations.
Regular inspection – Before you use a telehandler on site be sure to fully inspect it. If you are using telehandlers daily, implement a routine where there is a visual and functional inspection each morning before work commences. This should check that the machine is in full working condition.
Careful loading–It is important to understand the load capacity of the telehandler and that you do not exceed the maximum weight. A heavy load can cause the telehandler to tilt, and this can be a cause of accidents. Most modern telehandlers are now equipped with a safety system that prevents the lifting of loads that are too heavy.
Keep the forks off the ground – There must be a distance of 30cm between the forks (or attachments) and the ground. Always tilt the fork carriage backward when in transit with a load and make sure to pay special attention when moving on an uneven or unstable surface. For longer distances, ensure that the telescopic boom is retracted.
Attentive driving–Always pay attention when driving, making sure that the route is suitable, driving backwards if you cannot see more than two metres beyond your load, and be aware of adjusting speeds whether you are travelling on public roads or on a construction site.
Accidents with telehandlers happen all the time. Therefore, it is so important to have a clear understanding of how best to use them in a safe manner. If you are hiring telehandlers and have a good contact with a plant hire company in the UK, speak to them about your specific needs and ask for assistance with how to always operate telehandlers safely. They will offer you the chance to utilise the latest models and latest tech to keep things safe on site, will provide a fully maintained and repaired (if necessary) telehandler and provide a training manual and physical assistance in person if required.
