Telehandler Suspended Loads Training

The Telescopic Handler, commonly known as a telehandler, is a versatile machine primarily designed for lifting, moving, and placing materials and equipment using its forks. While telehandlers excel at transporting unit loads, lifting and travelling with suspended loads is not their primary function and requires additional caution. Operating with suspended loads presents increased risks compared to standard fork lifting, demanding advanced skills and a thorough understanding of safety considerations. Proper Telehandler Suspended Load Training is essential to ensure operators can safely and confidently handle suspended loads on site, minimising hazards and maintaining compliance with industry regulations.

Our Telehandler Suspended Loads Training is a crucial bolt-on course designed for operators who already hold the NPORS Telehandler Operator Card and need to safely lift and manoeuvre suspended loads on construction and industrial sites. This specialist training enhances your core telehandler skills by focusing on the specific hazards and best practices involved in handling suspended loads, ensuring you meet current health and safety legislation including LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations).

Detailed Course Topics Include:
✅ Comprehensive understanding of the risks and hazards associated with lifting and moving suspended loads
✅ Correct selection and inspection of lifting accessories such as slings, chains, shackles, and hooks
✅ Techniques for safe rigging, securing, and balancing of loads before lifting
✅ Proper operation of telehandler controls when lifting and moving suspended loads to maintain stability and control
✅ Site communication protocols including use of signals and radios to coordinate lifting operations safely
✅ Procedures for conducting pre-lift risk assessments and ensuring compliance with site-specific method statements
✅ Emergency procedures and safe shutdown protocols for handling unexpected situations during lifting
✅ Practical, hands-on training to apply theory and develop confidence in lifting and positioning suspended loads accurately and safely

What You Will Achieve:
✅ A specialist bolt-on qualification to your existing NPORS Telehandler Operator Card, demonstrating your ability to safely manage suspended loads
✅ Enhanced operational competence that improves your job prospects and site access, especially on projects involving lifting tasks
✅ Confirmation that your skills meet rigorous health and safety standards and legal requirements, including LOLER compliance
✅ Increased confidence and professionalism when undertaking telehandler operations involving suspended loads, reducing risk to people and property

✅ Slings
Slings are flexible lifting devices made from materials such as wire rope, synthetic webbing, or chain. They are used to secure loads and attach them to the telehandler’s lifting hook. Wire rope slings offer high strength and durability, synthetic webbing slings provide flexibility and are lighter, while chain slings are highly durable and suitable for heavy-duty lifting.

✅ Shackles
Shackles are metal connectors used to link slings, chains, or ropes to lifting equipment. Common types include bow shackles (with a rounded shape) and D-shackles (with a straight design). They are essential for creating safe, secure connections and must be rated for the load being lifted.

✅ Hooks
Hooks attach to the telehandler or lifting accessories to carry the load. Grab hooks are designed to hold chains securely, while lifting hooks with safety latches prevent accidental release of the load during lifting operations.

✅ Chains
Grade 80 or 100 lifting chains are heavy-duty metal chains designed specifically for lifting purposes. They provide strong and secure load holding, often used in conjunction with chain slings and shackles for maximum safety.

✅ Eye Bolts and Eye Nuts
These are fixed attachment points screwed into loads to provide secure lifting points. Eye bolts have a threaded shaft and a ring-shaped head, while eye nuts fit onto threaded rods, allowing slings or hooks to be attached safely.

✅ Lifting Beams and Spreaders
These rigid bars distribute the load evenly when lifting large or awkwardly shaped objects, reducing stress on the load and lifting accessories. They help maintain balance and prevent damage during lifting.

✅ Turnbuckles
Turnbuckles are adjustable devices used to tension or lengthen lifting assemblies, ensuring the load is securely balanced and rigging is taut before lifting.

✅ Lifting Clamps and Grabs
Specialised devices designed to grip specific materials like steel plates, beams, or concrete slabs. They provide secure hold points and prevent slippage during handling.

✅ Wire Rope Clips and Thimbles
Wire rope clips secure the ends of wire ropes, forming loops for attachment, while thimbles protect the rope from wear and deformation at connection points, prolonging equipment life.

✅ Swivel Hoists and Rings
These accessories allow the load to rotate freely while suspended, reducing twisting forces on slings and preventing tangling during complex lifts.

✅ Sling Protectors and Edge Protectors
Protect slings from sharp edges and abrasion, extending their lifespan and preventing damage to the load or lifting equipment.

Using the correct lifting accessories and understanding their proper application is essential for safe and efficient telehandler operations involving suspended loads. Always ensure all equipment is inspected regularly and rated for the specific lifting task.

Other Training available to assist with using the telehandler for underslung Loads. Slinger Signaller Training

At the end of the training, successful delegates will:

✅ Understand the risks and safety requirements involved in lifting and moving suspended loads with a telehandler
✅ Be able to carry out thorough pre-lift inspections and rigging checks to ensure equipment safety
✅ Demonstrate correct selection and use of lifting accessories such as slings, shackles, and hooks
✅ Confidently operate a telehandler to safely lift, move, and position suspended loads in line with best practices
✅ Apply effective communication and signalling techniques to coordinate lifting operations on site
✅ Comply fully with health and safety legislation, including LOLER regulations and site-specific procedures
✅ Manage emergency situations and respond appropriately to maintain site safety
✅ Receive a recognised bolt-on qualification added to their existing NPORS Telehandler Operator Card, boosting employability and site access