Refresh key Telehandler knowledge commonly assessed during a High Risk Work VOC. This page provides assessment-aligned guidance and a knowledge check to help you feel prepared.
⚠️ For knowledge refresh only. This does not replace training, site procedures or competency assessment. Voceed accepts no liability for misuse. View full disclaimer.
Before operating a telehandler, a thorough pre-start inspection is critical to ensure the machine is safe and compliant. This includes checking fluids, tyres, hydraulics, attachments, and all safety systems such as ROPS/FOPS and seatbelts. Any defects must be reported, recorded in the logbook, and the machine tagged out if required. Regular inspections before, during, and after operation help prevent breakdowns, reduce risk, and ensure safe operation on site.
Tag the machine out of service, fill out log book and report to supervisor.
Tag out of service, fill out log book and report to super.
Steering, brakes, transmission and hydraulics.
Pins or quick hitch.
Make sure you stand well clear of the attachment whilst raised.
Stop, notify your supervisor and have him get it inspected and repaired.
Out of service tag.
Longitudinal (forward/backward) stability and lateral (sideways) stability. The machine must be level across its width before any lifting operation on a slope.
Before conducting any lifting operations — the park brake must always be applied and the machine stationary before raising or extending the boom.
Safe operation of a telehandler comes down to maintaining stability, controlling speed, and understanding how the machine behaves under different conditions. Operators must keep loads low while travelling, avoid turning on slopes, and only operate on firm, level ground where possible. Poor technique or unstable ground can quickly lead to tip-overs, especially when carrying loads or working on uneven terrain. Staying within safe operating practices is essential for both safety and productivity.
Uphill driving at creep speed
Firm, level, flat and smooth ground.
It may become unstable and overturn.
Close to the ground, but high enough to avoid obstructions.
Drive in reverse.
Lower the bucket or tynes.
It would decrease the amount you can carry in the bucket.
Drive straight up or down the slope.
2-wheel steer (road travel), 4-wheel steer (tight site manoeuvring), and crab steer (moving the machine diagonally — useful for positioning loads sideways without turning).
Stop the machine and ensure the wheels are aligned straight ahead before selecting a different steer mode.
Understanding how loads behave is essential when operating a telehandler. This includes knowing how to determine load weight, understanding load centre distance, and how these factors affect machine capacity. Operators must also ensure loads are secure and stable before moving them, and only use approved equipment such as certified workboxes when lifting personnel. Poor load handling is one of the most common causes of incidents, so getting these fundamentals right is critical.
With a certified personnel lifting cage.
By shipping documents, manufacturers notes, calculate it.
From the heel of the tyne to the centre of the load.
Can cause the telehandler to tip forward, decreases load capacity.
Chock it to prevent rolling.
The weight of the load and the load centre distance (the distance from the face of the fork uprights to the centre of gravity of the load).
That the machine is on solid, level ground. Any deviation from level ground reduces the machine’s safe lifting capacity.
On the load chart in the cab. Each chart relates to a specific attachment — always ensure you are using the correct chart for the attachment fitted.
The Load Moment Indicator — it warns the operator when the machine is approaching its maximum forward load mass (the point at which the machine could tip forward). It does not indicate the weight of the load and must not replace reference to the load chart.
Move the load into a stable position by raising or retracting the boom. Do not jerk the controls or make sudden movements.
Every site presents different hazards, and it is the operator’s responsibility to identify and manage them before starting work. This includes hazards such as powerlines, underground services, excavations, other equipment, and environmental conditions like wind. Effective planning through tools like Take 5s, JSAs, and consultation with site personnel ensures risks are controlled. A well-planned job is a safer and more efficient job.
Cease the lifting operation ASAP when the lift has been made safe.
.The possibility of the bank collapsing under the pressure.
To find out all hazards and site rules.
Any of the following:
Any of the following:
Collapse and tip over telehandler.
The power should be isolated and/ or if this is not possible the powerlines MUST be insulated.
Always maintain safe clearance distances when working near powerlines.
Personnel MUST seek an exemption from the relevant authority, and where possible, have the electrical power shut off.
Always maintain safe clearance distances when working near powerlines.
Clear communication is essential when moving loads and working around other personnel. Operators must use appropriate signals such as hand signals, horns, or radios to warn others and coordinate movements. The telehandler operator is typically responsible for directing positioning during loading operations, ensuring safe distances are maintained. Poor communication can quickly lead to serious incidents, so it must be consistent and clear at all times.
By signals (hand, horn, radio calls etc).
The telehandler operator.
Telehandler operation is governed by strict safety requirements and standards that must always be followed. This includes understanding safety systems like FOPS and ROPS, maintaining safe distances from powerlines, using correct PPE, and following proper shutdown and parking procedures. Operators must also follow site rules, complete logbooks correctly, and comply with all relevant safety regulations. These requirements form the foundation of safe and professional operation.
F.O.P.S (Fall on protection structure).
SWL, tare, WorkSafe certification ID reference number.
In a designated parking area with all equipment correctly stowed.
Must be filled in every time it’s used.
Drive away where possible, stop, tag, report, enter into log book.
Adequate lighting.
No.
Yes at all times.
Isolate the machine and do a walk around inspection.
The battery must be isolated before any arc welding or electrical work on the machine. Before isolating, turn the ignition off and wait approximately 30 seconds for the ECU to shut down correctly — isolating immediately can damage machine electrics.
Do not install or use it until you have obtained and understood the relevant manufacturer’s instructions. Only manufacturer-approved attachments should be fitted — non-approved attachments can overload the machine, create instability, and affect warranty and compliance.
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