CPCS Telescopic Handler 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under LOLER 1998, how often must a telehandler's lifting accessories (slings, shackles, chains) be thoroughly examined?
- Every 24 months
- Every 12 months, or every 6 months if used for lifting persons (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
- Only when they appear damaged
Correct answer: Every 12 months, or every 6 months if used for lifting persons
Under LOLER 1998, lifting accessories must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every 6 months. The telehandler itself as lifting equipment must be examined every 12 months, or every 6 months if used for lifting persons.
Question 2: What hazard is specific to a telehandler fitted with a personnel work platform (man basket)?
- Increased fuel consumption
- Risk of persons falling from height if the platform is not properly secured (Correct answer)
- The machine cannot reverse
- The forks cannot tilt
Correct answer: Risk of persons falling from height if the platform is not properly secured
Using a personnel platform on a telehandler introduces significant fall-from-height risks. The platform must be purpose-designed, properly attached, and the telehandler must be rated for personnel lifting. LOLER requires 6-monthly thorough examination when lifting persons.
Question 3: What should the operator check about the ground before deploying a telehandler's stabilisers?
- That the ground is a specific colour
- That the ground is firm enough to support the stabiliser loads and suitable packing is used (Correct answer)
- That the ground temperature is above 10°C
- That the ground is wet to reduce friction
Correct answer: That the ground is firm enough to support the stabiliser loads and suitable packing is used
Before deploying stabilisers, the operator must ensure the ground can support the concentrated point loads from the stabiliser pads. Suitable timber or steel packing should be used to spread the load. Soft, waterlogged, or recently backfilled ground may not be adequate.
Question 4: When a telehandler is operating as a crane (lifting freely suspended loads), what additional regulations apply beyond PUWER?
- The Road Traffic Act only
- LOLER 1998 — Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (Correct answer)
- The Environmental Protection Act
- No additional regulations apply
Correct answer: LOLER 1998 — Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations
When a telehandler lifts freely suspended loads (acting as a crane), it falls under LOLER 1998 in addition to PUWER 1998. This means a lift plan is required, the machine needs thorough examination as lifting equipment, and an Appointed Person must oversee the operation.
Question 5: What is the danger of turning a telehandler sharply at speed while carrying a raised load?
- The engine may stall
- The machine can overturn due to centrifugal force raising the centre of gravity (Correct answer)
- The tyres will wear unevenly
- The load will become magnetised
Correct answer: The machine can overturn due to centrifugal force raising the centre of gravity
Sharp turning at speed with a raised load creates centrifugal force that acts to tip the machine sideways. Combined with the already raised centre of gravity from the elevated load, this can cause the telehandler to overturn laterally, which is frequently fatal.
Question 6: What must be clearly marked on a telehandler's load chart?
- The operator's name and shift pattern
- The safe working loads at various boom extensions and angles, with and without stabilisers (Correct answer)
- The fuel consumption per hour
- The date the machine was last washed
Correct answer: The safe working loads at various boom extensions and angles, with and without stabilisers
The load chart must clearly display the machine's safe working loads at all combinations of boom extension length and angle. It must differentiate between operations with and without stabilisers deployed, as capacities differ significantly between these configurations.
CPCS Telescopic Handler 2
Under LOLER 1998, how often must a telehandler's lifting accessories (slings, shackles, chains) be thoroughly examined?