LiftPlanProUK
Telehandler lift planning guidance

Telehandler Lift Plans

Telehandlers are everyday site machines, which is exactly why their lifting operations can become too informal. A suitable plan should confirm the machine configuration, attachment, load centre, radius, travel route, ground condition and whether the load is fork-carried or suspended.

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Standards and Planning Basis

Telehandler lifting should be planned under LOLER and PUWER with reference to manufacturer instructions, load charts, attachment restrictions and site lifting rules. Suspended loads, travelling with loads and non-standard attachments need particular control.

Common Loads

  • Palletised blocks, bricks, bagged materials and stillages
  • Rebar bundles, site equipment and temporary works materials
  • Suspended loads from jibs, hooks or lifting attachments
  • MEP items, small plant, frames and packaged units

Planning Considerations

  • OHLE and GS6: control travel and boom elevation near overhead services, with route restrictions, goalposts or exclusion zones where required
  • Ground: consider slopes, soft spots, trenches, services, kerbs, slab capacity and turning areas before travelling with a load
  • Temporary works: check platform decks, ramps, floor slabs, propping or loading bays can support the machine and load
  • A61/AP control: decide whether the task is routine material handling or a planned lifting operation needing AP input, especially for suspended loads

Key Checks

  • Confirm load chart, boom extension, radius, load centre and attachment
  • Check gross weight, fork position, restraint and travel route
  • Assess ground conditions, gradients, edges, visibility and pedestrian interface
  • Record banksman, exclusion zone, communication controls and supervision level

Evidence to Record

  • Telehandler model, attachment information and relevant load chart
  • Load weight, load centre, lifting point or pallet condition confirmation
  • Travel route assessment, ground check and exclusion-zone briefing
  • Operator competence, attachment inspection and lift team briefing record

How LiftPlanProUK Helps

  • Telehandler workflow with plant and attachment prompts
  • Load schedules for fork-carried and suspended lifts
  • Capacity and site-condition checks
  • Clear output for briefing, review and audit
FAQ

Telehandler Lift Plans Questions

Do telehandler lifts need a lift plan?

Yes. Telehandler lifting operations must be properly planned, supervised and carried out safely, with the level of detail matched to the risk.

Are suspended telehandler loads higher risk?

They can be. Suspended loads need specific checks for attachment suitability, load swing, travel, exclusion zones and supervision.

What should be checked before using a telehandler attachment?

Confirm the attachment is compatible, rated, inspected, correctly fitted and covered by the relevant load chart or manufacturer information.