Telehandler Course

Lesson 1 • Major Components and Systems

Identifies structural, hydraulic, and drivetrain components and their functions. Builds vocabulary needed for pre-use checks and maintenance communication.

Lesson 2 • Telehandler Types and Applications

Covers fixed, rotating, and compact telehandler variants and their typical worksite roles. Connects equipment selection to operational efficiency and task suitability.

Lesson 3 • Operator Responsibilities and Duties

Defines the operator's legal and ethical obligations before, during, and after operation. Establishes accountability as the foundation for all subsequent training.

Lesson 1 • Defect Reporting and Documentation

Explains how to record defects on inspection forms and escalate safety-critical faults. Accurate documentation protects operators and supports maintenance planning.

Lesson 2 • Walkaround Inspection Sequence

Teaches a structured exterior inspection route covering all critical machine zones. Consistent sequencing prevents missed checks and reduces incident risk.

Lesson 3 • Fluid and Lubrication Checks

Covers engine oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant, and fuel level verification procedures. Correct fluid levels are essential for safe and reliable machine performance.

Lesson 1 • Emergency Shutdown Procedures

Trains operators to execute rapid shutdown in response to fire, hydraulic failure, or collision. Fast, correct response minimizes injury and equipment damage.

Lesson 2 • Engine Startup Sequence

Details the correct ignition, idle warm-up, and system readiness checks after startup. Proper sequencing prevents hydraulic and engine damage from cold starts.

Lesson 3 • Safe Parking and Shutdown

Covers correct parking position, boom lowering, brake application, and engine shutdown steps. Prevents unintended movement and machine damage during downtime.

Lesson 1 • Stability Triangle and Tipping Lines

Introduces the stability triangle concept and how the centre of gravity shifts with load and boom extension. Understanding tipping lines is critical for preventing overturns.

Lesson 2 • Load Charts and Rated Capacity

Teaches operators to read manufacturer load charts and determine maximum safe loads at given boom angles and extensions. Correct chart use prevents structural overload.

Lesson 3 • Dynamic Load Effects During Travel

Explains how acceleration, braking, and turning create dynamic forces that increase effective load weight. Operators adjust speed and boom position to maintain stability in motion.

Lesson 1 • Hazard Identification Methods

Introduces site walkthrough, toolbox talk, and permit review as primary hazard identification tools. Systematic identification precedes effective risk control on any worksite.

Lesson 2 • Personal Protective Equipment Requirements

Specifies mandatory and task-specific PPE for telehandler operators and ground workers. Correct PPE selection reduces injury severity when primary controls fail.

Lesson 3 • Pedestrian and Traffic Management

Covers segregation of pedestrian and machine traffic zones and communication protocols at crossing points. Pedestrian contact is the most common fatal telehandler incident type.

Lesson 4 • Environmental and Weather Hazards

Identifies how wind, rain, ice, and low visibility affect telehandler stability and operator perception. Operators apply weather-related operating limits and suspension criteria.

Lesson 1 • Forward and Reverse Travel

Covers smooth acceleration, braking, and directional changes on flat and graded surfaces. Controlled travel prevents load shift and reduces wear on drivetrain components.

Lesson 2 • Navigating Slopes and Ramps

Teaches safe gradient assessment, correct travel direction on slopes, and load positioning for inclines. Incorrect slope technique is a leading cause of telehandler overturns.

Lesson 3 • Operating in Confined Spaces

Develops low-speed precision manoeuvring in warehouses, doorways, and tight site corridors. Spatial awareness and spotter communication are emphasised throughout.

Lesson 4 • Ground Condition Assessment

Identifies how soft, uneven, or contaminated ground affects traction and stability. Operators make go or no-go decisions based on ground condition evaluation.

Lesson 1 • Lifting and Boom Extension Technique

Teaches smooth boom raise, tilt, and extension sequences to lift loads safely to working height. Jerky movements increase dynamic load forces and risk of tipping.

Lesson 2 • Retrieving Loads from Height

Covers safe fork insertion into elevated racking and controlled descent with a suspended load. Retrieval errors at height carry higher injury risk than ground-level operations.

Lesson 3 • High-Level Placement and Stacking

Develops accuracy in placing loads on elevated racking, platforms, and stockpiles. Operators use visual references and spotter signals to position loads precisely.

Lesson 4 • Working Near Overhead Hazards

Identifies power lines, structural beams, and overhead services that create exclusion zones during lifting. Operators apply minimum clearance rules and use spotters when visibility is limited.

Lesson 1 • Hydraulic Failure and Boom Drop

Explains causes of sudden hydraulic failure and the risk of uncontrolled boom descent. Operators apply emergency lowering procedures and establish exclusion zones immediately.

Lesson 2 • Fire Response on the Machine

Covers fire detection, controlled shutdown, evacuation, and extinguisher use on a telehandler fire. Early detection and correct response prevent escalation to total machine loss.

Lesson 3 • Tip-Over Response Procedures

Teaches the brace-and-stay technique and explains why exiting a tipping machine increases fatality risk. Operators practice mental rehearsal of correct tip-over response.