Licensing and training to operate telehandlers
Guidance on the competency, licensing and training requirements for operating different types of telehandlers.
What are telehandlers
Telehandlers are used across industries including agriculture, construction and warehousing. They are also known as:
- variable-reach rough terrain trucks
- multipurpose tool carriers
- telescopic material handlers
As defined under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (OHS Regs), telehandler means powered mobile plant with an articulated or rigid chassis that incorporates a telescopic boom that can be raised or lowered and is capable of being fitted with interchangeable attachments but does not include a backhoe or excavator.
More information about backhoes and excavators
- Non-slewing telehandler
A non-slewing telehandler means a telehandler with no slewing capabilities. They may also be a non-slewing mobile crane if the non-slewing telehandler’s rated capacity is more than three tonnes.
- Slewing telehandler
Slewing telehandler means a telehandler that is capable of being slewed. They may also be a slewing mobile crane depending on the crane operation configurations.
Licensing requirements
A high risk work license (HRWL) is required if an operator is using:
- a non-slewing telehandler with a rated capacity over three tonnes
- a slewing telehandler
- a telehandler with a boom-type elevating work platform of 11 metres or more
The HRWL an operator needs depends on the type of telehandler being used and which attachment it is fitted with.
Employers must not allow an employee to perform high risk work (HRW) unless the employee holds the appropriate HRWL.
If the operator is using a telehandler that does not require a HRWL, employers must ensure they provide information, instruction, training and supervision to employees to use the telehandler safely. This is to make sure that employees are skilled and competent to use this type of telehandler without a HRWL.
When a HRWL is required
When determining HRWL requirements for non-slewing telehandlers you must take into consideration the:
- rated capacity of the telehandler and
- boom length of any elevated work platform
This determines if a HRWL is required. The rated capacity of the telehandler is the maximum load that the telehandler can lift, fitted with fork arms, with the boom fully retracted.
The rated capacity of a telehandler can be found on the telehandler information plate or the manufacturer’s manual.
The rated capacity of an attachment is not a determining factor when considering if a HRWL is required.
- Non-slewing telehandlers with a rated capacity of three tonnes or less
There is no specific HRWL needed to operate a non-slewing telehandler with a rated capacity of three tonnes or less. However, the employer must provide information, instruction, training and supervision to employees to use the telehandler safely. This is to make sure that employees are skilled and competent to use this type of telehandler without a licence.
A HRWL is required if this type of telehandler has a boom-type elevating work platform with a boom length of 11 metres of more.
- Non-slewing telehandlers with a rated capacity of more than three tonnes
When operating a non-slewing telehandler with a rated capacity of more than three tonnes, operators must hold at least one of the below HRWL:
- Non-slewing telehandler operation (TV)
- Note: this is a new HRW licence, available from 1 July 2024.
- Non-slewing mobile crane (CN)
- Slewing mobile crane up to 20 tonnes (C2)
- Slewing mobile crane up to 60 tonnes (C6)
- Slewing mobile crane up to 100 tonnes (C1)
- Slewing mobile crane open/over 100 tonnes (C0)
- Non-slewing telehandler operation (TV)
- Slewing telehandlers
When operating a slewing telehandler, operators must hold a slewing mobile crane HRWL based on the telehandler’s rated capacity. These are:
- Slewing mobile crane up to 20 tonnes (C2)
- Slewing mobile crane up to 60 tonnes (C6)
- Slewing mobile crane up to 100 tonnes (C1)
- Slewing mobile crane open/over 100 tonnes (C0)
- Telehandlers with a work platform attachment
The licence required depends on the telescopic boom length with a work platform attachment. That is, how long the boom can reach, not what reach the boom is used at.
The telescopic boom length requirements are outlined below.
Telehandlers with a telescopic boom length of less than 11 metres
When operating a telehandler with a telescopic boom length of less than 11 metres, operators are only required to hold the HRWL relevant to the rated capacity of the telehandler they are operating.
If the operator is using a telehandler that does not require a licence, employers must ensure they provide information, instruction, training and supervision to employees to use the telehandler safely. This is to make sure that employees are skilled and competent to use this type of telehandler without a HRWL.
Telehandlers with a telescopic boom length of 11 metres or more
When operating a telehandler with a telescopic boom length of 11 metres or more, operators must hold a boom-type elevating work platform operation licence (WP). This is in addition to the relevant HRWL suitable for the rated capacity of the telehandler they are operating.
Note: The Elevating work platform Industry standard details the safe practices for using a work platform. When a work platform attachment is used, employers and operators need to follow these safe practices.
Training requirements
When identifying a training course, look for a course which addresses:
- health and safety responsibilities
- getting to know the operator’s telehandler manual
- hazard management – identifying, assessing and controlling hazards
- equipment and safety features
- prestart (pre-operational) check
- control facilities and positions
- understanding and identifying telehandler limitations, such as rated capacities and actual capacities, wind rating, and machine weight
- moving and positioning the telehandler and attachments
- driving the telehandler on roads
- safe loading and unloading of materials and operators
- working safely near overhead powerlines
- selecting, inspecting and using attachments
- refueling tools and battery charging
- reporting problems and incidents
Information, instruction, supervision and training requirements
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, employers must provide information, instruction, training or supervision to employees, to enable employees to perform their work safely and without risk.
Employers must consult with employees and any health and safety representatives (HSRs) on health and safety matters that affect, or may affect, them.
Employers also have a duty to share information about hazards and risks with employees.
This may include:
- safe use and operation of the telehandler in the workplace environment
- identified hazards and control measures to be implemented
- how to carry out pre-start checks
- Telehandler operators
To enable employees to perform their work safety and without risks to health, information and training must be provided before an employee operates any type of telehandler unless being directly supervised as part of training. Telehandler operators need to be competent to:
- use the model of the telehandler
- fit, configure and use the compatible attachments
- follow the ‘No-Go-Zone’ (NGZ) rules when operating a telehandler near overhead powerlines.
For information about the NGZ rules and when a spotter is needed, check the guidebook:
Using powered mobile plant near overhead assets - Guidebook
For further information regarding overhead powerlines on farms, check this short video:
- Supervising telehandler operators
Employers must provide supervision. A person supervising an employee operating a telehandler should be:
- competent and hold the relevant HRWL
- familiar with the telehandler model
- familiar with the task and work environment
- competent to fit and use the attachments