What is a telehandler? A telehandler is a type of heavy equipment that is used in agricultural and industrial settings. It is similar to a forklift in that it has a lifting platform and can be used to move heavy loads. The main difference between a telehandler and regular forklift is that a telehandler includes an extendable boom to access higher work areas. Think of a telehandler lift as the ultimate combo between a typical lift and a boom lift.
Like other industrial equipment, telehandler certification is required by all your employees before operating any lift. AerialLiftCertification.com (ALC) is the leader in online, accessible, OSHA compliant training. Whether you need to train a new employee or need renewal training for a veteran operator, ALC’s telehandler forklift certification is the only training solution you need.
Telehandler Forklift Certification
OSHA guidelines require formal instruction, a hands-on use of the equipment, and in-person evaluation by a qualified trainer for telehandler forklift certification. The ALC Training Kit covers all of these requirements, giving companies the skills and knowledge to ensure all their telehandler operators are OSHA compliant and are able to avoid accidents.
Our Training Kit includes:
- A handful of pre-test summaries for knowledge retention.
- Start-up guidelines to help with training.
- 100% pass rate with quizzes for each section.
- OSHA complaint paperwork, including evaluation forms for trainers.
- Printable forms for all aerial work platforms (AWPs) and mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), including telehandlers.
Our telehandler certification covers everyone from experienced drivers to new employees. Whether you’re asking, “What is a telehandler?” or “how do I receive the best possible telehandler forklift certification”, ALC will guide your employees to complete OSHA compliance!
How to Drive a Telehandler Lift
If you are new to operating a telehandler, here are some tips on how to drive one safely and efficiently.
Before you start the engine, it is important to do a quick safety check. First, check that the area around the telehandler is clear of people and obstacles. Then, check that all the controls are in the proper position and that the brakes are engaged. Once you have done these checks, you can start the engine.
To start the engine, first turn on the ignition switch and then depress the accelerator pedal halfway while depressing the clutch pedal all the way down. Once the engine has started, you can release the clutch pedal and move the gear selector lever into position.
When driving the telehandler, it is important to maintain a safe speed and keep a lookout for obstacles in your path. Use caution when making turns as telehandlers are not designed to make sharp turns. When you need to stop, use the footbrake to gradually slow down before coming to a complete stop. Common sense driving techniques are recommended for all telehandler uses, and ALC’s telehandler forklift training will help your workers grasp key safety concepts for a safe, productive workplace.
Safe use of telehandlers in construction and other sectors requires OSHA-approved certification training. Operators can undergo this training to earn an OSHA license that allows them to legally drive a telehandler at any worksite in the United States.
Telehandler Lift Operator Certification Needs
Anyone who uses a telehandler at a U.S. worksite must comply with OSHA requirements. In addition, OSHA mandates U.S. employers provide OSHA-approved certification training to fork reach truck operators.
A business can provide an online OSHA fork reach truck certification program to its workers. The program lets employees access learning materials on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop or laptop computer. Workers can complete their coursework 24/7. To earn their certification, these workers must pass an OSHA certification test administered by a certified trainer. After a worker passes this test, he or she receives OSHA certification that remains valid for up to three years.
Consequences of Not Having Telehandler Forklift Training
OSHA penalizes unlicensed telehandler operators and their employers. If an operator is found using a fork reach truck without a license, he or she can face legal ramifications. In this instance, their employer can receive fines. The employer can also experience brand reputation damage and revenue losses. And if an unlicensed fork reach truck operator causes an accident, this driver puts himself and herself and others at risk of serious injury or death.
Research indicates OSHA frequently issues severe financial penalties for businesses that do not comply with its aerial lift safety requirements. OSHA also conducts “surprise audits” at different times during the year. With proper fork reach truck certification training, a business and its employees can operate in alignment with OSHA mandates. Plus, the business can verify that its telehandler drivers can consistently operate their machines with safety top of mind.
Telehandler FAQs
How fast does a telehandler lift go?
The speed of a fork reach truck varies based on the model. Some fork reach trucks can travel up to 25 mph.
How much weight can a fork reach truck lift?
Telehandlers can lift up to 12,000 lbs. A fork reach truck’s lift capacity depends on the machine’s size.
Can a fork reach truck be driven on the road?
A fork reach truck is not intended to be driven on the road. The lift should be exclusively at a worksite. And the machine should only be driven by a licensed operator.
How does a fork reach truck differ from a forklift?
A fork reach truck offers the same functions as a forklift. The one key difference between the two is a telehandler or fork reach truck has telescoping capabilities that provide an operator with greater reach than a forklift.
Get Your Telehandler Lift Certification with AerialLiftCertification.com
If you want to provide OSHA-approved telehandler forklift certification training to your workers you must partner with AerialLiftCertification.com. We offer OSHA-approved telehandler certification training to businesses nationwide. Our training lets workers of all skill and experience levels earn their OSHA certification online. Enroll your workers in our telehandler certification training today! Reach out to us online or give us a call at 1-888-278-8896 today.