Telehandler Training
Telehandler Training should be Offered to those Operating both Large and Small Cranes
Non slewing mobile cranes, or Telehandlers, require special licencing only if they are over three tonnes, otherwise they do require proper training, but not licencing. The difference between the two is negligible from the employers perspective. Regardless of the final outcome from telehandler training, the employer must ensure that all employees operating a crane receive proper training courses. Some training courses end with a certificate of completion and some end with a licence, but the employer always needs to ensure that workers receive proper training on any equipment they will be asked to use, regardless. Employers should keep in mind that forklift certification and licencing does not act as a substitute for telehandler training and licencing. They are different pieces of equipment with different requirements.
If a crane is fit with anything other than a crane attachment, different training may be required. Back hoes are definitely not covered by a telehandler training course, neither are many other attachments for a crane. Telehandler licencing only covers non slewing crane attachments. To maximise worker safety, employers need to ensure the workers are trained on even small crane operations prior to starting work. Units under three tonnes may seem like they dont pose much in the way of risk to those used to operating eleven tonne units, but the employer has a responsibility. Failure to provide proper training can open a company up to liability. Avoid the issue by providing proper training to any employee that will be operation a non slewing mobile crane.