Telehandlers
Telehandlers (telescopic handlers) are versatile and essential machines used across various industries, including agriculture and construction, for lifting, moving, and placing loads. In the UK, these machines must comply with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) to ensure safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. Fox Engineering Safety and Compliance specialises in assisting organisations with meeting these requirements through expert inspections, guidance, and compliance support.
LOLER 1998
LOLER applies to all lifting equipment used in workplaces, ensuring it is fit for purpose, maintained in safe condition, and subjected to thorough examinations by competent professionals. For telehandlers, these examinations cover the lifting components, such as booms, forks, chains, and hydraulic systems, ensuring they can safely manage the loads they are intended to lift.
In agriculture, telehandlers are frequently used for tasks like stacking hay bales, moving fertiliser pallets, or lifting feed. These operations often occur on uneven ground and involve irregularly shaped loads, making the risk of mechanical failure or instability higher. By complying with LOLER, farm operators can prevent accidents, such as dropped loads or structural failures, protecting workers, livestock, and property.
Fox Engineering Safety and Compliance provides thorough LOLER inspections by qualified professionals, offering a detailed assessment of your telehandler’s lifting components. These inspections are scheduled at appropriate intervals—every six or twelve months, depending on usage and risks—ensuring early detection of wear and tear to prevent costly or dangerous failures.
PUWER 1998
PUWER applies to all work equipment, including telehandlers, ensuring it is suitable for its intended use, maintained in good condition, and operated by trained personnel. The regulation also requires risk assessments and functional safety features, such as braking systems, visibility aids, and lights.
In agricultural settings, telehandlers often face demanding environments, such as muddy fields, confined barns, or uneven terrain. Fox Engineering Safety and Compliance offers PUWER compliance services to ensure your telehandler is assessed for these specific challenges. This includes verifying the machine's suitability for agricultural tasks, such as towing attachments or operating with heavy or unconventional loads.
Moreover, PUWER emphasises the importance of operator training. Fox Engineering Safety and Compliance can assist in ensuring operators are adequately trained, reducing the risks of accidents caused by misuse or lack of awareness of the equipment’s limitations.
How Fox Engineering Safety and Compliance Can Help
Fox Engineering Safety and Compliance is a trusted partner for businesses requiring LOLER and PUWER compliance. Their services are tailored to meet the unique challenges of agricultural and industrial operations. They offer:
Thorough LOLER Examinations: Detailed inspections of all lifting components, including booms, forks, and hydraulics, ensuring your telehandler meets safety standards.
PUWER Assessments: Comprehensive checks on the general condition, suitability, and functionality of your telehandler, ensuring it is safe and fit for purpose.
Risk Assessments: Identification of workplace-specific risks, such as uneven terrain or confined spaces, with practical recommendations for safe operation.
Training Services: Operator training to enhance skills and awareness, ensuring safe and efficient use of telehandlers in line with regulatory requirements.
Maintenance Support: Advice on proactive maintenance schedules to minimise downtime and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
Relevance to Agriculture
Agriculture is a high-risk industry with one of the highest rates of workplace injuries. Telehandlers, while invaluable for productivity, pose significant risks if improperly maintained or used. Failures in components like hydraulics or brakes can endanger operators, bystanders, and livestock. By ensuring compliance with LOLER and PUWER, farm operators can protect lives, reduce downtime, and maintain a safe and efficient workplace.
Fox Engineering Safety and Compliance brings expertise and experience to help agricultural operators meet these obligations. Their support ensures telehandlers are inspected and maintained to the highest standards, fostering a culture of safety, compliance, and operational reliability.