CSCS Telescopic Handler key terms

The maximum load a telescopic handler is designed to lift and place safely under stated conditions, as declared by the manufacturer for a specific combination of boom length, boom angle and attachment.

A load plate or graph fixed in the cab that shows the maximum permitted load at each combination of boom extension and boom angle, often with different zones for different attachments.

A reduced safe working load applied to a lift when conditions such as soft ground, high winds, uneven terrain or non-standard attachments make the published chart figures unsafe to use as they stand.

The turning effect created by a load multiplied by its horizontal distance from the machine's tipping point; it explains why the same weight becomes dangerous as the boom is extended or lowered.

The horizontal distance from the vertical face of the forks or attachment to the centre of gravity of the load, which must not exceed the value used to produce the capacity chart.

The machine's resistance to tipping forwards or backwards about its front or rear axle, governed mainly by load weight, boom position and chassis counterweight.

The machine's resistance to overturning sideways, which is reduced by travelling with the boom raised, by turning on slopes and by carrying an off-centre load.

The prescribed boom and attachment configuration for moving the machine, typically boom retracted and lowered close to the ground with the load or forks tilted back.

The angle of the telescopic boom measured from horizontal, read from the cab indicator and used together with boom extension to determine the permitted load from the capacity chart.

The amount the telescopic sections are extended, shown by a length or section indicator in the cab; greater extension reduces the load the machine can safely handle.

An electronic system that senses boom angle, boom length and pressure to warn the operator, and often cut out dangerous movements, when the machine approaches its stability limit.

The maximum mass that may be lifted by a sling, shackle or other lifting accessory in a given configuration, normally the marked working load limit reduced as necessary for the slinging method used.

The maximum load a lifting accessory is marked and certified by its manufacturer to support in a specified configuration and use, forming the basis for selecting slings and hardware.

A multiplier applied to a load when slings are used at an angle, because the tension in each leg increases as the angle from horizontal decreases, raising the load on each sling.

A lifting assembly using two legs sharing the load, where the share carried by each leg increases as the included angle between the legs opens out, reducing the safe capacity.

A durable label or metal tag attached to a sling or accessory showing its working load limit, identification and date of test or inspection, used to confirm it is fit for the lift.

The formal pre-use and periodic examination of slings, shackles, hooks and beams to identify damage, wear, distortion or missing markings before they are used in a lift.

The point through which the whole weight of an object acts; if it lies outside the machine's stability base or off the fork centre, the load becomes unstable or reduces capacity.

The area enclosed by the machine's ground contact points, such as the wheel footprint, within which the combined centre of gravity must remain for the machine to stay upright.

The documented daily inspection carried out by the operator before work starts, covering fluid levels, tyres, brakes, steering, boom, hydraulics, alarms and safety devices.

The formal process of recording and reporting any fault or damage found on the machine or equipment so that it is assessed, repaired and signed off before further use.

A detailed periodic inspection of lifting equipment by a competent person, required by law at defined intervals, which results in a report and may impose conditions on continued use.

UK regulations requiring employers to report specified workplace incidents to the enforcing authority, including certain injuries, dangerous occurrences and over-seven-day absences from work.

The internal procedure for recording injuries, damage and dangerous events in the site accident book and escalating them as required by law and by the site management plan.

An unplanned event that did not cause injury or damage but had the potential to do so, which should be reported so that the underlying cause can be corrected.

A written document describing how a specific task will be carried out safely, including the sequence of work, control measures, plant used and the people responsible.

A structured process of identifying hazards, judging who might be harmed and how, and deciding on control measures that reduce risk to an acceptable level.

The order in which risk controls are chosen, starting with eliminating the hazard and moving through substitution, engineering controls and safe systems of work to personal protective equipment last.

A formal written authorisation controlling high-risk activities by confirming that specified precautions are in place before work starts and that the area is handed back safely afterwards.

Clothing and equipment worn or held to protect against hazards, such as a hard hat, high-visibility clothing, safety boots, gloves and eye protection, used after other controls.

Face masks and respirators worn to prevent inhalation of dust, fumes or vapours, which must be fit-tested, correctly worn and maintained if it is to give the stated protection.

Fine airborne particles created when cutting, grinding or drilling concrete, stone or brick, which can cause serious lung disease and requires water suppression or extraction controls.

The branch of health protection concerned with the effect of work on physical and mental wellbeing, including exposure to noise, vibration, dust and hazardous substances.

Vibration transmitted into the hands and arms from tools or machine controls, which over long exposure can cause permanent damage and must be limited by exposure time and monitoring.

A marked area around a machine or lifting operation from which people are kept out to prevent them being struck by the machine, the load or falling materials.

A trained signaller who directs a machine operator using agreed hand signals or radio when the operator's view is restricted, remaining in sight and outside the machine's danger area.

A standardised set of arm and hand movements agreed before work begins and used by a signaller to instruct the operator when voice or radio communication is impractical.

Two-way voice contact between operator and signaller on an agreed channel, used when hand signals are unsuitable, with clear phrases and a confirmed response for each instruction.

Measures such as gates, barriers, signing-in and induction that ensure only authorised, trained people enter the work area and that pedestrians and plant are kept apart.

The mandatory briefing given to everyone before starting work on a site, covering local hazards, rules, emergency arrangements, welfare facilities and the person to report to.

An energised cable carried above ground; work near it requires the line to be isolated or a safe distance maintained, because contact or arcing can kill even without touching.

The load spread over the ground beneath each wheel or outrigger; soft or made ground may need spreader mats or a different position to prevent the machine sinking or tipping.

A deployable leg that extends sideways from the chassis to widen the machine's support base and increase stability, and which must be fully set on firm ground before lifting.

An interchangeable implement fitted to the boom, such as forks, a bucket, jib or winch, each of which changes the machine's capacity and requires the correct chart to be used.

A mechanism allowing attachments to be changed quickly; it must be correctly engaged and secured, with a visual check and test lift, to prevent the attachment releasing in use.

A load hanging freely from the machine, which must never be carried over people and must be kept low, controlled and within the rated capacity while travelling.

A rope attached to a load and held by a person standing clear, used to control swinging and rotation of a suspended load without the handler touching it directly.

The use of straps, chains or restraints to stop a load moving, sliding or falling off the forks or trailer during transport, matched to the weight and nature of the load.