UK CPCS Telehandler Theory Exam key terms

UK regulations requiring lifting equipment to be strong, stable and marked with its safe working load, and that lifts are planned, supervised and carried out by competent people.

UK regulations placing duties on employers to ensure work equipment is suitable, maintained in safe condition, inspected where necessary, and used only by trained, competent people.

The main UK statute setting general duties on employers and employees to protect the health and safety of workers and others affected by work activities.

A person with the training, knowledge, experience and practical ability to carry out a given task safely, such as operating, inspecting or thoroughly examining a telehandler.

A structured process of identifying hazards, deciding who might be harmed and how, and putting sensible control measures in place before work begins.

A documented, planned way of carrying out a task that identifies the hazards and sets out the controls, sequence and responsibilities needed to do it safely.

A written document describing step by step how a particular job will be carried out safely, including plant, personnel, sequence of work and control measures.

A rough-terrain machine with a telescopic boom that extends and retracts to lift and place loads at height or reach, usually fitted with a fork carriage.

The telescopic arm of a telehandler, made of sliding sections that extend and retract to raise or lower a load and increase reach.

A coupling on the end of the boom that allows attachments to be changed quickly, and which must be correctly engaged and locked before lifting.

Any item fitted to the boom or machine to handle a specific load, such as forks, a bucket, a lifting hook or a man-riding basket.

An attachment not supplied by the machine manufacturer that may alter capacity or stability, so the machine's load chart may no longer apply and advice is needed.

A visual and functional inspection of the machine carried out by the operator before each shift to identify defects that could affect safe operation.

A written or electronic record of the pre-use check, noting what was inspected, any defects found, and the action taken or reported.

The process of recording and informing the responsible person of any fault or damage found on the machine, so that it is repaired before further use.

A detailed inspection of lifting equipment by a competent person at specified intervals, or after significant alteration or damage, to confirm it remains safe to use.

The maximum load a machine, attachment or lifting accessory may safely handle in a given configuration, as stated by the manufacturer.

A manufacturer's table or diagram showing the maximum permissible load for each combination of boom length, boom angle, radius and attachment.

The maximum load the manufacturer states may be lifted in a specific configuration, before any deductions for attachments or load-handling devices are made.

The turning effect of a load, calculated as load weight multiplied by its horizontal distance from the machine's tipping point, which governs stability.

The horizontal distance from the machine's tipping line or front axle to the centre of gravity of the load being handled.

The ability of the machine to resist tipping or overturning, determined by its weight, wheelbase, track width and the position and weight of the load.

Heavy material built into the rear of the machine to balance the load on the boom and reduce the risk of tipping forwards.

Resistance to tipping forwards or backwards along the machine's line of travel, controlled mainly by load moment and counterweight.

The point at which the whole weight of an object or load is considered to act; raising it or moving it further out reduces stability.

The specified boom and attachment position for moving the machine, typically boom low and retracted, with the load close to the ground.

A slope in the ground; travelling or working on one changes the machine's centre of gravity and may exceed the manufacturer's permitted gradient.

Ground sloping across the machine's direction of travel, which raises the risk of sideways overturning and is more dangerous than a fore-and-aft slope.

A marked area around the machine or work area that keeps pedestrians and unauthorised people out of danger from moving plant, falling loads or the boom.

A trained person who directs the machine operator using agreed signals and keeps others clear of the machine's working area.

An agreed set of standard arm and hand movements used by a signaller to direct the operator when verbal communication is not possible or reliable.

An electric power cable carried above ground; contact or near approach can cause electric shock or death, so a safe distance must be maintained.

A physical frame erected under or near overhead lines to prevent tall plant or raised booms from approaching within a safe distance of live conductors.

A control that immediately stops the machine's engine or movement in an emergency, and which must be checked and known to the operator.

A procedure or control that allows a raised boom or load to be lowered safely if the engine or hydraulics fail, using stored pressure or gravity.

A set of absorbent materials and tools kept on site to contain and clean up fuel, oil or hydraulic fluid leaks before they reach drains or watercourses.

Measures taken to prevent or limit pollution and disturbance from site work, such as containing spills, controlling dust and noise, and protecting watercourses.