TELEHANDLERS FITTED WITH CRANE HOOK ATTACHMENT

TELEHANDLERS FITTED WITH CRANE HOOK ATTACHMENT

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Telehandlers have increased the range and capability of fork trucks greatly over recent years the most significant aspect is the range of handling enabling cranage duties to be performed. This talk identifies the attachment of a hooks block to forks, and highlights the problem of then not having a fized load thus effecting stability

HAZARDS

• Operative untrained in use and capability of machine or attachment
• Material handling and use of lifting gear
• Stability of machine and point of load
• Environment
• Machine capability model and type
• Maintenance and fitting of attachment

HEALTH AND SAFETY POINTS

• You must only operate machines of a type on which you have been trained assessed and authorized to use
• See that your machine is serviceable and properly maintained at all times
• Understand the limits of your machine, both loaded and unloaded. Never exceed the maximum weight shown
• The hook attachment must be correctly installed on the forks and locking pins in place
• The safe working load clearly marked on the hook attachment and both swivel and safety catch are serviceable
• Check lifting gear, inspect daily before use and store correctly
• The correct radius set and locked to prevent radius being increased, key to be handed to a designated person (maximum radius = 2.25 meters from centre of hook to face of front tyred this only applies to 3 ton machine)
• Beware of proximity hazards, such as overhead cables, limited headroom etc.
• It is essential that the weight of the load to be lifted should be known with reasonable accuracy
• The load should be initially lifted just clear of the supporting surface and be held while the slings, balance of the load etc are checked, before proceeding
• A competent sinal man must be in attendance during all lifting operations
• Travel only on flat level ground when loaded

• Always travel with the load in the lowest practicable position use tag lines where possible
• Travel at a steady speed consistent with the nature of the load and the site conditions
• Do not accelerate, brake or turn violently
• The operator must never leave the cab when a load is suspended from the hook
• Care should be taken by the operator at all times to avoid shock or side loading, operate controls smoothly
• Ensure the safety of persons not involved in the lifting operation
• A safe system of work should be established and this must be followed for every lifting operation
• Report any defect, incident of accident, however slight
• Do not leave machines unattended with engine running
• Keys must not be left in or hidden on the machine when parked
• When parked, the forks should be lowered to the ground and the handbrake applied
• Report all defects immediately

QUSTIONS

• What must be used when attaching the hook to the forks?
• What should be clearly marked on the hook attachment?
• How should the forks be positioned and adjusted?

SAFETY REMINDER

Know the limits and capability of your machine have you the training required for this operation