The following information has been developed by the TSHA Inc as guidance for members in each State and Territory
on the use of work platform attachments fitted to Telescopic Handlers. This information is referenced in relevant
Australian Standards.
- Only attachments approved for use on a specific model Telehandler by the manufacturer of the telehandler,
or, a competent person may be used. Platforms supplied by third party vendors independent of the
Telehandler manufacturer do not satisfy this requirement. - Platform attachments must be fitted via a quick hitch and must not be attached to fork tynes.
- The Telehandler must be equipped with the following systems:
o Means of emergency retrieval in the event of loss of power of the primary source. - E.g. A DC electric or hand pump – operable from the ground.
o Emergency controls, accessible from the ground for lowering the platform in the event of control
malfunction – complete with instructions for use.
o A load chart depicting the rated capacity(ies) of the platform attachment and Telehandler
combination, the allowable manual force (200N for platforms designed for one person or 400N for
platforms capable of carrying more than one person), the operating envelope, the allowable wind
speed, the permitted operating slope in both longitudinal and lateral directions, and instructions for
use.
o Facility to connect controls located at the platform to the Telehandler
o A platform recognition system that automatically (i.e. without operator intervention) causes the
telehandler to revert to “platform operating mode” and invokes all necessary interlocks to enable
the Telehandler to be operated within the manufacturers specifications when a platform is fitted.
NOTE: Telehandlers that rely on the platform controls being connected to invoke platform
operating mode do not fulfil this requirement.
Examples of such interlocks are:
o That the stabilisers are engaged before the boom can be raised above a predetermined height
(typically 5 degrees above horizontal).
o That the stabilisers cannot be operated when the boom is raised or extended.
o The Telehandler cannot travel, or can only travel at limited speed when the boom is raised – for
those designed to operate on tyres alone.
o If the Telehandler Platform combination is designed to travel with the boom raised, an alarm system
is provided that sounds when the unit is on a slope exceeding the manufacturers specifications.
o That the Telehandler cannot be operated unless the platform is secured in place by a connecting pin
or pins.
NOTE: The majority of Telehandlers in use are not equipped with the above devices, and should not be used with work
platforms. However, many manufacturers do have specific models available that are specifically designed for work
platform attachments.
AS AS10896.1:2019 (replaced AS1418.19.2007) requires Telehandlers fitted with work platforms to comply with the
requirements of AS10896.1:2019 (replaced AS1418.19.2007).
The following requirements (usually demonstrated by calculation and test) must be satisfied:
The Telehandler/platform combination must pass the following stability tests specified in AS10896.1:2019 (replaced
AS1418.19.2007): - Static stability test (This test is not equivalent to the tests specified for Telehandlers equipped with forks or
other attachments) - If supported on pneumatic tyres, that the Telehandler platform combination remains stable under a
condition where one tyre is deflated. - If the Telehandler /platform combination is designed to travel with the boom raised – kerb and depression
tests.
The Telehandler/platform combination must pass the following functional tests specified in AS10896.1:2019
(replaced AS1418.19.2007): - If required to operate on outriggers – that the Boom cannot be raised or extended unless the outriggers are
set, and the outriggers cannot be operated unless the boom is lowered and retracted. - That the machine cannot be driven when the boom is raised – unless designed to do so.
- If the machine can be driven with the boom raised, that the speed is automatically limited to 0.7m/second.
- If the machine can be driven with the boom raised, that an audible alarm sounds when the machine is driven
onto a slope exceeding the manufacturers rating. - The machine cannot be operated outside its working envelope.
Most States of Australia require the Telehandler/Work Platform attachment combination to be design registered
as a boom type elevating work platform.
USE OF FORKLIFT WORK PLATFORMS COMPLYING WITH AS2359.1
Platforms designed and manufactured to AS2359.1 Powered Industrial Trucks do not automatically satisfy the above
requirements, and should not be used.
SAFE OPERATION OF TELEHANDLERS FITTED WITH WORK PLATFORMS
To reduce risk during operation the following guidelines should be observed: - The platform must be securely attached to the boom tip using locking pin(s) supplied for the purpose (Risk of
falling if the platform becomes separated from the TSH) - Controls located in the cab should not be used to elevate the work platform. (Risk of crushing due to
reduced visibility from the cab and inefficient means of communication). Controls located at ground level
are for emergency use only. - The Telehandler must be setup in accordance with the specifications/limitations provided by the
manufacturer for the telehandler/platform combination. (Risk of overturning/overload). - Most Telehandlers fitted with work platforms must have outriggers engaged and must not be driven with
the boom raised and extended. (Risk of overturning) - Platforms must not be fitted with banners or other bluff objects that increase the sail area (Risk of
overturning) - Every occupant must wear a Fall Arrest Harness attached to anchorage points provided on the platform via
an appropriate lanyard and energy absorber (Risk of falling). - Clearances must be maintained from live electrical apparatus. (Risk of electric shock).
- Telehandlers must not be used in the dark – unless adequate lighting is provided
- Telehandlers must not be used in electrical storms.
- Maintain a safe clearance distance from powerlines at all times.
- Operators of Telehandlers must have a WP class High Risk Work Licence if the boom is capable of 11m or
more extension. - All operators should also be trained in the safe use of the Telehandler/work platform combination.
- A person trained in the use of emergency controls must be available at ground level to lower the machine in
the event of an emergency.