What are The Two Major Hazards Associated with High-Capacity Telehandlers?

Telehandlers are one of the most efficient pieces of equipment on a construction site. This giant-size machine is well-controlled and operated by the operator who sits in the cabin and controls every movement of the high-capacity telehandler. However, every machine, if not handled properly, develops a scope of hazards that are dangerous and life-threatening onsite. In the case of high-capacity telehandlers, there are two major hazards that are controlled by the operators. These two specific hazards are:

1. Lateral Stability  of the telehandler
2. Visibility 

Lateral stability of the Telehandler:

It is mostly affected when the high-capacity telehandler is in a condition of lifting and travelling with suspended loads. As the load on the forks is lifted, the COG (centre of gravity) of the whole machine rises. The stability doesn't matter when the machine is present on a plain surface or land. It creates issues when the telehandler is for a sloppy region. In the sloping areas, the entire COG will move toward the tipping line. This shift of loads causes instability and overturning. It is to be noticed that telehandlers should not be in an operational condition when the lateral stability is in disturbing mode.   

Visibility:

There are two main contributing factors in accidents between telehandlers and pedestrians. 

• Poor segregation

• Limited Visibility

Telehandlers are equipped with all the necessary tools to enhance the visibility and operator’s awareness. The operator can easily check that any pedestrians are wandering in the vicinity of the high-capacity telehandler. It is necessary that those tools should be adjusted correctly in the cabin for the safe use of telehandlers. It is the operator’s duty to inspect every functionality and report to the supervisor. In case there’s any default, the machine MAY NOT BE USED for performing any action onsite.     

How to Control Pedestrian Accidents?

It is the supervisor's and the operator's duty to segregate pedestrians and any commercial or domestic vehicles. They are the ones to implement visibility aids, valuable control measures, and operator vigilance strategies. Thought should also be given to the operator's ability to keep the load in view at all times, particularly with high-reach telehandlers where the operator may have difficulty in judging distance at height. 

If you are looking to buy or rent the best high-quality rotating telehandler, contact Dieci Ontario at 1-833-743-2500, and our best representative will assist immediately.