Telehandler Pre-Use Checklist

Educational checklist examples for safety, equipment and operational tasks — what a checklist covers, who uses it and how it connects to forms, inspections and training. Informational only — template examples to adapt, not official documents or legal advice; completing a checklist does not guarantee compliance and employers remain responsible.

What a telehandler pre-use checklist is

A telehandler pre-use checklist is a check before using a telescopic handler, confirming the boom, the forks or attachment, the tyres and the stability aids are sound, because reach, load and ground conditions strongly affect stability.

This is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template, and completing it does not authorise anyone to operate a telehandler — operating one requires separate, often legally required training and the employer’s authorisation.

Purpose

• Confirm the boom, forks or attachment and quick-hitch are sound and secure.
• Check tyres, hydraulics and the load chart/indicator are in order.
• Confirm stabilisers, ground conditions and the load suit the planned reach.
• Record the check and any defect before lifting or placing a load.

Who completes it

• The trained, authorised operator, before use.
• Defects stop use and the machine is reported.
• The employer decides who is authorised to operate the machine and attachments.
• Thorough examination and servicing are separate, competent-person tasks.

When it is used

• Before each shift or first use that day.
• After an attachment change or a move to a new surface.
• When a fault or warning appears during use.
• On the frequency the employer sets.

Typical items

• Machine ID/type, attachment, operator, date and shift.
• Boom, forks/attachment and quick-hitch secure; tyres and hydraulics sound.
• Load chart, longitudinal stability indicator and controls working.
• Stabilisers, firm ground, overhead and edge hazards considered for the reach.
• Defects found and action taken (e.g. out of service, reported).
• These are example items only — adapt them to the machine, attachment and your risk assessment.

Common mistakes

• Ignoring the load chart and lifting too far out for the load.
• Working on soft or sloping ground without stabilisers.
• An insecure quick-hitch or attachment.
• Operating without training and authorisation.

Document workflow

A telehandler pre-use checklist sits alongside the operator’s training and authorisation records, the lift plan and the machine’s examination log. The task risk assessment is completed before, the check is used with the lifting equipment and forklift attachment checks, and a failed check is completed after with a defect report and removal from service.

See the related documents below for what is commonly completed before, used with and completed after a telehandler check.

Retention (high level)

Completed checks are typically retained for a period the employer sets, alongside examination and maintenance records. Specific retention periods vary by jurisdiction and type of work.

This page does not state a required period — confirm retention with the applicable law and the official authority.

Completing and sharing as a PDF

Pre-use checks are often recorded and stored as PDFs alongside the machine’s records. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make the check official or guarantee compliance.

Employer checklist

• Ensure operators are trained and authorised for the machine and attachments.
• Provide load charts, stability aids and ground assessments.
• Make sure defective machines are removed from service.
• Keep pre-use, examination and maintenance records together.

Operator notes

• Use the load chart and stability indicator before lifting out.
• Use stabilisers and check the ground for the planned reach.
• If something fails, do not use the machine; report it.

Country considerations

Requirements for telehandler inspection, examination, operator competence and lifting operations vary by country, and the official authority differs. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee of validity.

Confirm current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.

Who is responsible

The employer is responsible for safe lifting and machine use, operator competence and authorisation, examination and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not authorise anyone, does not replace training and does not transfer responsibility.