Telehandler Operation SWMS

Product Description

Telehandlers are widely used across construction, demolition and civil projects for lifting, carrying and placing materials where conventional forklifts cannot safely operate. The Telehandler Operation SWMS is intended for telehandler operators, demolition contractors, construction businesses, civil contractors and principal contractors undertaking material handling activities on Australian worksites. It helps businesses safely plan, manage and document telehandler operations while supporting site-specific risk management and compliance with Australian WHS requirements.

Operating a telehandler involves managing significant risks associated with suspended loads, plant movement, changing ground conditions, pedestrians, load stability and machine overturning. Safe operation requires competent operators, pre-start inspections, effective communication with spotters and strict adherence to manufacturer load charts and workplace traffic management arrangements.

This SWMS follows the documented work process from daily pre-start inspections through to loading, unloading, travelling, boom operation and shutdown procedures, providing a structured framework that can be reviewed and customised to suit individual project requirements.

Activities Covered

• Conducting pre-start inspections and operator checks.
• Identifying defects and removing faulty plant from service.
• Safe access and egress from the telehandler.
• Travelling around the worksite.
• Loading and transporting materials.
• Unloading trucks and placing loads.
• Operating the telescopic boom.
• Using steering modes appropriate to site conditions.
• Parking and securing the telehandler.
• Managing work around pedestrians and other mobile plant.
• Completing shutdown procedures and housekeeping.

Hazards Addressed

The documented work activity addresses hazards that may include:

• Plant rollover or overturning.
• Crush injuries.
• Falling loads.
• Plant failure.
• Unauthorised use of equipment.
• Pedestrian interaction.
• Reversing hazards.
• Impact injuries.
• Falls when entering or exiting the cabin.
• Dust and exhaust emissions.
• Operating on slopes or uneven ground.
• Mobile plant interaction.

Control Measures Included

Depending on the selected work method and project requirements, the SWMS outlines controls such as:

• Daily operator pre-start inspections.
• Removal from service of defective equipment.
• Wearing seat belts during operation.
• Maintaining three points of contact when entering and exiting the cabin.
• Parking with forks lowered and keys removed.
• Operating within the manufacturer’s Working Load Limit (WLL).
• Following telehandler load charts.
• Travelling with the boom retracted where practicable.
• Maintaining communication with spotters.
• Establishing exclusion zones around loading activities.
• Using designated travel routes and safe operating speeds.
• Following safe boom extension and retraction procedures.
• Operating in accordance with manufacturer instructions and site traffic management requirements.

PPE Requirements

The source document specifies PPE including:

• Hard hat.
• High-visibility clothing.
• Safety footwear.

Additional PPE may be required depending on site conditions, work environment and project-specific hazards.

Plant and Equipment

Plant and equipment may include:

• Telehandler.
• Compatible lifting jib where required.
• Rated lifting attachments.
• Reverse camera.
• Spotter communication equipment.
• Traffic control devices and barriers.

Hazardous Chemicals

Where applicable, the work may involve:

• Diesel.
• LPG.

Hazardous substances should be managed in accordance with Safety Data Sheets and project-specific procedures.

Emergency Planning

The SWMS includes emergency response procedures covering medical emergencies, utility strikes, electric shock, fire, explosion and the unexpected discovery of asbestos-containing materials, together with reporting and communication requirements.

What’s Included

This editable Microsoft Word SWMS may include:

• Sequential work activities.
• Hazard identification and risk controls.
• PPE requirements.
• Plant and equipment guidance.
• Emergency response procedures.
• Worker responsibilities.
• Legislative references.
• Consultation and worker sign-off records.

Who This SWMS Is For

Suitable for:

• Telehandler operators.
• Demolition contractors.
• Construction contractors.
• Civil contractors.
• Principal contractors.
• Businesses undertaking material handling using telehandlers.

Australian WHS Requirements

The source document references applicable Australian WHS legislation together with Codes of Practice relating to managing the risk of plant in the workplace, consultation, cooperation and coordination, work near overhead powerlines and workplace risk management. Every SWMS should be reviewed and customised to reflect the specific workplace, ground conditions, lifting activities, plant configuration and hazards before work commences.

Why Choose Tradies Compliance?

Tradies Compliance SWMS documents are developed to help construction businesses implement practical, professional safety documentation for mobile plant operations. Delivered in an editable Microsoft Word format, they can be customised to suit individual projects while supporting consistent planning, supervision and safe telehandler operation across construction, demolition and civil worksites.