CPCS Telescopic Handler — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the most common cause of telescopic handler overturning incidents on construction sites?
- Engine failure
- Exceeding the machine's safe working load at the operating radius (Correct answer)
- Tyre punctures
- Electrical faults
Correct answer: Exceeding the machine's safe working load at the operating radius
Overloading at extended radii is the leading cause of telehandler overturns. As the boom extends forward and upward, the machine's capacity decreases significantly. Operators must always refer to the load chart and never exceed the rated capacity at the working radius.
Question 2: When should the stabilisers (outriggers) be deployed on a telescopic handler?
- Only when lifting loads above 5 tonnes
- Whenever the machine is being used for lifting operations as specified in the manufacturer's instructions (Correct answer)
- Only on slopes steeper than 15 degrees
- Stabilisers are optional accessories and never need to be deployed
Correct answer: Whenever the machine is being used for lifting operations as specified in the manufacturer's instructions
Stabilisers must be deployed whenever the manufacturer's load chart requires them for the planned lifting operation. The load chart will specify different capacities with and without stabilisers. Operating without stabilisers when they are required dramatically reduces the machine's stability.
Question 3: What type of CPCS card category covers the telescopic handler?
- A17 — Telehandler (Correct answer)
- A02 — Crawler Crane
- A09 — Forward Tipping Dumper
- A31 — Compactor
Correct answer: A17 — Telehandler
CPCS category A17 covers the telescopic handler (telehandler). Operators must hold a valid CPCS A17 card to demonstrate competence in operating this specific type of machine, which covers both lifting and load-carrying duties.
Question 4: What is the correct procedure for picking up a pallet of bricks with a telehandler fitted with forks?
- Drive at the pallet at speed to slide the forks underneath
- Approach slowly, insert forks fully under the load, tilt back slightly, then raise (Correct answer)
- Lift the pallet using only the fork tips to save time
- Stack two pallets on top of each other before lifting
Correct answer: Approach slowly, insert forks fully under the load, tilt back slightly, then raise
The correct procedure is to approach the pallet slowly and squarely, insert the forks fully under the load to ensure even weight distribution, tilt the forks back slightly to secure the load against the carriage, then raise to the required travel height.
Question 5: When travelling a loaded telehandler on site, how should the load be carried?
- As high as possible for maximum visibility
- Low to the ground with the boom retracted and forks tilted slightly back (Correct answer)
- With the boom fully extended at driving height
- Resting on the cab roof for stability
Correct answer: Low to the ground with the boom retracted and forks tilted slightly back
When travelling, the load should be carried as low as practicable (approximately 300-500mm above ground), with the boom fully retracted and the forks tilted slightly back. This keeps the centre of gravity low and maintains maximum machine stability.
Question 6: What safety device prevents a telehandler from lifting beyond its rated capacity?
- The parking brake
- The load moment indicator (LMI) or rated capacity indicator (Correct answer)
- The engine rev limiter
- The tyre pressure monitoring system
Correct answer: The load moment indicator (LMI) or rated capacity indicator
The load moment indicator (LMI) or rated capacity indicator monitors the load weight against the machine's capacity at the current boom extension and angle. It provides audible and visual warnings and can lock out boom functions if the rated capacity is approached or exceeded.
CPCS Telescopic Handler
What is the most common cause of telescopic handler overturning incidents on construction sites?