LOLER & PUWER equipment guide

Telehandler LOLER Inspection & Thorough Examination

Telehandler LOLER inspections across Scotland. Competent-person examination of boom, forks, hydraulics, rated capacity and safety devices.

Inspection basis

What duty holders need to know.

A telescopic handler combines mobile plant with a variable-reach lifting function. Capacity changes with boom extension, angle and attachment, so the rated-capacity information, indicators and structural condition all matter to a meaningful examination.

The organisation controlling the telehandler must keep the lifting function thoroughly examined and the machine safe under PUWER. Hired-in equipment does not remove that responsibility from the user.

Check the relevant HSE guidance ↗
Examination scope

What we examine on telehandlers.

The final scope depends on design, use and condition. These are the components and records commonly considered.

  • Boom sections, wear pads and pivots
  • Fork carriage and attachment locking
  • Hydraulic cylinders, hoses and holding valves
  • Rated-capacity charts and indicators
  • Stabilisers, chassis and steering condition
  • Overload, boom-angle and extension devices
  • Controls, brakes and warning systems
  • Personnel platform arrangements where applicable
Typical findings

Problems the examination may identify.

  • Boom wear and excessive movement
  • Attachment locking defects
  • Missing or incorrect load charts
  • Hydraulic leaks and damaged hoses
  • Faulty load-moment indicators
  • Unrecorded change of attachment

Book a telehandlers inspection

Tell us what equipment you operate, where it is and when it is due. We will confirm the right inspection scope and arrange a practical site date.

FAQs

Telehandlers inspection FAQs

Does a telehandler need LOLER even if it is only used with forks?
Yes, where it is used to lift or lower loads at work. Its lifting function is within LOLER and the machine is also work equipment under PUWER.
What if we use several attachments?
Each attachment and its effect on rated capacity should be identified. Capacity charts and safety devices need to match the configuration being examined and used.
Can a telehandler lift people?
Only where the machine, platform and operating arrangement are suitable and properly planned. People-lifting changes the examination interval and demands particular attention to the approved configuration.