A17 Standard · 7 Training Units

Telescopic Handler
Training

Teletruk and telehandler operations — boom extension, load charts, capacity at reach, steering modes, and attachment handling. Full A17 unit mapping with 72-question technical assessment.

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Course Options

Choose Your Training Path

Refresher or full new operator programmes. All training covers the complete A17 unit structure on your site.

Refresher

Refresher Course

Half day (individual) Full day (groups)

For existing operators, post-incident retraining, or equipment changes. Aligned to HSE L117, PUWER, and LOLER.

£200–300
per operator (individual) · £150–200 per head (group)
Book Refresher
New Operator

New Operator Course

3–5 days Complete beginners

Full programme from zero to competence. Covers all 7 TH units — from legal framework through to machine loading and transport.

£500–800
per operator
Book New Operator Course
A17 Unit Structure

Training Units TH01–TH07

Full unit mapping covering every aspect of telescopic handler operation. Click to expand each unit.

TH01
Prepare the Telehandler
  • Legal framework: HSWA 1974, PUWER 1998, LOLER 1998
  • Risk assessments and method statements
  • Machine components, controls, and safety systems
  • Pre-use inspection: visual checks, functional checks, record keeping
  • Difference between daily operator checks and thorough examinations (LOLER)
  • PPE requirements and environmental considerations
TH02
Operate and Manoeuvre
  • Stability principles specific to telescopic machines
  • Travelling with and without loads
  • Steering modes including crab steer mechanics
  • Proximity hazards: overhead structures, workforce, terrain, slopes
  • Weather and ground surface conditions
  • Road vs site travel considerations
TH03
Select, Transfer & Position Loads
  • Load assessment: weight, centre of gravity, dimensions
  • Load centre and de-rating calculations
  • Capacity charts and Rated Capacity Indicators
  • Attachments and their effect on rated capacity
  • Quick-hitch systems and safety pin checks
  • Stacking, de-stacking, and working near structures/edges
TH04
Post-Operational Checks
  • Correct shutdown procedure
  • Post-use visual inspections
  • Safe parking locations (not access routes, pedestrian ways, or steep ground)
  • Refuelling and recharging procedures
  • Defect reporting, isolation, and lockout
TH05
Load/Unload Containers
  • Vehicle stability assessment and wheel chocking
  • Load distribution across trailer axles
  • Securing loads for transport
  • Hazard awareness during loading sequences
TH06
Load/Unload Vehicles/Vessels
  • Trailer precautions: chocked wheels, brakes applied
  • Weight and balance management
  • Flatbed load placement
TH07
Load/Offload the Machine
  • Machine loading onto transporters
  • Pre-load checks and responsibilities
  • Post-loading checks and securing
  • Transporter verification
72-Question Assessment

Theory Test Topic Areas

The written assessment covers 14 topic areas across all aspects of telehandler operation and safety.

1
Health & safety foundations — hazards, risk assessment, inductions, legal duties
2
Environment & sustainability — efficiency, spillage prevention, waste
3
PPE & protection — FOPS structures, training requirements
4
Lifting & capacity — rated capacity, load centre, LOLER, ROPS
5
Pre-use inspections — procedures, defects, tyres, cold start, oil checks
6
System components — check valves, forks, radiator, mirrors, seat belts
7
Proximity & confinement — trenches, crab steer, tip-over causes, visibility
8
Ground & terrain — soft ground, stabilisers, public highway requirements
9
Load management — capacity vs reach, quick-hitch, RCI, pedestrian separation, power lines
10
Attachment & securing — weight determination, rotation checks, lean prevention
11
Working at height/structures — tower operations, tip causes
12
Transport & loading — trailer precautions, wet weather, capacity diagrams
13
Environmental conditions — wind, slopes, post-placement responsibility
14
Loading operations & shutdown — transporter loading, parking restrictions
Important Compliance Notes

Road Use & Highway Works

Plant operator training and road use entitlement are separate legal requirements. Both apply if your operators use telehandlers on public roads.

Road Use Compliance — Separate Requirement

Telehandlers used on public highways (JCB 3CX etc.) require separate road use compliance in addition to plant operator training:

  • DVLA driving entitlement (Category C, C1, C+E depending on vehicle class)
  • Vehicle must be road-legal: tax, insurance, registration
  • Construction & Use Regulations and Lighting Regulations apply
  • STGO may apply for oversized loads
  • Operator’s PUWER plant competence training is SEPARATE from road use entitlement
  • Cat C+E does NOT replace plant-specific competence

Council / Highway Works — Additional Requirements

For operators doing council or highway roadworks, the following are required in addition to plant operator training:

  • NRSWA (New Roads and Street Works Act) operative/supervisor units
  • “Safety at Street Works” standards
  • Traffic management qualifications
  • These are SEPARATE from and IN ADDITION TO plant operator training
Get Started

Book Your Telehandler Training

Call or email for a no-obligation quote. We will get back to you within 24 hours.

07918 617760 ade.whetton@phwltd.com
phwltd.com