CPCS Telescopic Handler (A17C) - Novice

Endorsement C: All sizes excluding 360° slew

What is the CPCS Telescopic Handler course?

This CPCS telescopic forklift (telehandler) training course is specifically designed for individuals who need a formal qualification to operate a telescopic handler. The course content is tailored based on a learner analysis to determine the appropriate duration of training for each participant. Those with limited or no prior experience will receive comprehensive training tailored to their learning needs, while experienced operators can opt for a condensed two-day course designed to reinforce and update their skills.

The course offers several endorsements to cater to different operational requirements:

A Industrial Telescopic
B Up to 9 metres
C All sizes excluding 360° slew
E Suspended load on non-rough terrain

Endorsement D has been superseded by A77.

This structured approach ensures that all participants gain the necessary skills and knowledge to operate telehandlers safely and efficiently in a variety of construction settings.

Course Content

What can I expect from this CPCS Telehandler course?

The CPCS Telehandler course provides comprehensive training designed to ensure operators are proficient in all aspects of telehandler operations, including safety, maintenance, and practical usage. Here’s what you can expect from the course:

Operation Skills: You will learn to operate the telehandler for all standard tasks effectively. This includes manoeuvring the machine in various environments, and handling materials accurately and safely.
Load Management: The course will train you to assess whether specific loads are safe to lift, taking into consideration factors such as weight, balance, and the capacity of the telehandler. This is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring efficient operations.
Routine Servicing and Maintenance: Participants are taught how to perform routine servicing and necessary maintenance according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. This knowledge helps in keeping the machine in optimal working condition and extending its lifespan.
Understanding Machine Mechanics: You will gain a deep understanding of how the telehandler operates, including the mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems. The course covers the maintenance requirements essential for the telehandler’s longevity and efficiency.
Stability and Environmental Impact: The training includes understanding how load size, weight, gradients, and ground conditions affect the stability of the machine. This is vital for safe operations, particularly in changing or challenging conditions.
Loading and Transporting Materials: You will learn the best practices for loading, storing, and transporting materials. The course also covers the basic construction of pallets and other loading equipment, which is important for ensuring that goods are handled and secured properly.

By the end of the course, participants are expected to have a thorough understanding and ability in all these areas, preparing them for safe and efficient telehandler operations in various settings.

Entry Requirements

Are there any entry requirements for the CPCS Telehandler training course?

Before enrolling on the course, learners must meet the following requirements:

Basic Understanding of English: Participants must have a sufficient understanding of English to ensure they can comprehend the course material, instructions, and safety information. This includes both verbal and written comprehension.
Health and Safety Test: Prior to the course, participants often need to have passed the operators CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test. This test is required to be completed within the last two years before the start of the course.

These entry requirements are designed to ensure that all participants are adequately prepared and can safely benefit from the training.

Assessment

How is the CPCS Telescopic Handler training course assessed?

The CPCS Telescopic Handler training course is assessed through two primary components:

Theory Test: A written exam covering health and safety regulations, operator responsibilities, and technical knowledge of telehandler operations.
Practical Test: An observed evaluation where participants must demonstrate safe operation of the telehandler, including pre-use checks, handling various tasks, and managing loads under different conditions.

Certification

Upon successfully passing the CPCS technical tests, learners will be issued a Red CPCS Trained Operator Card, which remains valid for two years.

To upgrade to a Blue CPCS Competence Card, learners must gain on-site experience and complete an NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations, specifically focusing on preparing and operating telescopic handlers within two years. The Blue CPCS Card is renewable every five years.

FAQs

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FAQs

What licence category is a telehandler?

In the United Kingdom, operating a telehandler does not require a specific driver's license category like those for road vehicles, but it does require specialised training and a certification.

The appropriate certification for telehandler operation is often provided under the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS), resulting in a qualified operator receiving a CPCS card, which confirms their competence to operate specific types of construction equipment, including telehandlers.

For operating on public roads, if the telehandler is adapted for such use, the operator might need a standard driver's license, typically a Category B license, which covers cars and light vehicles. However, this depends on the specific model and weight of the telehandler. Always check local regulations and vehicle specifications to ensure compliance.

What is a CPCS Telehandler?

A CPCS telehandler refers to a telehandler, or telescopic handler, operated by someone who has been certified under the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) in the UK. The CPCS provides a certification framework for plant operators to ensure they have demonstrated the necessary skills and knowledge to operate machinery safely and effectively.

The telehandler itself is a versatile piece of equipment commonly used in construction and agriculture. It features a telescopic boom that can extend forwards and upwards from the vehicle, allowing it to function somewhat like a forklift but with the added capability of reaching higher and farther, often with different attachments such as buckets, pallet forks, muck grabs, or winches.

Operators of telehandlers need to undergo specific training and pass both practical and theoretical tests to earn a CPCS Red Card for trained operators. With additional experience and an NVQ in Plant Operations, they can upgrade to a Blue Competent Operator Card. This certification process ensures that telehandler operators are competent in handling the machinery in a variety of settings and conditions, emphasising safety and efficiency.

Is a telehandler the same as a forklift?

A telehandler (telescopic handler) and a forklift are similar in that they both are used to lift and move materials, but they have significant differences in design, capabilities, and typical uses:

Design

Telehandler: Features a telescopic boom that can extend forwards and upwards, which allows it to reach higher and further than a standard forklift. It often comes with various attachments, such as buckets, pallet forks, lift tables, and winches, making it highly versatile.
Forklift: Typically has a mast that lifts loads vertically and sometimes tilts but doesn’t extend horizontally. Forklifts are primarily designed to lift and move materials over short distances within a facility or worksite.

Capabilities

Telehandler: Due to its extendable boom, a telehandler can perform tasks similar to a crane, and it can work in rough terrain if equipped with appropriate tires and stabilization features. This makes it suitable for a variety of environments including construction sites and agricultural fields.
Forklift: Best suited for indoor environments or smooth surfaces. It's highly effective in warehouses, distribution centres, and other settings where materials need to be stacked or moved horizontally.

Uses

Telehandler: Its adaptability with different attachments and reach capabilities make it ideal for construction sites where materials need to be moved to different heights or across obstacles.
Forklift: More confined to moving goods within warehouses or loading docks, typically for stacking pallets or loading and unloading goods from vehicles.

In summary, while both a telehandler and a forklift are used for lifting and transporting materials, the telehandler offers greater versatility and range, making it useful in a wider range of tasks and environments compared to the more specialised forklift.