Do I need a Gold Card to operate a Telehandler?
Have you contemplated using a Telehandler but are unsure about what licence or training you need to operate one? Look no further! Duralift answers all your questions.
What is a Telehandler?
A Telehandler is a rough terrain variable reach forklift. It has a telescopic boom that can place loads in front and at varying lift heights.
Telehandlers are predominantly used as a as a telescopic forklift, however they can also be used as a crane or as an elevating work platform (EWP) with the use of different attachments.
These manufacturer approved attachments, such as crane jibs and EWP baskets, may require a different licence to operate.
According to the EWPA, AS1418.19 only two configurations can be considered as telehandlers.
- Self-propelled non-slewing telescopic handlers
- Self-propelled slewing telescopic handlers that can slew five degrees or less (generally these telehandlers don’t slew but incorporate whole chassis rotation or side-shift over the back axle)
What types of Licences apply to Telehandlers?
Having a Forklift licence is inadequate in the operation of a Telehandler. Both machines have different operating characteristics and are legally classified under different Australian Standards.
Telehandlers – 3 tonnes or less
For Telehandlers with a capacity of 3 tonnes or less, a TSHA Gold Card is recommended + the operator is required to be competent in the use of the machine and it’s attachments.
Telehandlers – over 3 tonnes
A non–slewing CN licence is the minimum requirement for a Telehandler with a greater capacity than 3 tonnes and fitted with a crane jib lifting attachment + the operator is also required to be competent in the use of the machine and it’s attachments.
Telehandlers – used as EWPs
If the Telehandler is configured and used as a work platform the following licencing applies;
When operated from the work platform;
- WP Licence is required for a boom length 11 metres or greater + operator competency in the use and operation of the machine and it’s attachments.
- EWPA Yellow Card is recommended for boom lengths under 11 metres + operator competency in the use and operation of the machine and it’s attachments.
When operated from the ground;
- CN licence for a capacity greater than three tonne + operator competency in the use and operation of the machine and it’s attachments.
- TSHA Gold Card for a capacity equal or less than three tonne + operator competency in the use and operation of the machine and it’s attachments.
Telehandlers – Slewing
Slewing telehandlers (with a slewing limit greater than five degrees) are considered slewing mobile cranes. Operators require the appropriate high-risk crane licence (C2 Licence or above) regardless of the lifting capacity or attachment.
The Telehandlers currently available at Duralift only require a TSHA Gold Card
The courses discussed here are TSHA Gold Card and CN licence.
TSHA Gold Card
What is a TSHA Gold Card and what does it cover?
To use a Telehandlers at 3 tonnes or less a TSHA Gold Card is recommended.
Workplace Health and Safety Regulations in all States and Territories in Australia have similar requirements and applies to a person conducting a business or undertaking, and their responsibility in providing adequate information, training and instruction. Basically, verbal instruction is not an effective method of training as it lacks written proof of competency evidence. The TSH Operator Training Program or ‘Gold Card’ is the result of the TSHA helping the industry to comply with the WHS/OHS/OSH Acts and Regulations.
The Telescopic Handler Association of Australia (TSHA) is the peak representative body of the telescopic handler industry. The TSHA Gold Card confirms that the operator has been trained in their safe use and provides documentary evidence of the training and assessment.
The EWPA Gold Card program, ensures that you will be trained in the following;
- Identify a Telehandler
- Identify specific types of equipment
- Plan out your work
- Safely operate and shut down equipment
- Modules are: Forks (F), Crane Jib (J), Earthmoving Bucket (B), Other (O) covering other types of attachments such a bale grabs, work platforms, sweepers etc. [Participants may complete singular or multiple modules]
What if I don’t have a Gold Card?
The maximum penalty for not having adequate training is $6,000 for an individual or $30,000 for a body corporate. The ‘do nothing’ approach is a time bomb. A blatant disregard of the law (the Act is law) will result in hefty fines and or jail. We all have a responsibility for workplace health and safety.
Worksafe CN Licence
What is a Worksafe CN Licence and what does it cover?
Worksafe requires that operators of telehandlers with a capacity greater than 3 tonne hold a Worksafe High Risk Work Licence – category CN, TLILIC3006- Licence to operate a non-slewing mobile crane (greater than 3 tonnes capacity).
This WorkSafe high-risk licence ensures that you are trained to successfully operate Non-Slewing Mobile Cranes.
The Worksafe CN Licence program, ensures that you will be trained in the following;
- Legislative Requirements
- Planning a task
- Risk management
- Safe operation of a non-slewing mobile crane
- Responding to emergencies
What if I don’t have a CN Licence?
It is a minimum requirement to have a CN Licence for non-slewing telehandlers with a capacity greater than 3 tonne. Not having a license WILL result in hefty fines and very likely jail time.
SO HOW DO I GET MY GOLD CARD OR CN LICENCE?
Short answer: DURALIFT
Duralift partners with Go Workplace Training RTO 22464, who is authorised to train & assess these programs.
Book your course via Duralift at a time of your choice at affordable prices!
