Free Download — LOLER Compliant Templates
Telehandler Lift Plan Templates
Two professionally prepared telehandler lift plan templates covering both suspended load and fork-carried load operations. Designed by a CPCS Appointed Person with 35+ years of construction industry experience. Ready to download and use on site.
Why Two Separate Templates?
Telehandlers are unique among lifting equipment because they perform two fundamentally different types of lifting operation, each with distinct hazard profiles, capacity considerations, and regulatory requirements. Using a single generic template for both operation types leads to incomplete planning and missed hazards. These templates address that problem.
Suspended Load Operations
For when the telehandler is used as a crane — lifting loads with slings, chains, shackles, and lifting accessories attached below the boom or jib. This is the higher-risk operation type and requires detailed capacity verification at the specific radius and height.
- •Lifting jib/hook attachment capacity verification
- •Sling and lifting accessory assessment
- •Radius and height calculations at pick and place
- •Exclusion zone planning for suspended loads
- •Wind speed limitations and weather considerations
Fork-Carried Load Operations
For when materials are carried on forks, brick grabs, block clamps, or other carriage-mounted attachments. While generally lower risk than suspended loads, these operations still require proper planning — particularly for elevated loads, fork extensions, and loads that change the centre of gravity.
- •Load centre distance calculations
- •Fork extension derating factors
- •Attachment capacity verification
- •Travel with load assessment
- •Gradient and ground condition evaluation
Download Your Templates
Both templates are provided as editable Word documents (.docx) that you can customise with your company details and use on any project. Each template includes a comprehensive lift plan, integrated risk assessment, and method statement.
Telehandler Lift Plan — Underslung / Suspended Load Operations
Comprehensive lift plan template for telehandler operations where loads are lifted using slings, chains, and lifting accessories attached below the boom. Covers all aspects of using a telehandler as a crane under LOLER 1998 and BS 7121.
What's Included:
- ✓ Lift plan with machine details and configuration
- ✓ Load weight and lifting geometry calculations
- ✓ Lifting accessory schedule and verification
- ✓ Ground conditions and stabiliser assessment
- ✓ Hazard identification checklist
- ✓ Risk assessment with control measures
- ✓ Method statement and lift sequence
- ✓ Personnel roles and responsibilities
- ✓ Operator briefing record
Suitable For:
- • Lifting with hook/jib attachments
- • Steel erection using telehandlers
- • Precast concrete placement
- • Plant and equipment positioning
- • Pipe and ducting installation
- • Any suspended load operation
Telehandler Lift Plan — Fork-Carried Load Operations
Comprehensive lift plan template for telehandler operations where materials are carried on forks or carriage-mounted attachments. Addresses the specific capacity, stability, and operational considerations unique to fork-carried loads at height.
What's Included:
- ✓ Load chart verification for fork operations
- ✓ Load centre distance calculations
- ✓ Fork extension derating assessment
- ✓ Attachment compatibility verification
- ✓ Travel with load assessment form
- ✓ Ground and gradient evaluation
- ✓ Risk assessment with control measures
- ✓ Method statement and sequence of operations
- ✓ Pre-operation inspection checklist
Suitable For:
- • Palletised material placement at height
- • Brick and block distribution
- • Roof material delivery
- • Scaffold material handling
- • Plant and equipment loading/unloading
- • Any fork-carried elevated load
What These Templates Cover
Both templates follow the same systematic structure but with content tailored to the specific operation type. Each template provides a complete documented planning package that satisfies LOLER 1998 requirements.
Lift Plan
Machine specification and configuration, load details and weights, lifting geometry (radius, height, boom angle), capacity verification against manufacturer load charts, ground conditions, stabiliser deployment, and environmental considerations.
Risk Assessment
Structured hazard identification covering proximity hazards (power lines, excavations, structures), load hazards (instability, sharp edges, centre of gravity), site hazards (ground conditions, gradients, access), and operational hazards (weather, visibility, communications).
Method Statement
Step-by-step lift sequence from machine setup through load attachment, lifting, travel (where applicable), placement, and load release. Includes personnel positions, communication protocols, emergency procedures, and post-operation actions.
When to Use Each Template
Choosing the correct template depends on how the load is attached to the telehandler. If in doubt, the suspended load template provides more comprehensive coverage and is the safer choice.
| Operation | Template | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Lifting with hook/jib below boom | Suspended Load | Full crane duty — capacity varies significantly with radius and height |
| Lifting with slings and shackles | Suspended Load | Accessory derating, sling angles, and D:d ratio must be assessed |
| Personnel lifting (MEWP basket) | Suspended Load | Additional 2:1 safety factor required, specific regulatory requirements |
| Palletised loads on standard forks | Fork-Carried | Load centre distance is critical — affects rated capacity |
| Materials on fork extensions | Fork-Carried | Fork extensions reduce capacity — derating must be calculated |
| Brick grabs / block clamps | Fork-Carried | Attachment weight reduces net capacity for the load |
| Placing loads at height on forks | Fork-Carried | Boom extension reduces capacity — verify against load chart |
| Travelling with elevated load | Fork-Carried | Route gradient, surface conditions, and speed restrictions apply |
Important Notes
Templates Are a Starting Point
These templates provide a professional framework for documenting telehandler lift plans. However, every lifting operation is unique. The person completing the template must be competent to assess the specific conditions, verify the calculations, and determine whether additional planning is required. For complex lifts, tandem operations, or high-risk environments, consider using a professional lift planning service.
Regulatory Compliance
These templates are designed to satisfy the planning requirements of LOLER 1998 (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) and align with BS 7121 (Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Cranes). However, compliance ultimately depends on the competence of the person completing the plan, the accuracy of the information entered, and the adequacy of the control measures specified for the specific operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lift plan for telehandler operations?
Yes. Under LOLER 1998, every lifting operation must be properly planned by a competent person. This applies to telehandlers performing both suspended load lifts (using slings, chains, or lifting accessories) and fork-carried load operations where the load is elevated above ground level. The only exception is routine fork operations at low level, though even these benefit from documented planning.
What is the difference between a suspended load and fork-carried load telehandler lift plan?
A suspended load lift plan covers operations where loads are attached below the boom using slings, chains, shackles, or other lifting accessories — the telehandler is essentially being used as a crane. A fork-carried load lift plan covers operations where materials are carried on forks, brick grabs, or other carriage-mounted attachments. Each type has different capacity considerations, risk profiles, and regulatory requirements.
Can I use these templates for any telehandler make and model?
Yes. These templates are designed to work with any make and model of telehandler including JCB, Manitou, Merlo, Bobcat, Caterpillar, Liebherr, and others. The templates include fields for recording machine-specific data such as make, model, serial number, SWL, boom configuration, and attachment details.
Who should complete a telehandler lift plan?
Under BS 7121 and LOLER 1998, lift plans should be prepared by a competent person — typically a CPCS Appointed Person (A61) for complex or higher-risk lifts. For routine operations using these templates, a competent site supervisor with appropriate training and experience may complete the plan, provided they understand the machine capabilities, load characteristics, and site-specific hazards.
Need a Professional Telehandler Lift Plan?
These templates work well for routine operations. For complex lifts, near-capacity operations, tandem lifting, or when you need a qualified Appointed Person to prepare or review your plan — contact us for a professional telehandler lift planning service.
24-hour turnaround available.