Telehandler Inspection & Integrated Tool Carrier Compliance Requirements
Is your company using Integrated Tool Carriers (ITCs) and/or Telescopic Handler Machines (THMs) on site? If so, you need to read on about the latest compliance requirements in accordance with the DMP and Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995.
Do you know your EWP inspection requirements?
Purpose-built mobile cranes and mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are designed, manufactured, tested, approved and maintained for a single purpose.
Telescopic handler machines (THMs) and integrated tool carriers (ITCs) can potentially be configured with jib attachments for lifting suspended loads or work platform attachments for lifting personnel.
If you or your company are operating ITCs and/or THMs configured for lifting suspended loads or personnel, you need to be aware of the safety and compliance requirements as the Department of Mines and Petroleum continue to observe the use of non-compliant plant and equipment, especially with regards to ITCs and THMs. You also need to adhere to third party crane inspection and lifting equipment testing requirements.
The DMP suggests that adopting basic requirements (outlined in this article) should ensure the equipment is fit for purpose, and help to reduce the risk from common hazards associated with operating multi-purpose mobile equipment including:
- Interaction of moving machinery with personnel (e.g. crushing, shearing, entanglement, impacts)
- Machine instability, particularly while under load (e.g. roll-over, overloading)
- Loss of control of the load (e.g. attachments disengaging)
- Release of high-pressure hydraulic fluids (e.g. failure of hoses or fittings)
- Equipment fires (e.g. engine, hydraulics, electrical)
- Contact with fixed structures
- Contact with live electrical conductors (e.g. overhead power lines, cable trays, conduits)
The following basic requirements should ensure you, as a duty holder, fully comply with the requirements of the relevant regulations for plant permanently located on site and itinerant plant.
Telescopic Handler Machines (THMs) 
- All THMs manufactured after October 2007 must comply with AS 1418.19. Such machines must include a compliance plate and be provided with sufficient documentation to demonstrate compliance.
- THMs that can slew more than 5 degrees must comply with AS 1418.5 Cranes, hoists and winches – Mobile cranes (EN 13000:2010, MOD) as well as AS 1418.19.
- Any attachments used with THMs, including jibs and work platforms, must comply with the requirements of AS 1418.19 and be approved for use by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the particular model of THM.
- THMs used to support work platform attachments must comply with AS 1418.10.
- When a THM is to support a work platform attachment, if the boom length is, or can be, greater than 11 metres then a WP class high risk work licence is required to operate. Furthermore, the regulations require the machine to be managed as registered classified plant, which requires design registration and statutory telehandler inspection every two years. The requirements of AS 2550.10 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – Mobile elevating work platforms should also apply.
- When a THM is used to support a jib for lifting suspended loads, if the rated capacity is greater than 3 tonnes then a CN class high risk work licence is required. Furthermore, if the rated capacity is greater than 10 tonnes, the regulations require the machine to be managed as registered classified plant. The requirements of AS2550.5 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – Mobile cranes should also apply.
AME Telehandler Inspection Services
AME are your industry experts for classified plant inspections. Our engineers and inspectors have the necessary training and experience to ensure your telehandler inspections are carried out in accordance with the going inspection requirements.
Contact AME today for:
- Annual telehandler inspection (safety check)
- Telehandler 10 year inspections
Integrated Tool Carriers (ITCs) Inspection & Requirements
- Any attachments used with an ITC must be approved for use by the OEM for the particular model of ITC.
- ITCs used to support jib attachments for lifting freely suspended loads must comply with AS 1418.8.
- ITCs and earthmoving equipment should only be used for lifting freely suspended loads under limited circumstances (see AS 1418.8, clause 5.1). For routine crane operations, a purpose built mobile crane complying with AS 1418.5 should be used.
- When an ITC is used to lift freely suspended loads, if the rated capacity is greater than 3 tonnes then a CN class high-risk work licence is required to operate. Furthermore, if the rated capacity is greater than 10 tonnes, the regulations require the machine to be managed as registered classified plant. The requirements of AS 2550.5 should also apply.
- When an ITC is used to support a work platform attachment, it must comply with AS 1418.10.
- When an ITC is used to support a work platform attachment, if the boom length is greater than 11 metres then a WP class high-risk work licence is required to operate. Furthermore, the regulations require the machine to be managed as registered classified plant (requires design registration and statutory inspection every two years) if the platform movement is more than 2.4 metres. The requirements of AS 2550.10 should also apply.
The Way Forward is a Compliance Audit
The DMP recommends that a compliance audit of existing multi-purpose plant is conducted with a plan developed to address any potential compliance gaps.
AME are aware of a number of machines that comply with the above requirements. If you require a specialist to assist with your audit and compliance plan our highly experienced and trained technical inspectors within our Asset Management and Plant Inspection teams can assist you.
Contact an AME Plant Inspection Specialist call 08 9466 7444 and one of our team will be happy to provide advice on your responsibilities over the phone or arrange to visit your site.