5.1 Scope of Application

This chapter applies only to telehandlers that have been fitted with a Telescro-approved personnel work platform.

Basic Principle

Only when all of the following conditions are met may a telehandler be used for elevated personnel work:

• the machine model is approved for installation of a personnel work platform;
• the installed platform is a Telescro-approved or matching platform;
• the platform is compatible with the machine control system;
• the platform has been correctly installed and locked;
• the operating and rescue conditions comply with the requirements of this manual;
• the work complies with local regulations and site safety rules.

5.2 Authorization Requirements for Platform Work

Using a telehandler with a personnel work platform is a high-risk operation and may be carried out only by personnel who have received specialized training and formal authorization.

Requirements

In addition to telehandler driving authorization, platform work requires separate additional authorization.

Personnel Working on the Platform Must Meet the Following Conditions

• have received safety training for platform-based elevated work;
• be familiar with the platform controller and emergency stop device;
• understand the risks of falls from height, crushing, collision, and electric shock;
• understand the platform load limit and working boundaries;
• be capable of dealing with abnormal situations;
• have formal authorization from the company or equipment management party.

Ground Support Personnel Must Also

• receive training related to platform work;
• be familiar with the ground controls and emergency rescue logic;
• be able to assist with lowering the platform or carrying out emergency response in abnormal situations.

5.3 Equipment and Platform Compatibility Requirements

Before using the platform, it must be confirmed that the machine and platform configuration are suitable for the current task.

The Following Must Be Confirmed

• the platform is an approved model for the current machine;
• the platform has been correctly installed on the fork carriage or interface position;
• the platform locking mechanism is fully engaged;
• the platform control system is operating correctly;
• the platform entry gate, guardrails, floor, and connecting components are in good condition;
• the safety markings, rated load markings, and operating instructions on the platform are clear and legible;
• the switching logic between platform controls and ground controls operates correctly;
• the emergency stop function is available.

The Following Checks Must Be Completed Before Use

• whether the platform structure has any cracks, deformation, or damage;
• whether the guardrails are secure;
• whether the gate latch is reliable;
• whether there are any loose parts or abnormal wear on the underside of the platform;
• whether the connection points have no abnormal gaps;
• whether the hydraulic, electrical, and control responses are normal.

5.4 Operator Conduct Requirements on the Platform

Personnel on the platform must always work in a safe posture and in a controlled manner.

Operating Requirements

• wear work clothing suitable for elevated work and platform operation;
• do not wear loose clothing, scarves, hanging accessories, or similar items;
• keep hands and feet dry and slip-resistant;
• wear the personal protective equipment required on site;
• wear a safety helmet;
• where required by the platform configuration or local regulations, use fall protection equipment;
• always stand within the normal operating area of the platform floor;
• remain attentive during platform work;
• do not use headphones, earbuds, or other devices that may reduce alertness during operation.

Prohibited Actions

• extending any part of the body outside the platform guardrails;
• climbing on the platform guardrails;
• sitting, standing, or stepping on the guardrails;
• using the platform controls for actions outside their intended design purpose;
• hanging tools, clothing, or other items on the platform guardrails;
• placing miscellaneous items in the platform that obstruct standing, movement, or emergency exit.

5.5 Management of Materials and Tools on the Platform

Tools, materials, and accessories on the platform must be arranged in a controlled manner to prevent falling objects, tripping, or overloading.

Requirements

• all tools and materials must be placed securely;
• they must not be stacked in the standing area or the gate area;
• long materials such as pipes, cables, and sections must be secured to prevent slipping or falling;
• no item may extend beyond the platform boundary;
• materials on the platform must not affect personnel stance, visibility, or control operation.

Prohibited Actions

• piling loose materials on the platform;
• temporarily resting materials on the guardrails;
• using the platform as a long-term storage point for materials;
• overloading the platform.

5.6 Pre-Use Inspection of the Platform

Before each use of the platform, both the operator and the ground support person must confirm that the platform is in a safe and usable condition.

Inspection Items

• whether the platform is installed correctly;
• whether the platform locking mechanism is reliable;
• whether the platform gate is closed and locked;
• whether the controller and emergency stop button are functioning properly;
• whether the guardrails and floor are intact;
• whether there are no loose items or falling-object hazards in the platform;
• whether the rated platform load has not been exceeded;
• whether the ground area is free of obstructions, holes, and fall hazards;
• whether there are no collision, crushing, or electric-shock hazards above or around the work area.

5.7 Basic Rules for Platform Work

When using the platform for elevated work, the telehandler must be regarded as a temporary elevating work platform, not as an ordinary material-handling machine.

Basic Rules

• lift personnel only when the platform is in normal working condition;
• platform work must be supervised by ground support personnel;
• the number of persons and the load in the platform must not exceed the rated value;
• the platform may be used only for temporary personnel work and must not be used for long-term guarding, extended suspended waiting, or permanent transportation;
• platform movements during work must always remain stable, slow, and controlled;
• a safety exclusion zone must be established beneath the platform.

5.8 Restrictions on Platform Use

The platform is not a general-purpose device, and its use must be strictly limited.

The Following Uses Are Prohibited

• using the platform as a crane;
• using the platform as a cargo lifting device;
• using the platform as an elevator for continuous transport;
• using the platform as a support device, jacking device, or construction anchoring point;
• suspending additional loads from the platform or telescopic boom;
• installing additional structures on the platform that increase wind area;
• using the platform for pulling, pressing, prying, or applying external force;
• using the platform for work beyond its intended design purpose.

5.9 Movement Restrictions While the Platform Is Raised

When personnel are on the platform, machine movement must be subject to strict limitations.

Principle

Under normal working conditions, when the platform is raised and occupied, the telehandler must not be driven.

Permitted Actions

• only controlled lifting, extending, retracting, and fine positioning through the platform controls or ground controls are permitted, subject to machine configuration;
• necessary travel or recovery movements through the ground controls are permitted only in emergency rescue situations and only in the prescribed manner.

Prohibited Actions

• driving the machine while personnel are on the platform;
• using the normal material-handling control logic from the cab to raise personnel arbitrarily;
• carrying out road travel or site transfer while the platform is raised.

5.10 Platform Entry and Exit Requirements

Personnel may enter or leave the platform only after it has been fully lowered to the ground and has come to a stable stop.

Prohibited Actions

• entering or leaving the platform while it is off the ground;
• using external structures to get on or off the platform;
• stepping into the platform from the cab, wheels, attachment, or any other non-designated position;
• stepping from the platform onto a building, steel structure, scaffold, or other elevated position.

5.11 Ladders or Temporary Height-Increasing Structures Are Prohibited

The platform floor is the only permitted standing and operating position.

Prohibited Actions

• placing ladders, wooden boxes, pallets, or temporary steps on the platform;
• standing on toolboxes, materials, or temporary supports to gain extra height;
• standing on the platform guardrails to reach a greater working height.

Principle

If the current height is insufficient, the platform position or machine attitude must be readjusted instead of increasing the operator’s standing height.

5.12 Environmental Requirements for Platform Work

The platform work environment must be assessed for risk and confirmed not to create additional hazards for personnel or the machine.

The Following Must Be Confirmed

• the ground is firm, level, and has adequate load-bearing capacity;
• unauthorized persons are kept out of the work area;
• the platform lowering area is free of obstructions;
• there is no overhead structural collision hazard;
• there are no surrounding crushing, trapping, falling-object, or swing hazards;
• wind speed, weather, and visibility meet safe operating requirements;
• there are no sudden external forces that could affect platform stability.

5.13 Requirements for Working Near Power Lines or Energized Facilities

During platform work, uncontrolled approach to cables, overhead lines, or other energized facilities is prohibited.

Requirements

• the minimum safe distance required by local regulations must be maintained;
• if the safe distance cannot be confirmed, work must not proceed;
• when necessary, warning zones and site supervision must be established;
• a task-specific risk assessment must be completed before working near energized facilities.

Risk Statement

If the platform, attachment, tools, or the human body approaches power lines, it may lead to:

• electric shock;
• severe burns;
• fatal accidents;
• machine damage.

Principle

Under no circumstances may the platform be used as a "probing tool" to approach electrical installations.

5.14 Emergency and Rescue Requirements for Platform Work

Platform work must always include the capability for emergency recovery and personnel rescue.

The Following Must Be Available

• ground support personnel on site;
• a functioning ground control system;
• a functioning emergency stop device;
• a clear communication method (hand signals, radio, or verbal commands);
• a recovery plan in case of platform failure;
• a clearly defined personnel escape route before work begins.

Recommended Preparation Before Platform Work

The following points should be clearly assigned before work begins:

• who is responsible for ground supervision;
• who is responsible for emergency recovery;
• who is responsible for site isolation;
• if the machine fails, how the platform will be returned safely to the ground.