BITA has released a best practice guide on the safe use of telehandlers.

The British Industrial Truck Association (BITA)'s Strategic Forum Plant Safety Group has launched the "Safe Use of Telehandlers in Construction" best practice guide to help operators reduce their risks of accident and injury.

The document, which includes expert contributions from BITA members JCB, JLG and Merlo, is free to download from the Construction Plant-hire Association and BITA websites at www.cpa.uk.net/p/Telehandlers and www.bita.org.uk.

Telehandlers are among the most versatile pieces of materials handling equipment used on construction sites and contribute significantly to the efficiency of the construction process. The machines are able to carry out many of the tasks traditionally undertaken by mobile and tower cranes. However, their versatility has also increased the risk of unsafe operations, leading to a significant number of serious accidents.

In the foreword to the best practice document, Philip White, chief inspector of construction at the UK's Health & Safety Executive (HSE), says: "Not only do these accidents have a terrible cost in terms of human suffering, they also have a significant financial cost for all concerned.

"This guidance has been prepared by a working group representing all parts of the industry including the HSE to provide clarity on the safe use of telehandlers; including planning, role of personnel, training and familiarisation of personnel, safe use, maintenance, inspection and thorough examination."

White also says that the guidance is "straightforward, comprehensive and easy to adopt".

Bob Hine, BITA's technical consultant, says the association is delighted that telehandler makers JCB, JLG and Merlo were able to fully participate in the preparation of the guide.

The new document complements the pocket-sized BITA safety booklet "Operator's Safety Code for Rough Terrain Lift Trucks" that is available on the association's website.