Telehandler (Suspended Loads) Training

Novice: 2 days (full training on standard operation plus suspended loads)

Some experience: 1 day (skills validation and test preparation)

Experienced Worker Test: 1 day (existing card holders). If you're unsure which applies, we can assess your current capability and recommend the right route.

No. You can train for A17E as a complete novice without holding A17 first. The A17E certification automatically includes standard telehandler operations, so you'll be qualified for both fork operations and suspended loads.

If you're new to telehandlers entirely, you'll need the 2-day course covering everything from basics through to suspended loads operations.

Under LOLER 1998 (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations), any operation where a load is suspended freely from lifting accessories (slings, chains, hooks) is a lifting operation requiring additional competence and planning.

Standard A17 covers only operations where loads rest directly on forks or in buckets. The moment you attach a hook and suspend a load with slings or chains, you're conducting a lifting operation requiring A17E certification and appointed person oversight.

Operating with suspended loads without the A17E endorsement is illegal and extremely dangerous. HSE prosecutions have occurred where operators performed suspended lifting without proper certification.

Sling angle is critical and has dramatic effects on the actual load each leg experiences. The angle is measured from horizontal:

• 90° (vertical slings): Maximum efficiency—each leg carries its rated capacity
• 60° angle: Load on each leg increases by approximately 15%
• 45° angle: Load on each leg increases by approximately 40%
• 30° angle: Load on each leg doubles (200% of vertical load)

Example: Two-leg sling with each leg rated at 1 tonne SWL:

• At 90°: Can safely lift 2 tonnes total
• At 60°: Can safely lift approximately 1.73 tonnes total
• At 45°: Can safely lift approximately 1.4 tonnes total
• At 30°: Can safely lift only 1 tonne total

Our training includes practical sling angle calculations and demonstrates why keeping angles above 60° is best practice. Most working situations should maintain angles above 45° minimum.

Yes. The CPCS Red Card is valid for site work as soon as you receive it. It's recognised across UK construction, steel erection, and industrial sites.

However, you must upgrade to Blue Card (via NVQ Level 2) within the two-year validity period.

You need to complete NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations (Lift Truck - Telehandler) while working on site. This typically takes 6-12 months and is assessed based on your real-world competence, not another exam.

The process:

1. Pass A17E and get Red Card (valid 2 years)
2. Work on site, logging hours and building portfolio of suspended load operations
3. Complete NVQ Level 2 with assessor (6-12 months)
4. Apply to CPCS for Blue Card (valid 5 years, renewable)

We can connect you to NVQ providers and help you explore funding options (CITB grants, Apprenticeship Levy, etc.).

Yes. Under LOLER 1998, lifting operations must be planned by a competent person (appointed person) and carried out under their supervision. The A17E qualification certifies you as a competent operator, but it doesn't replace the need for proper lift planning.

The appointed person: Assesses the lift and produces method statement, selects appropriate equipment and accessories, determines safe working loads and exclusion zones, briefs all personnel, supervises or delegates supervision of the lift.

On smaller operations, the appointed person might also be the operator (if they hold that qualification). On larger sites, there's usually a dedicated appointed person coordinating multiple lifts.

A17E significantly expands employment opportunities compared to standard A17:

• Steel erection companies: Placing structural steel, beams, columns, trusses
• Civil engineering contractors: Handling pipes, culverts, precast concrete, infrastructure
• Industrial contractors: Installing plant, machinery, tanks, process equipment
• M&E contractors: Positioning HVAC units, transformers, switch gear
• Specialist lifting companies: Contract lifting services

Typical pay rates:

• A17 standard: £14-£17 per hour
• A17E with suspended loads: £16-£20 per hour
• A17E plus additional tickets: £18-£22+ per hour

The A17E endorsement typically commands £2-£4 per hour premium over standard rates and demonstrates higher competence to employers.

First, we'll debrief you on what went wrong—whether it was slinging technique, load chart interpretation, jib operations, or safety procedures.

Then we'll discuss the best path forward: additional training on weak areas, more practice with lifting accessories, further load chart exercises, or booking a retest when properly prepared.

Failing isn't the end of the world, but suspended loads work demands high standards due to the risks involved. It's better to invest in proper preparation first time.

No. The A17E proves you understand slinging principles and lifting accessories. However, every lift requires:

• Lift planning: risk assessment and method statement
• Correct equipment: certified, inspected, and rated for the load
• Load assessment: weight must be known or calculated, not guessed
• Appointed person approval for complex or non-routine lifts
• Site-specific considerations: ground conditions, weather, overhead hazards

For routine, straightforward lifts within your competence and equipment rating, you can proceed independently. For complex, heavy, or awkward loads, you need appointed person involvement. Never attempt lifts you're unsure about.

Under LOLER 1998, lifting accessories require regular inspection:

Thorough Examination: Minimum every 6 months by competent person, more frequently if intensive use, written report required and retained, accessories must have current certificate.

Pre-Use Inspection (Your Responsibility): Before every use, visually inspect all lifting gear, check for damage or wear, verify SWL markings are legible, remove defective items from service immediately.

Our training emphasizes inspection criteria and rejection standards. Never use equipment that's damaged, unidentifiable, or lacking current certification.

Two years. Within that time, you need to complete your NVQ Level 2 and upgrade to a Blue Card. If you don't, your Red Card expires and you'll need to retest.

Funding options depend on your employment status:

• Employers: CITB grants may be available (if levy-paying), or use Apprenticeship Levy for NVQ costs
• Self-employed: Typically self-funded, but it's an investment in your qualification and earning potential

We can discuss options when you enquire. For NVQ costs specifically, there's often more funding available—talk to us about connecting with providers.

Maximum 2:1, and we often run 1:1 where possible. That means you're not sharing an instructor with a big group—you get proper supervision and plenty of practice with slinging techniques.

Underestimating load weight: Guessing rather than calculating. Overloading causes most lifting accidents.

Ignoring sling angles: Not accounting for how shallow angles increase forces on sling legs. Angles below 45° should be avoided.

Incorrect hitch selection: Using basket hitches where choke hitches are needed, or vice versa.

Sharp edges without protection: Failing to use edge protection causes sling failure under load.

Poor load balance: Not positioning slings at centre of gravity causes tilting or spinning.

Using damaged equipment: Damaged lifting gear must be removed from service immediately—no exceptions.

A17E Telehandler with Suspended Loads: Mobile telehandlers fitted with jib attachments. Versatile machines that switch between fork operations and suspended lifting, mobile around sites, no extensive setup time.

Crane operator qualifications: Dedicated lifting equipment designed purely for suspended loads. Much higher capacities, greater reach, used for major structural lifts.

When each is used: Telehandlers for lighter loads, frequent repositioning, combined material handling and lifting. Cranes for heavy structural lifts, long reach, precision placement at significant heights.

The qualifications are separate and not interchangeable.