New CPCS A77 Telehandler 360 slew category: everything we know so far

The new standard has been enhanced and will cover travelling with suspended loads, therefore will not require a separate endorsement under this category (will still be applicable to category A17), the new standard includes working tasks around hoist rope use which are not currently within the standard for A17D.

Operatives who achieve A77 Telehandler 360 Slew will also be covered for normal telehandler (A17C) and Suspended Loads (A17E).

The introduction of the new category of A77 will mean that the existing standards for A17 will also be amended to remove reference to A17D.

CPCS A77 Telehandler 360 Slew will consist of 101 theory questions (duration: unknown) and a 3 hour practical assessment.

CPCS A77 (A89) Transitional Assessment will consist of 2 theory questions on lifting capacity diagrams (duration: unknown) and a 2 hour practical assessment.

To allow effective learning, these training times are recommended for this category. Candidates must be profiled to establish learning needs. Durations should be of a length to ensure the learning outcomes are met:

• Novice operators with no industry or machine experience: 70 hours
• Novice operators with industry experience but no machine experience: 63 hours
• Operators with non-forklift experience but similar machine experience: 35 hours
• Operators with forklift/telehandler experience: 28 hours
• Operators with hoist-rope crane experience: 21 hours

• Describe the nature of the sector of industry and their role and responsibilities as a plant operator
• Name and explain the purpose of principal components, the basic construction, controls and terminology
• Conform with manufacturer’s requirements as per the operator’s handbook, other types of information sources and relevant regulations and legislation
• Undertake and record all pre-use checks
• Explain the need and function of appropriate documentation
• Configure and ready for travel (site and highway)
• Travel over level surfaces and on rough, undulating ground and inclines, with and without loads
• Manoeuvre in areas with limited space, with and without loads
• Arrange and follow given signals and instructions when travelling and manoeuvring with and without loads
• Configure and set for all lifting, loading and transferring duties
• Attach and remove various attachments
• Attach and remove hoist-rope attachments for the movement of suspended loads
• Explain actions required for proximity hazards Inc. underground and overhead services
• Explain the basic principles of the slinging of loads, types of lifting accessories that can be used and the correct and incorrect methods for attaching suspended loads to the machine
• Explain the requirements for ensuring adequate ground support and stability
• Explain the causes of instability during blocked, free-on-wheel and pick-and carry duties
• Lift and place various suspended and fork-mounted loads from a variety of locations including a vehicle
• Lift and place suspended and fork-mounted loads under blocked, free-on-wheels and pick-and-carry duties
• Lift, transfer and place fixed- hook suspended loads up to maximum extension, at full of working height and using the full slewing capability of the machine
• Lift, transfer and place hoist- rope suspended loads up to maximum extension, at full working height and using the full slewing capability of the machine (Blocked duties)
• Lift, transfer and place fork- mounted loads up to maximum extension, at full working height and using the full slewing capability of the machine (Free-on-wheels)
• Minimise the swinging of suspended loads during travel
• Explain how stability is affected by travelling with a raised / extended boom and/or rotated upper structure with suspended loads and fork-mounted loads (both regular and irregular)
• Explain visibility issues and restrictions with suspended and fork-mounted loads
• Place suspended loads out of sight of the operator
• Maintain safe working situations
• Maintain safe and tidy working areas
• Carry out shut down and securing procedures
• Explain the loading and unloading procedures for machine transporting

CPCS defines a category as an item of plant or equipment used within the construction or allied industries and worked in accordance with the manufacturer’s basic design. Although this category can have varying uses within industry and used with many attachments, for CPCS training and assessment standards, the descriptions reflect basic core use.

To identify a machine within this category, a typical 360 degree slew telescopic handler would normally have the listed features and be used within the described characteristics.

Category Features

• Multi axled wheeled chassis containing a side- mounted operating position; power, hydraulic and electrical units, counterweight components, and front and rear stabilisers
• Upper structure containing the cab and boom components, able to be slewed through 360 degrees
• Extending multi-sectioned boom with a tilting carriage allowing attachments to be fitted, all hydraulically operated

Category Characteristics

• Able to travel in forward and reverse and change direction during travel with most types having all-wheel steering and drive
• Most types can travel on uneven and loose ground and slopes
• Can carry out lifting, transfer and placing duties with loads mounted on forks, from ground level to maximum operating height and reach by raising and extending the boom
• Can carry out lifting, transfer and placing duties with loads suspended from the carriage and jib extension via a fixed hook, and connected to the machine using a lifting accessory
• Can carry out lifting, transfer and placing duties with loads connected to a hook block and suspended from the carriage and jib extension via a power-driven hoisting rope