During inspections, the Netherlands Labour Authority encounters telehandlers fitted with man baskets (also known as work platforms) that fail to meet the statutory safety requirements. This can lead to accidents and even fatalities. It is therefore important that the machine complies with the statutory safety requirements, including if it is hired. Employers are responsible for the safety of the machines used by their employees.
Which machines are covered?
This concerns telehandlers fitted with man baskets that can be raised more than 3 metres above ground level and have side barriers that can be opened. The illustration below shows what such a machine looks like.
Image: © Netherlands Labour Authority
Safety requirements for use
Check whether the machine you use, hire out, or hire complies with the following 7 requirements:
The instruction manual describes how the man basket must be used in combination with the type of telehandler to which it may be attached.
The instruction manual for the man basket contains the EC declaration of conformity. In this declaration, the manufacturer states that the man basket complies with the European safety requirements. The declaration must specify the types of telehandler to which the man basket may be attached. This must have been assessed by a notified body. The declaration must include the name, address and identification number of the body that carried out the assessment.
The harness and positioning lanyard cannot be disconnected from the man basket (without tools). If they can be disconnected, the machine must become inoperable when the harness and positioning lanyard are disconnected.
If the telehandler is operated from the cab while a person is in the man basket, the man basket must have a release button. By keeping the release button pressed, the person in the man basket authorises the person in the cab to operate the machine. The release button must be located in a safe position within the man basket.
The man basket must have an emergency stop that can be operated from the man basket. The telehandler must also have an emergency stop that can be operated from the cab.
Stricter safety limits apply when lifting persons than when lifting goods. A telehandler fitted with a man basket must therefore be equipped with an aerial work platform mode. This mode limits the lifting capacity to a maximum of 50 percent of the original capacity.
The coupling must be secured, for example by inserting a metal pin that keeps the coupling in place. The telehandler must not be capable of operating unless the coupling is locked and secured.
Does the machine fail to comply with all requirements?
If so, the machine must not be used. Contact the manufacturer to check whether the machine can be modified. If the manufacturer does not offer assistance with modifying the machine, report this to the Netherlands Labour Authority using the Product safety form (Dutch).
Are you a manufacturer?
A European standard has been developed for manufacturers of telehandlers fitted with an openable man basket. The standard sets out the relevant specifications and criteria: Rough-terrain variable-reach trucks – safety requirements and verification (NEN-EN 1459-9:2021).