🏗️ Telescopic Handler Suspended Loads Training – Why It’s a Must for Safe Lifting

Telescopic Handlers (telehandlers) are widely used for lifting and moving loads across construction, agriculture, and industrial sites. But when those loads are suspended—rather than on forks—it introduces an entirely new level of risk.

That’s where Telescopic Handler Suspended Loads Training comes in, this course N138 was introduced by NPORS a few years ago. Resulting in underslung loads no longer being covered by the standard N010 Telehandler course.

At Kentra Training, we deliver specialist training that focuses on the extra considerations and hazards of lifting suspended loads using a telehandler. If your team handles suspended loads, this training isn’t optional—it’s essential.

⚠️ Why Standard Telehandler Training Isn’t Enough

Most standard telehandler training covers fork-mounted loads—pallets, bales, etc.—but suspended loads behave differently. They swing, sway, and shift with motion and wind, increasing the chance of:

• Load instability or tipping

• Damage to property or plant

• Injury to nearby personnel

• Breaches of LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations)

Operating a telehandler with suspended loads without specific training may be considered non-compliant by HSE.

🎯 Who Needs This Training?

This course is ideal for:

• Telehandler operators lifting suspended loads via hooks or lifting points

• Construction and industrial workers involved in lifting operations

• Supervisors or site managers responsible for safe load handling

• Agricultural operators moving awkward or unpalletised equipment

📚 What Does the Course Cover?

Delivered by experienced instructors, our training combines theory and practical elements to build confidence and competence. Topics include:

• Legal requirements (LOLER, PUWER, HSW Act)

• Risk assessments and lift planning

• Load dynamics and centre of gravity

• Safe use of lifting accessories (chains, slings, hooks)

• Load stability and securing methods

• Correct operating techniques for suspended loads

• Communication with signallers and banksmen

• Practical assessment in real-site conditions

🏆 Certification

Telescopic Handler Suspended Loads Training is a bolt on course, meaning candidates need to hold an in date operators card for the Telehandler with at least 2 years before the card expiry.   Trainees who successfully completing this course will receive one of the following:  with suspended loads endorsement, proving competence in lifting suspended loads safely and legally.

• Kentra Training course validation and plastic (credit card size) ID card
• NPORS traditional registration and plastic ID card N138 Telescopic Handler Suspended Loads
• NPORS/CSCS registration and plastic ID card C138 Telescopic Handler Suspended Loads
  2 year Red card – No NVQ
  5 year Blue card – if you hold a NVQ for Telehandler

If NPORS is required we will need to notify them prior to the course, so please mention this when booking. This is increasingly requested by main contractors and required on most regulated worksites.

Our instructor will take the candidates picture on the day of training, which will appear on their ID cards.

🛠️ Flexible Course Delivery

We can deliver this course at your site using your own equipment, so operators are trained in the environment they know best.

With over 25 years of experience, Kentra Training offers trusted, accredited health and safety courses that protect your team and your reputation.

Through the year we are running our blogs in line with our 2025 desk calendar – June is Cranes and Lifting Month, follow us this month as we run through each one of the courses in greater detail: 

📞 Ready to Stay Safe and Compliant?

Suspended loads are serious business—don’t take chances. Invest in proper training to ensure your operators handle every lift with precision and care.

👉 Contact Kentra Training today to book your Telescopic Handler Suspended Loads course.

📞 Call us: 01606 832 556
📧 Email: office@kentratraining.co.uk 
🌐 Book online: Get in Touch

Kentra Training – Safe Operators. Confident Lifts. Compliant Sites.

More details on the NPORS Telescopic Handler Suspended Loads Training and Testing you can also check out our other blogs:

Official N138 NPORS Telescopic Handler Suspended Loads Training

Telescopic Handler Suspended Loads – our A 2 Z of Safety Training