While we might be eager to jump on a telehandler and get to work, performing quick pre-job site assessments might save you a lot of time and trouble. Here are four things to consider:
Site activities
First, figure out what activities will be taking place today. This would include not only a review of the work you will be performing and material handling issues along with the main job activities of your co-workers. This will help you understand where pedestrians, materials, and other vehicles will be located on the site throughout the day.
Material delivery
If materials are going to be delivered does your telehandler have the capacity, fork length, or attachment to safely unload these materials Will you have adequate clearance around the delivery truck? Will you need a spotter or tag lines? Where will you store the material?
Staging materials
Consider where you will stage materials. If you have to deliver the materials to elevation, can you get close enough to do so while staying within the limits on the load chart? Does your spotter understand the hand signals?
Operating surfaces
Are your operating surfaces free of debris or potholes? Asphalt or concrete is solid and relatively problem free but on construction sites uneven ground can cause serious complications. Do you need to take additional steps to secure your load? Also, soil may look solid but have soft areas that may not be obvious until you level your chassis and raise the load. In these situations you may need to add additional support under the tires (or outriggers, if so equipped) to spread out the load on the soil.
As you can see, doing pre-job site assessments will save you a lot of time and trouble.
