Suspended loads change the behaviour of a telehandler. The A17E endorsement asks an operator to move beyond pallet work and prove they can plan, rig, lift and travel with a slung load without letting swing, ground conditions or poor signalling take over. It’s less about fancy boom work and more about restraint, communication and controlling risk through the whole lift path.
TL;DR
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– Treat the slung load as a lifting operation: plan the route, set an exclusion zone and use a dedicated signaller.
– Know the hook/jib limits and how the load chart derates with boom extension and angle.
– Complete full pre-use checks including the lifting attachment, hook latch and accessory condition records.
– Lift, pause, and prove stability before travelling; keep the load low, use tag lines and move slowly.
– If anything is unclear—weight, slinging, signals—stop, clarify and only continue under supervision.
What assessors look for when a telehandler carries a slung load
/> On the A17E assessment, signalling, planning and machine control are judged as one safe system of work. Expect to be asked about the attachment, rated capacity at a given radius, and how you’ll manage load swing. Assessors typically want to see that you can state how the load will be slung, who is controlling the lift, and what the safe route and set-down arrangement is.
Pre-use checks go beyond tyres and fluids; you’re expected to confirm the lifting point or hook/jib is secure, locking pins are engaged, hydraulic hoses are undamaged and the hook latch returns. A quick check of the lifting accessory condition and records is good practice before anything goes on the hook. Ground conditions, wind and the presence of people or traffic along the route should be addressed before the first lift.
Smooth control is the marker of competence. Candidates who blend small boom movements, steady travel and good communication tend to demonstrate that the load is dictating the pace, not the other way around.
# Common mistakes
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– Rushing the rigging stage. Slings go on quickly but without clear identification of the load’s centre of gravity, leading to unnecessary tilt or swing.
– Ignoring the load chart. Travelling with the boom extended because it “feels fine” rather than staying within a safer radius.
– Weak exclusion control. People drift into the path because there’s no clear signaller or defined boundary.
– Snatching the load. Sharp hydraulic inputs or sudden braking cause swing that then becomes the operator’s main problem.
Preparation that pays off in the yard
/> Treat practice like the real thing. Walk the area, mark a route and establish where you will stop and adjust if swing builds. Practise attaching the hook or jib and confirming the locking system is secure, then run through a trial lift routine with the hook empty to feel the controls. Rehearse the hand signals you’ll use with a signaller and agree a stop signal and radio backup if provided.
Slinging is not guesswork. If you’re provided with slings and shackles, look at their condition and tags as you would on site and choose an arrangement that controls the load. Tag lines are your friend when you need to orientate the load without fighting the boom. Finally, get into the habit of pausing after each small action: lift, settle, travel; then lift, settle, position.
# Pre-lift checks for suspended loads
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– Verify the correct attachment is fitted, locks engaged, and any lifting hook latch returns fully.
– Inspect slings, shackles and tag lines for damage and ensure identification is legible.
– Confirm approximate load weight and centre of gravity, and match against the load chart at planned radius.
– Check ground conditions and gradients along the route; plan turning points and escape options.
– Agree the exclusion zone and who is the signaller; confirm hand signals and communication devices.
– Test controls for smoothness with a light trial lift; check for undue swing or instability.
– Ensure the cab is set for visibility: clean screens, working wipers and mirrors, and a clear line to the signaller.
Test-day execution with a slung load on a telehandler
/> Start by declaring the plan: where the load will be lifted from, the route, the set-down point, and who is in charge of signals. Attach the load calmly, checking the hook is correctly seated and the slings are not choking or twisted unless intended. Lift just enough to clear, hold to allow any swing to settle, and confirm stability before committing to travel. Keep the boom as retracted as is practical and travel with the load low to reduce the pendulum effect.
Use gentle throttle and avoid sharp braking. If swing develops, don’t chase it with big boom movements; pause, lower slightly if safe, and let it settle. On approach to the set-down area, slow down early and fine-tune with small height and crowd adjustments rather than last-second corrections. Once the load is down and stable, only de-sling when you and the signaller are happy, then stow the attachment safely and leave the area in a controlled state.
# Scenario: rainy day, tight logistics, suspended load delivery
/> A residential infill site in Manchester is taking a pre-fabricated stair flight off a flatbed with a telehandler and hook. It’s drizzling and the haul road is churned, with puddles hiding ruts. The site manager wants the load into a gap beside the scaffold before the concrete wagon arrives. A signaller is present but also fielding radio calls for the upcoming pour. The operator rig-fits two slings and a tag line, reads the load card and checks the chart at a conservative radius. He does a trial lift, pauses to let swing settle, and refuses to travel until the signaller clears the walkway and puts up barrier tape. They inch along, stop to correct swing on a gentle downhill, and place the stair onto timber bearers with the scaffold team ready. The concrete wagon waits an extra five minutes, but the lift is completed without anyone stepping into the exclusion zone.
Keeping suspended-load competence sharp on live sites
/> Passing A17E isn’t the end of it. Real sites degrade control: poor segregation, pressure to “just get it in,” and unfamiliar accessories erode good habits. Keep your logbook or an equivalent record of lifts where you’ve used slung loads, including the attachment used, conditions and any learning points. Ask for supervision on the first few suspended lifts when moving to a new site or unfamiliar telehandler, and seek short refreshers if you haven’t done slung work for a while.
Toolbox talks should keep signalling consistent across shifts, and near-miss reporting needs to cover small swing events before they become incidents. If wind, ground conditions or visibility are poor, reset expectations and slow the job deliberately. The goal isn’t speed—it’s a predictable lift path with no surprises.
Normalisation of shortcuts is the real risk with suspended loads. Expect closer scrutiny of lift planning, exclusion zones and signalling as projects tighten their controls.
FAQ
# What’s different about A17E compared with standard telehandler work?
/> A17E expects you to operate with a suspended load using a hook or jib, not forks. That introduces dynamic behaviour, so assessors look for planning, communication, and smooth control rather than just accurate placement. You’re proving you can run a lifting operation safely with a telehandler.
# What pre-use checks are expected for the lifting attachment and gear?
/> Check the attachment is the correct type, fitted properly and locked in place, with the hook latch operating. Inspect slings, shackles and tag lines for damage and legible identification, and make sure there’s a sensible record system for accessories on site. Do a brief functional test lift to confirm smooth hydraulics and no unexpected movement.
# Do I need a signaller for suspended loads on the test?
/> You should work with a dedicated signaller for suspended loads, even in a training yard. Agree hand signals and any radio use before you start, and make the stop signal the one everyone understands. Assessors generally expect to see you use the signaller to control the lift path and exclusion zone.
# What trips candidates up most often on A17E?
/> Rushing the rigging, poor communication, and not keeping the load low are common fail points. Some candidates rely on feel rather than the load chart and try to travel with the boom too far out. Others forget to control the area, allowing people into the route while the load is in motion.
# How should operators keep suspended-load skills current after the card?
/> Use the skill regularly under supervision at first, then keep notes of unusual lifts and what was learned. Take part in toolbox talks on signalling and lifting gear, and ask for a short refresher if you’ve had a long gap without slung work. Competence can drift, so seeking a check or additional practice before a high-risk lift is sensible.
