Masonry Magazine April 2003 Page. 27
Caterpillar's Cooper summarizes the functionality of the telehandler: "Telehandlers are not limited to single use anymore. They are very versatile machines that can be used at any stage of construction from unloading materials to lift and place to staging materials and for site clean up all with one machine and various work tools. Mason contractors don't just use the machines for lift and place any more."
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Bobcat has also worked on other safety concerns. "We've added what we call a LORS-Lateral Operator Restraint System," says Klug. "It's a bar on the left side of the operator that covers the door opening and serves several functions. The primary function is to offer the operator some protection from being thrown from the cab in the event of a rollover. You're supposed to have your seatbelt on, but if you don't, this is a secondary restraint system to help keep you inside the cab. When it's in the down position, it also serves as a very effective armrest; it's very comfortable. When you get out of the machine you have to raise this back up into a stored position. When it's in the stored position it locks out the hydraulic controls for the lift, extend and tilt functions, and it also locks out the traction drive."
Accidents? Is there a rollover problem with these machines? "It's unlikely to happen if you have a trained operator," cautions Ingersoll-Rand's White. "It is important that you make sure the people who are going to operate these machines are properly trained and know how to operate them before they climb onto one."
Safety is a critical issue on every job site. All telehandlers fall under a Class 7 designation from OSHA that requires operators to have completed a training course before they operate it. As White says, "The biggest issue that you face with a telehandler is making sure that the machine gets operated safely per OSHA guidelines. Since, by and large, you are lifting heavier materials up higher with a telehandler than you do with a rough terrain forklift, it's important that the operators be certified; that they've gotten the OSHA-required training on the machines so they know how to safely operate them. The biggest thing you have to make sure that an operator watches out for is that the stability of the machine is maintained as you're lifting these heavy loads to higher areas"
Klug points out that Bobcat dealers perform the training on the VersaHandler, so the classes are usually close to the contractor's location. "It's not so much a certification or license as it is proof you've been through the course. It doesn't really say you're certified to operate the machine, but rather that you have gone through the safety-training course. Where it becomes an issue is if there is an accident that is investigated by OSHA. One of the first questions they'll ask the operator is, "Have you gone through the safety-training course? You get a card that is proof you've taken the course. In the case of the Versa Handler, it is required by OSHA; on skid steers and excavators it is not required, but we have training courses for those as well." The Voice of the Mason Contractor