A telehandler operator is asked to lift a structural steel beam off a transport truck. The beam is 10 metres long and weighs 3,000 kg. Due to site constraints, the telehandler must operate with its outriggers retracted. The load chart for the telehandler shows adequate capacity for a 3,000 kg load at the required lift height and extension, but with a warning specifying 'stable only to 50% of rated capacity without outriggers extended'. What action should the operator take?

Question: A telehandler operator is asked to lift a structural steel beam off a transport truck. The beam is 10 metres long and weighs 3,000 kg. Due to site constraints, the telehandler must operate with its outriggers retracted. The load chart for the telehandler shows adequate capacity for a 3,000 kg load at the required lift height and extension, but with a warning specifying 'stable only to 50% of rated capacity without outriggers extended'. What action should the operator take?

Answer options:

• Proceed with the lift as the load chart shows sufficient capacity at the required height and extension. ✅ Inform the supervisor that the lift cannot be safely performed without extending the outriggers.
• Attempt to lift the beam by only partially extending the boom to reduce the load moment.
• Lift the beam very slowly and monitor the load moment indicator carefully.

Correct answer: Inform the supervisor that the lift cannot be safely performed without extending the outriggers.

Explanation: The warning indicates a significant reduction in stability and capacity without outriggers. If the load is over 50% of the rated capacity without outriggers, even if it's within the 'outriggers extended' capacity, the lift cannot be performed safely. The operator must communicate this to the supervisor and insist on extending the outriggers or finding an alternative method. Partial boom extension or slow lifting does not rectify being outside the machine's safe operating parameters.