A telehandler is a versatile machine that is a bit like a Swiss army knife: it has an extendable boom at the front and can be used to scoop large quantities of soil at a time, carry heavy loads on forks or simply push waste in some way.
The ‘Conduct Telescopic Materials Handler Operations’ course was delivered by Steve Maher of All Global Training and took place in Atitjere. It gives participants the necessary knowledge and practical skills to operate the telehandler effectively and safely.
The theoretical part of the training covered safety guidelines, equipment features relevant to waste management, environmental regulations, and proper waste handling procedures.
The practical part gave the participants a hands-on experience in operating the telehandler at the landfill, including proper waste material handling, navigating uneven terrain, forklifting objects, using an extendable boom, and implementing safety measures during waste disposal.
Participants in the training were David Rankine, Shannon White, Jason Clements, Griffith Reiff and Robert Russo from Atitjere, and Usiah Narawa, Albert Wilson Jnr and Bruno Tilmouth from Engawala, as well as Kayode Samuel, Coordinator, Waste and Sustainability from Alice Springs.
Previously, Atitjere and Engawala did not have suitable equipment to perform demanding tasks related to waste management. Using funding from the Waste and Resource Management (WaRM) program from the Northern Territory Government, CDRC bought a telehandler to meet this need.
This training helps support the CDRC Waste Management Strategy 2023-27, which aims to provide opportunities for local Council staff to feel empowered, well trained and confident in implementing identified waste management priorities. It is available to view on the CDRC website at CDRC Waste Management Strategy 2023-27
Photo above: Learning the ins and outs of the telehandler.
A participant using the telehandler to move a car body at the Atitjere landfill.
Instructor Steve Maher taking the participants through some theoretical aspects of telehandler operation.
Participants were taken through some pre-start checks on the telehandler.
Demonstrating what the telehandler can do.
