Novice Course
Candidates With No Lift Experience
£1,295.00 inc. VAT
£1,079.17 exc. VAT
  • Up to 3 Candidates Per Course
  • Up to 3 Days Training
  • NPORS 5 Year Accreditation on Completion
  • Training at Hoath or Sandwich
  • Instructor2You Option Available
Test Only (EWT)
Experienced Worker Test
£395.00 inc. VAT
£329.17 exc. VAT
  • Up to 6 Candidates Per Day
  • 1 Day Re-assessment
  • NPORS 5 Year Accreditation on Completion
  • Training at Hoath or Sandwich
  • Instructor2You Option Available
Experienced / Refresher
For Candidates With Existing Experience
£375.00 inc. VAT
£312.50 exc. VAT
  • Up to 3 Candidates Per Course
  • 1 Days Training & Assessment
  • NPORS 5 Year Accreditation on Completion
  • Training at Hoath or Sandwich
  • Instructor2You Option Available
NPORS N138 Advanced Telehandler Training

Telehandler Suspended Loads

NPORS N138 training for operators who need to safely lift, travel with and position suspended loads using a telescopic handler, covering lifting plans, reduced capacities, signalling, lifting accessories and practical load control.

View Course Options Speak to Our Team
NPORS N138 Suspended-load lifting operations Hoath, Sandwich or suitable customer site

Choose Your N138 Suspended Loads Route

Select the route that reflects your current experience and level of competence with telehandler suspended-load operations.

Full Training Route

Novice Course

Structured N138 training for candidates needing full tuition in suspended-load operations

£1,295.00
inc. VAT · £1,079.17 exc. VAT
Course Includes:
  • Up to 3 candidates per course
  • Up to 3 days training on the current package
  • Theory and practical instruction
  • Lifting plans and risk assessment
  • Load charts and reduced capacities
  • Practical suspended-load exercises
  • NPORS assessment included

Experienced Worker Test

Formal N138 assessment for operators with sufficient existing suspended-load experience

£395.00
inc. VAT · £329.17 exc. VAT
Assessment Includes:
  • Test-only route for experienced operators
  • Approximately 2.5 hours assessment time
  • Theory assessment
  • Practical suspended-load assessment
  • Up to 6 EWT candidates per day
  • Hoath, Sandwich or suitable on-site delivery
  • NPORS certification on successful completion

Experienced / Refresher

Training and assessment for operators with existing telehandler and suspended-load experience

£375.00
inc. VAT · £312.50 exc. VAT
Course Includes:
  • Up to 3 candidates per course
  • 1 day training and assessment
  • Knowledge and skills review
  • Load charts and lifting capacity refresh
  • Lifting accessories and signalling review
  • Practical suspended-load assessment
  • NPORS certification on successful completion

For business or group bookings, please contact us.

NPORS N138 Training Kent

Telehandler Suspended Loads Training

Using a telescopic handler to lift a suspended load introduces different risks from normal fork or carriage operations. The load can move independently of the boom, capacity is reduced and the operator must control travel, communication and load position throughout the lift.

NPORS N138 develops the knowledge and practical competence needed to use a telehandler with a suitable lifting attachment for suspended-load operations in construction, infrastructure, utilities, industrial and specialist lifting environments.

Training covers lift planning, safe working loads, centres of gravity, lifting accessories, signalling, environmental hazards and controlled practical lifting exercises.

N138 suspended-load operations are assessed separately from standard telehandler operation. The correct training route depends on the operator's existing telehandler and suspended-load competence.
Existing Telehandler Qualification

The standard N138 suspended-load category is commonly added to existing telehandler competence. NPORS also publishes a separate N138 novice route. Speak to our team before booking if you are unsure which route applies to your current experience and card status.

Telehandler plant training at Kent Training
Reduced Capacity Suspended-load operations can require lower lifting capacities than standard fork-mounted load handling.
Slinger / Signaller Practical lifting operations require clear coordination and communication with the person controlling the load.
Walking-Pace Travel Suspended loads must be moved with exceptional care, accounting for load movement, terrain and machine stability.

What Will You Learn?

The N138 programme combines lifting theory, equipment knowledge and practical suspended-load exercises.

Safe Working Loads

Understanding capacity limitations and the effect a suspended load has on the telehandler's operating limits.

Load Charts

Reading duty charts correctly for the machine, configuration and lifting attachment being used.

Lift Planning

Understanding risk assessment, lifting plans, lift categories and the controls required before starting work.

Centres of Gravity

Assessing load shape, balance, estimated weight and the effect of an offset or moving centre of gravity.

Lifting Accessories

Correct use and inspection awareness for chains, slings, hooks, lifting points and approved attachments.

Slinger / Signaller Coordination

Safe communication, recognised signals and coordinated movement throughout suspended-load operations.

Environmental Conditions

Considering wind, ground conditions, overhead hazards, proximity hazards and surrounding site activity.

Load Control & Travel

Controlling boom position, load height, travel speed and machine movement while transporting a suspended load.

Pre-Use & Equipment Checks

Checking the telehandler, lifting attachment, accessory condition and relevant documentation before lifting.

LOLER & PUWER Awareness

Understanding operator responsibilities and the additional legal controls around lifting operations.

Dynamic Load Movement

Recognising swing, momentum and other dynamic forces that can affect machine stability and load control.

Practical Suspended Lifts

Completing controlled lifting, travelling and placement exercises under guidance from a slinger / signaller.

Which N138 Route Is Right for You?

The route is selected according to previous training, current certification and practical suspended-load experience.

Novice Training

A structured training route for candidates who require full instruction before completing the N138 assessments.

Experienced Worker Test

A test-only route for operators who can already demonstrate sufficient knowledge and practical suspended-load ability.

Experienced / Refresher

One-day training and assessment to refresh existing knowledge, address gaps and confirm current competence.

Business / Group Training

Training can be arranged for employers at Kent Training or at a suitable customer site with the correct machine, lifting equipment and training area.

NPORS N138 Assessment

Candidates are assessed on both underpinning knowledge and practical suspended-load competence.

Theory Knowledge

Demonstrate understanding of safe lifting principles, legal responsibilities, load charts, hazards and suspended-load planning.

Pre-Use Checks

Identify the checks required for the telehandler, attachment and lifting accessories before operations begin.

Practical Lifting

Lift, travel with and place different suspended loads while maintaining safe control of the machine and load.

Communication

Work safely with a slinger / signaller using agreed signals and stopping immediately when safe coordination is lost.

Positioning & Placement

Demonstrate accurate boom control, machine positioning and controlled load placement without creating unnecessary load movement.

Successful Completion

Candidates who meet the required standard receive the relevant NPORS operator certification for N138.

Suspended-Load Operations

Why Suspended Loads Need Additional Training

A suspended load can swing, rotate or move independently of the telehandler. This changes the way forces act on the machine and makes sudden movements, poor ground conditions, excessive speed or incorrect boom positioning particularly hazardous.

Operators must also understand the correct lifting attachment, duty chart and safe configuration for the machine being used. Where no suitable manufacturer information or duty chart is available, the attachment should not be used for suspended-load work.

Practical lifting is carried out in coordination with a dedicated competent slinger / signaller. Where the telehandler operator is also expected to sling loads, separate competence and authorisation for that role is required.

NPORS telehandler operator training

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NPORS N138?

N138 is the NPORS category covering telescopic-handler operations with suspended loads, including the additional theory and practical skills required when a load is suspended from a suitable lifting attachment.

Do I need a telehandler qualification first?

The standard N138 suspended-load route is designed as an addition to existing telehandler competence. NPORS also publishes a separate N138 novice category. Contact Kent Training before booking if your existing qualification or experience is unclear.

How long does the EWT take?

Kent Training shows the Experienced Worker Test as an approximately 2.5-hour assessment route for operators who already have sufficient practical experience.

What is different about a suspended load?

The load can swing and move independently of the machine, which affects stability and load control. Capacity, travel speed, environmental conditions, signalling and lift planning all need additional consideration.

Do I need a Slinger / Signaller?

Practical suspended-load operations rely on safe coordination with a competent and authorised slinger / signaller. If the telehandler operator is also expected to sling loads, they need the appropriate competence for that separate duty as well.

Can the training be completed at our site?

Yes, suitable on-site training can be arranged where the customer provides an appropriate telehandler, lifting attachment, lifting accessories, loads and a safe training area that meets the assessment requirements.

How many candidates can attend?

The currently published Kent Training options allow up to three candidates on novice and experienced / refresher courses, and up to six Experienced Worker Tests in a day.

What lifting accessories are covered?

Training includes awareness of suitable chains, slings, hooks, approved lifting points and attachments, together with the checks required before they are used.

Does the telehandler need a specific attachment?

The machine must use a compatible, suitable lifting attachment and have the correct manufacturer information or duty chart for the configuration being used.

Is this the same as standard N010 Telehandler training?

No. N010 covers standard telescopic-handler operation. N138 specifically addresses the additional risks and competence required when handling suspended loads.

N138 Training Kent

Telehandler Suspended Loads Training in Kent

Training is available through Kent Training at Hoath or Sandwich, with suitable on-site delivery available for business and group bookings.

Kent Training, Ramsgate Road, Richborough, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9QN

Supporting Operators and Employers

We support plant operators and businesses across:

Canterbury Ashford Maidstone Dover Folkestone Sittingbourne Medway Thanet Customer Sites

Need Help Choosing the Correct N138 Route?

Tell us what telehandler qualification you already hold, your suspended-load experience and whether training is required at our centre or your workplace.

Speak to Our Team 01227 910 490