A man basket, also called a man cage or man riding cage, lets a telehandler lift people to work at height. It's handy for odd jobs like changing a light or checking a gutter, but UK guidance sets firm limits on when a basket carried on the forks can be used, and many telehandlers fall outside them. This guide explains the rules, what a basket needs and when to use something else. If your job fits the rules, our telehandler man riding cage comes in 1400mm and 2440mm widths.
Integrated and Non-Integrated Platforms
There are two kinds of work platform for telehandlers, and the rules for each are very different.
| Platform | Who controls the machine | What it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated platform | The person in the platform. Its controls are linked to the telehandler and isolate the cab controls. | Work at height with a platform built to work with that telehandler |
| Non-integrated platform (man basket or cage) | The telehandler operator, from the cab. There are no controls in the platform. | Occasional, non-routine work at height in exceptional circumstances |
A man basket that slides onto the forks, like our telehandler man riding cage, is a non-integrated platform. The rest of this guide is about that kind.
When Can You Use a Man Basket on a Telehandler?
The main UK guidance is HSE's PM28, Working platforms (non-integrated) on forklift trucks. It starts from the point that lift trucks are built to lift materials, not people, and allows non-integrated platforms only for occasional use in exceptional circumstances. Its example is non-routine maintenance where it's impractical to hire purpose-built access equipment. Routine or planned work doesn't count, and PM28 says these platforms aren't suitable for order picking or routine maintenance.
Three more limits matter for telehandler owners:
- The 6m limit. PM28 says non-integrated platforms aren't suitable for telehandlers that can lift to a nominal height of more than 6m. If your machine can lift higher than that, a basket on the forks falls outside the guidance, whatever height you plan to work at.
- Rough terrain. PM28 says using these platforms on rough terrain telehandlers needs extra care, because of the ground these machines usually work on.
- Construction sites. Safe Use of Telehandlers in Construction, the industry guide from the Construction Plant-hire Association and the Strategic Forum Plant Safety Group, says non-integrated platforms must not be used for planned tasks on construction sites.
PM28 also says you must consult the manufacturer or supplier of both the platform and the telehandler before using them together for the first time, and that the platform plus its load should be no more than half the truck's actual capacity.
What a Man Basket Needs
PM28 sets out the design features a non-integrated platform should have. The main ones are:
- A positive locking device, for example behind the heels of the forks, so the platform can't slide off.
- Fork pockets that enclose the forks along the full length of the platform.
- Guard rails with a top rail between 1000mm and 1100mm above the floor, and toe boards at least 150mm high.
- Any gate opening inwards, upwards or sideways, and closing again on its own.
- One or more anchor points for a personal work restraint system.
- A platform kept as small as possible for the job.
Our telehandler man riding cage is designed to PM28, with full-length fork pockets and a security locking system, harness anchorage points, in-board handholds, kick rails and an anti-slip floor.
Rules While the Basket Is in Use
- Plan the job. Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), every lift must be planned by a competent person. Include how you'd bring people down if the machine broke down.
- Use a trained operator. Basic telehandler training doesn't cover lifting people, so the operator must be trained and assessed as competent for it.
- Set up on firm, level ground, with stabilisers down if your machine has them, as the manufacturer describes.
- Stay at the controls. PM28 says the operator must remain at the controls while the platform is raised.
- Don't drive with the platform raised. Only small, controlled positioning moves are acceptable, and only when they're needed.
- Keep in touch. There must be clear communication between the operator and the people in the basket. Use radios or an agreed set of signals. PM28 says aids are likely to be needed once the platform is more than 4m above the operator.
- Clip on. People in the basket should wear a harness with a short lanyard clipped to an anchor point, so they can't reach a position where they could fall.
- Close off the area below so people and vehicles can't pass underneath.
Inspections and Thorough Examination
Under LOLER, equipment used to lift people must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every six months, unless you follow a written examination scheme. That applies to the telehandler as well as the basket. Keep the reports with your lifting equipment records, and check the basket before every use:
- The locking device engages and holds the basket firmly on the forks.
- The fork pockets, floor and welds show no cracks, bends or heavy corrosion.
- The guard rails and toe boards are complete and secure.
- The gate closes and latches on its own.
- The anchor points are undamaged.
When to Use Something Else
A man basket isn't the answer to every job at height. Use a MEWP, such as a cherry picker or scissor lift, an integrated platform made for your telehandler, or another purpose-built access method when:
- The work is planned or regular, such as routine maintenance or anything that's part of production.
- Your telehandler can lift higher than 6m.
- You're on a construction site and the task is planned.
Telehandler Man Basket FAQs
Is it legal to lift people with a telehandler in the UK?
Yes, with the right equipment in the right circumstances. An integrated platform made for your telehandler is the right choice for planned work at height. A non-integrated basket on the forks is only for occasional, exceptional jobs, on telehandlers that lift no higher than 6m, and not for planned tasks on construction sites.
Can someone ride in a bucket or on a pallet instead?
No. Never lift people in a bucket, on a pallet or on the forks. Buckets and attachments such as a telehandler lifting jib are only for lifting goods, so use a platform designed for lifting people.
Can I use a forklift man cage on my telehandler?
Only if the combination is suitable. PM28 says you must consult the platform and truck manufacturers before using a combination for the first time, and the forks must fit the cage's pockets with the locking device engaged. Telehandler forks are often larger than forklift forks, so check the pocket size. Our telehandler man riding cage takes forks up to 160 x 70mm in section.
How often does a man basket need inspecting?
It needs a thorough examination by a competent person at least every six months under LOLER, plus a visual check before every use.
Can the telehandler move with someone in the basket?
Not while the platform is raised. PM28 only allows small, controlled positioning moves when they're needed. Lower the platform before you move the machine anywhere.
Do people in the basket need a harness?
PM28 says the platform should have anchor points for a personal work restraint system. A harness with a short lanyard clipped to one of them stops the wearer reaching a position where they could fall.
Browse Telehandler Man Riding Cages
See the telehandler man riding cage in painted or galvanised finishes, or request a quote with your telehandler make, model, maximum lift height and fork size. Using a forklift? Read forklift safety cages explained or see our forklift man cages. For lifting goods instead of people, read how to lift safely with a telehandler jib or hook. If you'd like the cage on quick hitch brackets rather than the forks, our guide to telehandler quick hitch types explains what we need to know. You can also browse all our telehandler attachments.
