HK Crane Operator (CIC) cheat sheet

Load moment = load weight × operating radius measured horizontally from the slewing centre to the load's centre of gravity; capacity charts are valid only for the radius actually measured, not the boom length.

Rated capacity already includes the deduction for hook block, slings and other lifting gear only where the chart states 'gross' values; where charts give 'net' capacity, add rigging weight to the load before comparing with the rating.

Telescopic boom capacity falls with boom extension as well as radius: for the same radius, a longer boom with a heavier boom section gives a lower rating, so the chart column for the actual boom length must be used.

Tower crane rated capacity is limited by the jib-end (tip) load and by the maximum load near the tower; the load moment limiter must be set so that neither the moment curve nor the tip-load limit is exceeded.

Slewing and travel brakes, outrigger beams, level indicators and the rated capacity limiter/indicator are pre-use checks; the RCI must be calibrated and must not be overridden to lift beyond the chart.

Stability rule: mobile cranes on outriggers require fully extended beams and pads on ground able to carry the outrigger load; the chart assumes the crane is level within the manufacturer's tolerance (commonly about 1%).

Wind limits: stop lifting when wind speed exceeds the manufacturer's figure for the boom/jib configuration in use, and remember that a large sail-area load increases the effect well before the crane's own limit is reached.

Two-crane (tandem) lifts require a written plan, a designated lift supervisor, load share kept within each crane's chart at all times, and radio contact between operators; each crane must be rated for at least its planned share plus a margin.

Hand signals follow the standard set: raise/lower, slew left/right (from the operator's seat), extend/retract boom, raise/lower boom, stop, and emergency stop - one signalman only, and any person may give the emergency stop.

Sling angle factor: tension in each leg = load / (number of legs × cos of the angle from vertical); at 60° from vertical the factor is 2.0, at 45° it is 1.41, at 30° it is 1.15 - never exceed the sling's WLL.

Wire rope inspection rejection criteria include broken wires in a specified length, kinking, bird-caging, corrosion, and reduction in diameter beyond the manufacturer's limit; discard rather than re-reeve damaged rope.

Rigging hardware: shackles must be rated and pin-loaded correctly, hooks need a functioning safety latch, and the SWL/WLL marking must be legible; never side-load a hook beyond its rated angle.

Outrigger ground pressure: use spreader mats sized so the pressure under the pad stays below the ground's bearing capacity; hidden voids, drains, backfilled trenches and suspended slabs are common causes of overturning.

Signals and communication: if radio fails, stop the lift; the operator must stop on any unclear signal, and a suspended load must never be left unattended or slewed over people.

Daily and statutory examination: pre-use checks by the operator, and thorough examination by a competent examiner at the interval set by local law (commonly 12 months, or 6 months for lifting people/equipment) with a report before return to service.

Load charts are configuration-specific: counterweight, outrigger spread, boom/jib combination, tyre pressure and pick-and-carry vs stationary all change the rating; the correct chart page must be identified before the lift.

Pick-and-carry capacity is far lower than stationary capacity because tyre deflection and suspension travel affect stability; travel with the load low, boom short, and a banksman guiding.

Boom deflection and radius growth: as the boom deflects under load, the actual radius increases and capacity falls, so the load must be lifted slightly and the radius re-checked before hoisting to full height.

Shock loading is multiplied by dynamic factors; snatching a load, rapid slewing with a swinging load, or dragging a load sideways all produce forces beyond the static weight and are prohibited.

Tower crane climbing and erection, and mobile crane boom assembly, are planned operations requiring the manufacturer's procedures, a method statement, exclusion zones and wind monitoring.

Electrical safety: keep the manufacturer's minimum clearance from overhead lines (commonly 3 m for lines up to 66 kV, more for higher voltages); use goal posts or a permit-to-work and a banksman when clearance cannot be kept.

Rope reeving and parts of line: the hook block's number of falls sets the line pull and the load on each rope part; the drum must retain the manufacturer's minimum number of dead wraps at all times.

Crane types and duties: tower cranes for high reach on site, crawler cranes for soft ground and travel with load, all-terrain mobiles for road travel, and lorry loaders for transport duties - duty cycle and utilisation class must match the work.

Emergency procedures: lower the load if possible, stop all motions, keep the area clear, and never attempt to catch or manually steady a swinging load; report any limit-switch or brake fault immediately.

Personnel lifting is a separate category with its own rules: a certified man-riding basket, reduced capacity, secondary retention, and a specific risk assessment are required - general lift plans do not cover it.