NCCCO Boom Truck key terms

A lift that meets defined risk criteria, such as exceeding 75 percent of rated capacity, using more than one crane, lifting over occupied areas, or involving personnel transport, and therefore requires a written plan and added supervision.

A written document prepared before a lift that identifies the load weight, rigging, crane position, boom configuration, capacity at the working radius, ground conditions, and the person in charge.

The force per unit area that a crane's outrigger or tire footprint applies to the supporting surface, calculated from the total weight carried and the area of the load-spreading pad.

Hardwood, steel, or engineered pads placed under outrigger floats or tires to spread load over a larger area and to level the crane on firm, stable ground.

The horizontal distance from the crane's center of rotation to the center of gravity of the load, measured with the boom at the position used for the lift.

The manufacturer-supplied table or graph that states the maximum allowable load for each combination of boom length, boom angle or radius, and outrigger or tire configuration.

The maximum load a crane may handle at a given configuration and radius after all applicable deductions, as published in the manufacturer's load chart for that specific machine.

The value read directly from the load chart for a given boom and radius, before subtracting the weight of rigging, hooks, and other lifting attachments.

The gross chart capacity minus the weight of all lifting attachments and rigging below the boom tip, representing the maximum weight of the actual load that may be lifted.

The measured length of the telescopic boom from its pivot point to the tip, in the specific extended configuration, used to select the correct column in the load chart.

The angle between the boom centerline and horizontal, measured with an installed angle indicator and used with boom length to determine radius and chart capacity.

Any item of weight, such as the hook block, head sheave, jib, or auxiliary lifting device, that must be subtracted from gross chart capacity because it is not part of the payload.

A jib or boom extension carried attached to the boom in a retracted or offset position, whose weight must be accounted for per the load chart notes even when not in use.

The load chart section that applies to the crane's working quadrant or over-the-end, over-the-side, or over-the-rear configuration, since capacity often differs by swing position.

A multiplier applied to sling leg tension that increases as the horizontal angle between the sling leg and the load decreases, so shallower angles produce higher leg loads.

The actual force carried by each sling leg, calculated from the load weight, number of legs sharing it, and the angle each leg makes with horizontal.

The maximum load that a rigging component, sling, or piece of hardware is rated to support in a specific configuration, as marked by the manufacturer.

The point at which the entire weight of an object is considered concentrated, determining how a load hangs and where the lifting point must be placed for balance.

A U-shaped rigging connector closed with a pin or bolt, used to join slings to lifting eyes or hooks, rated by its working load limit and marked accordingly.

The collective term for shackles, hooks, links, swivels, rings, and similar rated fittings used to connect slings and loads, each requiring identification and inspection.

The visual and physical examination of slings for broken wires, cuts, burns, knots, tag removal, or hardware damage, with removal from service when any rejection criterion is met.

The pad or float attached to the end of an outrigger beam that distributes the outrigger reaction force over a larger ground area when properly deployed.

The extendable structural member that projects from the crane carrier to widen the stability base, which must be fully extended and pinned per the manufacturer before lifting.

The ability of the crane to resist overturning under load and dynamic forces, determined by the machine's geometry, counterweight, outrigger spread, and ground conditions.

The product of load weight and working radius, which the crane's structural and stability limits constrain; load moment indicators use this value to warn of overload.

An instrument system that senses boom length, angle, and pressure or force to calculate load moment, displaying capacity information and warning or limiting operation when limits are approached.

A device that displays the actual load being lifted relative to the rated capacity for the current boom configuration, and often provides an audible or visual overload warning.

The documented check of the crane, rigging, and site performed before each shift or lift, covering fluid levels, wire rope, hooks, safety devices, and outrigger setup.

A periodic examination of the crane required at intervals set by the manufacturer or standard, such as monthly to quarterly, covering items that can deteriorate with use.

A more thorough scheduled inspection, typically annual, that may require disassembly or non-destructive testing and is performed by a qualified person per the manufacturer's criteria.

Examination of hoist and boom rope for broken wires, corrosion, kinks, bird-caging, and diameter reduction, with removal from service when any published limit is exceeded.

A safety device that detects when the hook block approaches the boom tip and stops hoisting or booming down to prevent rope damage or a dropped load.

The standardized set of arm and hand movements used by a signal person to direct the operator when voice or radio communication is not practical or reliable.

The qualified individual who directs crane movement, must be clearly identifiable, and must be able to see the load and operator or relay signals through an intermediate person.

Two-way voice contact between the signal person and operator, requiring agreed frequencies, clear channel discipline, and a designated person authorized to give stop signals.

Rotation of the upper structure about the crane's vertical axis, which changes the working quadrant and can affect capacity and load control during a lift.

Maintaining a load's position and stability with tag lines or other means so it does not swing, rotate, or strike structures during hoisting, travel, and placement.

A rope attached to a load and controlled by a worker from a safe position to restrain rotation and guide the load, never used to pull a load beyond the rated radius.

The required minimum distance between any part of the crane, load, or rigging and energized electrical lines, with greater distances for higher voltages and a dedicated spotter when required.

A person capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards and who has authority to take prompt corrective action, as defined in OSHA crane and rigging standards.

A person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or by extensive knowledge and experience, has demonstrated ability to resolve problems relating to the subject.

Documented proof that a crane operator has passed a written and practical assessment for the crane type and capacity, and maintains qualification through required refresher evaluation.