NCCCO LBC cheat sheet

Ground bearing pressure (GBP) = outrigger reaction load ÷ effective float or mat contact area; compare with allowable soil bearing capacity.

Required mat area = outrigger load ÷ allowable ground bearing pressure; mats spread load and reduce pressure under floats.

Level the crane within the manufacturer's tolerance (commonly ≤1%) before lifting; outriggers fully extended, floats pinned, and tires clear of the ground.

OSHA 1926.1408 Table A minimum power line clearance: 10 ft (≤50 kV), 15 ft (50–200 kV), 20 ft (200–350 kV), 25 ft (350–500 kV), 30 ft (500–750 kV).

Barricade or control the swing radius of the rotating superstructure and counterweight; keep personnel out of the crush zone.

Daily pre-shift inspection: outriggers, hydraulic leaks, wire rope, hook and latch, LMI, anti-two-block, level indicator, fire extinguisher; document and correct defects.

Wire rope removal criteria: 6 randomly distributed broken wires in one lay, 3 broken wires in one strand in one lay, or 1 broken outer wire at an end fitting.

Keep outriggers and tracks back from excavations, trenches, and underground utilities; use manufacturer setback or a qualified engineer's evaluation.

Load moment = load weight × horizontal radius; the LMI compares actual moment with the rated moment for the configuration.

Never side-load or drag a load; use tag lines and keep the hoist line vertical over the load's center of gravity.

Deduct hook block, rigging, slings, shackles, jib, and stowed attachments from gross chart capacity to obtain net capacity.

The anti-two-block device stops hoisting before the hook block contacts the boom tip; test it during the pre-shift inspection.

Only one designated signalperson directs the operator, but anyone may give an emergency stop signal, which the operator must obey immediately.

Travel with a load only per the manufacturer's travel chart, boom low, load trailing, slow speed, and a designated spotter.

Personnel lifting requires an approved platform, pre-lift meeting, trial lift, fall protection, and a crane rated for personnel lifting.

Multi-crane lifts need a written plan, equal load sharing, capacity checks for each crane, and a designated lift director.

Net capacity = gross chart capacity − (hook block + rigging + jib + stowed boom + load handling attachments).

Radius is the horizontal distance from the center of rotation to the load center of gravity; boom deflection increases the actual radius.

Chart capacity is the lower of structural strength and stability (tipping) limits for the given configuration.

Load charts are configuration-specific: boom length, jib, counterweight, outrigger span, quadrant, and travel mode.

Restricted quadrants (over front or rear) may have lower capacities than 360-degree charts; verify the chart matches the setup.

For radii between chart values, use the next lower capacity or linear interpolation only if permitted; never round up.

Jib and boom extension capacities are much lower than main boom capacities; use the jib chart and deduct the jib weight.

Range diagrams verify boom length and angle combinations that reach the required radius and height before selecting a chart.

OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC governs construction cranes; ASME B30.5 provides mobile crane safety requirements.

Power line minimum clearances per OSHA Table A: 10 ft ≤50 kV; 15 ft 50–200 kV; 20 ft 200–350 kV; 25 ft 350–500 kV; 30 ft 500–750 kV.

Frequent inspections are monthly to quarterly and periodic inspections annually; document all inspections and correct deficiencies before use.

Two-leg sling tension per leg = (load ÷ 2) ÷ sin(angle from horizontal); lower angles increase tension sharply.

Sling angle factor for a symmetrical two-leg bridle: each leg carries load × [1 ÷ (2 sin θ)], where θ is the angle from horizontal.

Operators must be certified or qualified under OSHA 1926.1427 and evaluated by the employer.

Fall protection is required above 15 ft for personnel on cranes; use guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems.

Lockout/tagout: isolate and tag all energy sources and release stored hydraulic or electrical energy before maintenance.