NCCCO LBT key terms

Manufacturer-provided table or graph giving the maximum allowable load for a crane at specific boom length, radius, and configuration, with deductions applied for attachments and reeving.

The maximum load a crane may lift under a given configuration as published by the manufacturer, before deductions for lifting gear and hook-block accessories.

Rated capacity reduced by the weight of all lifting attachments, rigging, and hook-block components that hang below the boom tip and are not counted as part of the load.

Total weight being handled by the crane, including the load itself plus slings, shackles, spreader beams, and any other rigging suspended from the hook.

Published weight values subtracted from the load chart rating for items such as hook block, headache ball, jib, auxiliary sheave, and boom-mounted attachments.

Horizontal distance from the crane's center of rotation to the centerline of the hoist line at the load, measured with the boom at its operating angle.

Angle between the boom centerline and horizontal, used with boom length to determine working radius and to verify the crane is operating within its charted geometry.

Charted length of the main boom or jib in use, which fixes the combination of radius and rated capacity available from the load chart.

Product of load weight and working radius, representing the overturning tendency a crane's structure and stability must resist; load moment charts and indicators use this value.

Instrument system that senses boom angle, length, and pressure or load to calculate actual load moment and warn or stop operations before charted capacity is exceeded.

Device that compares actual load and geometry against programmed charts and prevents crane functions that would increase load moment beyond a set percentage of rated capacity.

Safety system that detects contact between the hook block and boom tip and stops hoisting up or booming down to prevent rope damage and dropped loads.

Pad or float attached to the outrigger beam that spreads crane reaction loads over a larger ground area, reducing bearing pressure on mats or cribbing.

Force per unit area that outriggers or crawlers transmit to the supporting surface, calculated from crane weight, load, and the effective area of floats or mats.

Layered mats, timbers, or steel plates placed under outrigger floats or crawler tracks to distribute load and level the crane on firm supporting ground.

Evaluation of soil type, compaction, underground voids, utilities, slopes, and prior excavation at a lift site to confirm the crane can be set up and operated safely.

Pre-lift walkdown identifying overhead power lines, obstructions, traffic, pedestrians, excavation edges, and other hazards, with controls documented before work starts.

Barricaded area beneath and around the load path and crane swing radius where personnel are prohibited during lifting operations unless authorized and protected.

Area swept by the crane's counterweight, boom, and load as the upper works rotates, which must be kept clear of personnel and obstructions.

Distance the counterweight extends behind the crane's center of rotation, defining the rear clearance needed during slewing, especially in congested or roadway setups.

Written document describing the load, crane configuration, rigging, personnel responsibilities, hazard controls, and step-by-step sequence for a specific lift.

A lift meeting defined risk criteria, such as exceeding a percentage of capacity, using multiple cranes, lifting personnel, or handling high-consequence loads, requiring a more detailed plan and review.

Lift in which two or more cranes share the load, requiring coordinated planning, matched hoist speeds, defined load share, and a single qualified signal person directing both operators.

Briefing of operators, riggers, signal persons, and affected personnel before a lift to review the plan, roles, communication methods, and hazard controls.

Person who meets the employer's qualification requirements, knows standard hand signals and voice or radio commands, and is competent to direct crane movements.

Recognized set of hand and arm gestures used to direct crane operators for hoist, lower, boom, swing, stop, and emergency movements when voice communication is unavailable.

Person trained and evaluated to select, inspect, and attach rigging, determine load weight and balance, and configure sling angles for the lift.

Angle between a sling leg and the horizontal, which determines the tension in each leg; shallower angles increase leg tension and reduce usable vertical capacity.

Force carried by each sling leg, calculated from load weight, number of legs sharing the load, and the angle of each leg from horizontal.

Point at which a load's weight is balanced; the hook must be positioned above it so the load hangs level and does not shift or tilt during lifting.

Components such as shackles, hooks, swivels, links, and turnbuckles used to connect slings to the load and hook, each with a marked working load limit.

Maximum load a rigging component or assembly is rated to carry in a specified configuration, marked on the item and never exceeded during lifting.

Application of a specified test load greater than the working load limit to verify a crane, rigging assembly, or lifting device before it is placed in service.

Scheduled examination of crane components, wire rope, and rigging at intervals set by the manufacturer or standard, with results recorded and deficiencies corrected before use.

Evaluation of hoist and boom ropes for broken wires, corrosion, kinking, crushing, and diameter loss against removal criteria before continued service.

Documented evidence that a crane operator has been tested and qualified for the crane type and capacity being operated, as required by applicable standards and employer policy.

Controlled lifting of a known test load to verify crane capacity, stability, brake performance, and the function of load moment and limit devices after assembly or repair.

Rope attached to a load and controlled from outside the fall zone to restrain rotation and swing, keeping personnel clear of the load and rigging.

Condition in which a suspended load hangs level because the hook is over the center of gravity and sling legs share weight as planned.