Operations: Pre-Lift, Lift Execution, and Shutdown
Operations
The Operations domain covers the lift from pre-operation inspection through shutdown: functional checks, communication, load control, and securing the machine.
Before the lift
- Walk around the crane: hydraulic leaks, tire condition, outrigger beams and pads, wire rope, hook latch, boom wear pads, LMI, and anti-two-block.
- Function-test the horn, lights, LMI/ATB, winch brake, boom telescope, and outriggers. Never bypass a safety device.
- Hold a pre-lift meeting with the rigger and signal person: load weight, radius, chart, path, landing, and emergency stop.
During the lift
- Use one designated signal person. Anyone may give a stop signal. Hand signals follow ASME B30.5 and OSHA 1926.1419.
- Keep the load controlled with taglines; no side loading, dragging, or sudden starts and stops. Keep personnel out from under the load.
- Watch the LMI, radius, wind, and ground. If the LMI warns or the load drifts outside the plan, stop and reassess.
Shutdown
- Land the load, lower and retract the boom, set the outriggers, secure attachments, and chock the truck.
Worked example: A 3,000 lb engine is rigged with 200 lb of slings and hook block. The chart at the planned 10 ft radius gives 4,000 lb. Gross load is 3,200 lb, so the lift is within capacity-but only if the outriggers are in the charted configuration and the quadrant is covered. The signal person steps out of view; the operator stops rather than guessing.
Traps: using a phone instead of hand signals, accepting signals from two people, treating the LMI as a substitute for the load chart, lifting before outriggers are set, and ignoring wind on a large sail area.