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i need a toolbox about the requirements for lift plans

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Published by SALUS

Lift Plans, Critical Lift Planning, and Crane/Rigging Operations ================================================================

Date: 2026-08-10

Duration: \[DURATION] minutes

Presenter: \[PRESENTER NAME]

Location: \[LOCATION]

Objective

To reinforce the essential safety requirements for planning and executing crane and rigging lifts, with emphasis on critical lift planning, load calculations, hazard assessment, qualified personnel, pre-lift communication, inspection, exclusion zones, and regulatory compliance.

Introduction

Lift planning is one of the most important controls for preventing serious injuries and fatalities during crane and rigging operations. Cranes can move heavy loads over large work areas, create struck-by and crush hazards, and expose workers to falls and electrocution if the lift is not properly planned and controlled. Critical lifts and multiple-crane lifts require even greater attention because the margin for error is smaller and the consequences of failure are severe. A well-developed lift plan, a qualified lift director, trained riggers and signal persons, and clear communication are essential to keeping people, equipment, and property safe.

Presenter Note: Open by stressing that most crane incidents are preventable when the lift is planned before the load is picked. Ask the group to think about the last lift they saw and what could have gone wrong without a plan.

Key Points

  • 1\. Every lift must start with a hazard assessment and a clear lift plan: Before any load is moved, the crew must identify the hazards that could affect the lift, including overhead obstructions, power lines, ground conditions, weather, load path, landing area, and nearby workers. For critical lifts and multiple-crane lifts, the plan must be more detailed and must address the specific hazards of the operation. The plan should define the load, the rigging method, the travel path, the landing area, communication methods, and the people responsible for each task. [1]

[7]

  • Identify the load weight and center of gravity before rigging.
  • Confirm the crane configuration and rated capacity for the planned radius.
  • Review the route of travel and the final landing area.
  • Stop the lift if conditions change or the plan no longer fits the work.
  • 2\. Critical lifts and tandem lifts require formal planning and communication: A critical lift is not a routine lift. It requires a written lift plan, communication of that plan to everyone involved, and documentation of the pre-job meeting. For tandem or multiple-crane lifts, the plan must be developed by a qualified person, and engineering expertise must be provided when needed. The lift director must review the plan with all workers before the lift begins, and the meeting must be repeated if personnel or equipment change. [4]

[5] [6]

  • Treat any lift over the critical threshold or involving more than one crane as a high-risk evolution.
  • Do not begin until the lift director confirms the plan with the crew.
  • Repeat the pre-lift meeting if the plan, crew, or equipment changes.
  • Make sure workers from other companies involved in the lift are included in the briefing.
  • 3\. Load calculations and rigging selection must be verified before the pick: The crew must know the actual load weight, the center of gravity, and the capacity of the crane and rigging components. Slings, chains, straps, shackles, and lifting attachments must be rated for the load and used according to manufacturer instructions. Poor calculations or incorrect rigging can overload equipment, create an unbalanced lift, or cause the load to shift or drop. [2]

[2] [1]

  • Verify the weight of the load, including any attachments or contents.
  • Confirm all rigging hardware has a visible safe working load tag.
  • Use rigging that keeps the load balanced and stable.
  • Do not modify rigging by welding, drilling, or improvising repairs.
  • 4\. Qualified people must fill the right roles: Lift safety depends on assigning the right people to the right tasks. Operators must be qualified and certified, riggers must be qualified, signal persons must be trained, and the lift director must be competent and qualified for the job. A competent person must be able to identify hazards and take prompt corrective action. If the crew does not know who is directing the lift, who is rigging the load, or who is signaling, the operation is not ready to start. [1]

[2] [9]

  • Confirm the operator’s certification before the lift begins.
  • Use a qualified rigger for rigging and load handling tasks.
  • Assign only one signal person unless the situation requires otherwise.
  • Make sure the lift director has authority to stop the job if conditions become unsafe.
  • 5\. Exclusion zones and communication prevent struck-by and crush incidents: No one should be under a suspended load or inside the swing radius, pinch points, or landing area. Barricades, warning signs, spotters, and clear hand signals or radio communication help keep unauthorized people out of the lift zone. The operator and signal person must maintain effective communication at all times, and only one person should give signals unless a specific hazardous situation requires otherwise. [1]

[3] [2]

  • Barricade the swing radius and landing area before the lift starts.
  • Keep all personnel clear of the fall zone and directly under the load.
  • Use standard hand signals or radio communication consistently.
  • Use an air horn or other warning device when needed to alert nearby workers.

Hazard Identification

The following hazards are commonly associated with lift plans, crane operations, and rigging activities. Each hazard can lead to serious injury, fatality, equipment damage, or uncontrolled load movement if not properly controlled.

  • Load overload due to incorrect weight calculation, wrong crane configuration, or rigging that is not rated for the lift: Rigging failure, dropped load, crane damage, overturning, struck-by injuries, and fatalities. [2]

[1]

(Risk: High)

  • Workers entering the swing radius, landing area, or area directly under a suspended load: Crushing injuries, struck-by injuries, fatal injuries, and entrapment if the load shifts or falls. [1]

[3]

(Risk: High)

  • Contact with overhead power lines or other electrical hazards during crane movement: Electrocution, arc flash, burns, equipment damage, and secondary injuries from panic or equipment movement. [1]

[8]

(Risk: High)

  • Poor communication between operator, signal person, riggers, and other workers: Conflicting instructions, unexpected load movement, dropped loads, collisions, and struck-by incidents. [3]

[4]

(Risk: High)

  • Unstable ground, weather, or site conditions affecting crane setup and load travel: Crane instability, tipping, load swing, loss of control, and serious injury to workers nearby. [1]

[7]

(Risk: High)

Presenter Note: Ask participants to name the hazards they see most often on their sites, then connect each one back to the lift plan and the controls that should already be in place.

Control Measures

Use the hierarchy of controls to reduce lift risk. Eliminate unnecessary lifts where possible, substitute safer methods or smaller components when practical, engineer the lift through a qualified plan, isolate the hazard with barricades and exclusion zones, and rely on administrative controls such as pre-lift meetings, signal procedures, and competent supervision. PPE is the last line of defense and does not replace planning or exclusion zones.

  • Develop a written lift plan for critical lifts and a documented plan for multiple-crane or tandem lifts: Include rigging details, wind speed limits, hoist and travel speed limits where applicable, load distribution, and the need for and position of signal persons. Make the plan available at the worksite and review it before the lift starts. [4]
  • Assign a qualified lift director with authority to control the operation: The lift director must be competent, qualified, and able to stop the lift if conditions change. For multiple-crane lifts, ensure the lift director reviews the plan with all involved workers before work begins. [6]
  • Verify crane, rigging, and accessory capacities before each lift: Check load charts, rigging tags, sling angles, and attachment points. Confirm that the crane configuration and rigging capacity exceed the planned load and that all components are in serviceable condition. [1]

[2]

  • Inspect crane setup, ground conditions, and environmental conditions before lifting: Confirm outriggers are deployed and supported, the ground can support the load, and weather conditions remain within safe limits. Stop work if wind, visibility, or site conditions create instability. [1]

[1]

  • Establish and enforce exclusion zones around the crane, load path, and landing area: Use barricades, warning signs, and spotters to keep workers out of the swing radius, pinch points, and fall zone. No one should travel or work under a suspended load. [1]

[2]

  • Use a trained signal person and standard communication methods: Use standard hand signals or radio communication, and ensure the operator and signal person can see or hear each other at all times. Limit signals to one person unless a specific hazardous situation requires otherwise. [3]

[3]

  • Control overhead power line exposure before the lift begins: Survey the site, identify all power lines, maintain required clearance, and coordinate with the utility owner if work must occur near energized lines. Treat all lines as energized until verified otherwise. [8]

[8]

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Confirm the lift scope, load weight, center of gravity, crane configuration, and rigging method before the lift is approved. [2]
  2. Hold a pre-lift meeting with all involved workers, including contractors and support personnel, and review the lift plan, hazards, communication methods, and stop-work authority. [6]
  3. Inspect the crane, rigging, hooks, slings, shackles, and accessories before use and remove damaged or untagged equipment from service. [2]

[2]

  1. Establish barricades and keep all personnel out of the swing radius, fall zone, and area directly under the load. [1]

[2]

  1. Stop the lift immediately if weather, ground conditions, communication, or equipment condition changes create an unsafe condition. [1]

Presenter Note: Walk the group through the lift from start to finish: planning, inspection, setup, communication, execution, and shutdown. Emphasize that any worker can stop the lift if something does not look right.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Hard Hat: Wear a hard hat whenever working near crane and rigging operations to protect against struck-by hazards from tools, rigging hardware, or shifting loads. Ensure the hard hat is properly fitted and kept in good condition. [2]
    • Inspect for cracks, UV damage, or missing suspension parts.
    • Replace damaged head protection immediately.
  • High-Visibility Apparel: High-visibility clothing helps the operator, signal person, and spotters see workers clearly in the lift zone, especially around moving equipment and blind spots. It is especially important when working near traffic, multiple crews, or low-light conditions. [10]
    • Keep garments clean and visible.
    • Use apparel that matches site visibility requirements.
  • Work Gloves: Use gloves that provide grip and hand protection when handling rigging, tag lines, shackles, and load attachments. Gloves should fit properly and allow enough dexterity to avoid creating a pinch-point hazard. [2]
    • Keep hands clear of pinch points while tension is being taken up.
    • Do not use damaged or overly loose gloves.
  • Safety Glasses: Wear safety glasses to protect against flying debris, dust, and small fragments that may be released during rigging, landing, or equipment handling. Eye protection should be worn throughout the lift operation, not only during setup. [2]
    • Use side protection where required.
    • Replace scratched or damaged lenses.

PPE is important, but it does not make an unsafe lift safe. Proper inspection, planning, exclusion zones, and communication must be in place first. PPE must be worn correctly, kept in serviceable condition, and replaced when damaged or contaminated. [2]

Real-World Example or Case Study

A crew was preparing to set a large mechanical unit using a crane and two riggers. During the pre-lift review, the qualified rigger noticed that the load weight had been estimated from shipping paperwork rather than verified by the actual equipment data plate. The lift director paused the job, confirmed the true weight, and found that the original rigging selection would have exceeded the planned sling angle capacity. The team revised the rigging, adjusted the crane setup, expanded the exclusion zone, and completed the lift safely. The lesson was simple: a short delay to verify load calculations and rigging capacity prevented a dropped load and a likely serious injury. [2] [1]

Presenter Note: Use this example to show that stopping for verification is a strength, not a delay. Ask the group what they would have done if the weight could not be confirmed.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. How do we verify the actual load weight and center of gravity before the lift starts?
  2. Who has the authority to stop the lift if the plan changes or conditions become unsafe?
  3. What barriers, signals, or spotters will we use to keep people out of the swing radius and fall zone?

Presenter Note: Encourage workers to answer based on their actual site conditions, not just the written procedure. Reinforce that everyone shares responsibility for keeping the lift zone clear.

Emergency Procedures

  1. If a load becomes unstable, stops unexpectedly, or rigging begins to fail, stop the lift immediately, warn nearby workers, and keep everyone clear of the load path and landing area. [2]
  2. If contact is made with overhead power lines, do not touch the crane, load, or affected equipment. Keep everyone away and contact emergency services and the utility owner immediately. [8]
  3. If anyone is injured, call for emergency medical assistance, secure the area, and do not resume work until the incident has been investigated and the lift plan has been reviewed. [1]

Questions and Answers

Use these questions to check understanding and confirm that the crew knows how the lift will be controlled today.

  • Q: What makes a lift a critical lift?

A: A critical lift is one that exceeds 75 percent of the crane or derrick rated load chart capacity or requires the use of more than one crane or derrick. These lifts require a formal lift plan and stronger communication controls. [1]

  • Q: Who should direct the lift and who should give signals?

A: The lift should be directed by a qualified lift director, and signals should be given by a trained signal person using standard industry hand signals or radio communication. Only one person should give signals at a time unless a specific hazardous situation requires otherwise. [3] [6]

  • Q: What should we do if the weather or ground conditions change during the lift?

A: Stop the lift and reassess the operation. Weather, wind, ground stability, and other environmental factors must be monitored continuously, and the crane should not be operated if conditions become unsafe. [1]

Summary

Recap of main points:

  • Plan the lift before the load moves, and make sure the plan addresses load weight, rigging, ground conditions, weather, power lines, and communication. [7]
  • Use qualified people for the operator, rigger, signal person, and lift director roles. [1]

[2]

  • Keep people out of the swing radius, fall zone, and directly under the load at all times. [2]

[1]

  • Stop work immediately if conditions change or if the lift cannot be performed exactly as planned. [1]

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

  1. Review today’s lift plan and confirm your role before the first pick. [6]
  2. Inspect all rigging and verify load ratings, tags, and condition before use. [2]
  3. Maintain exclusion zones and use the designated communication method throughout the lift. [3]
  4. Stop and escalate any concern about load weight, weather, ground conditions, or power line clearance. [8]

Remember: Plan the lift, verify the load, control the zone, and never take chances with a suspended load.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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Sources used for this answer

[1] Toolbox Talk: Overhead Powerlines

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# OVERHEAD POWERLINES DANGER OVERHEAD POWER LINES Date Posted: 05/30/2024 According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, between 2011 and 2020, 39% of all electrically related workplace fatalities were caused by overhead power lines. 53% of all fatal electrical injuries occurred in the Construction industry. The Construction industry has remained the leading source of fatal electrical injuries, with 82, about three times the amount of the second-highest industry. Working with or near power lines can expose workers to electrical hazards, but these dangers can be avoided through safe work practices. Exposure to overhead power line hazards is not limited to employees of electrical utilities-workers in industries like construction and agriculture can also be exposed to them. Accidental contact with live overhead power lines can cause severe injuries and even death. Electricity can jump if equipment or machinery gets too close to powerlines, and fatal injury can be sustained, even without direct contact with a powerline. ## WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF OVERHEAD POWERLINES? - Generally, there are three types of lines: • Transmission lines: Carry more than 69,000 volts of current. Subtransmission lines: Carry from 34,500 volts to 69,000 volts of current. • Distribution lines: Carry less than 34,500 volts of current. ## WHAT ARE COMMON CONSTRUCTION EXPOSURES TO OVERHEAD POWERLINES • Use elevating equipment, like dump trucks, backhoes, or cranes • Carry long conductive objects like piping or ladders. • Work at elevation, from ladders and scaffolds, aerial lifts, or in bucket trucks. ## HAZARDS OF EXPOSURE TO OVERHEAD POWERLINES When workers are near overhead power lines, they may be exposed to hazards that include: • Electric shock Direct contact with live electrical current results in electric shock, which can kill or injure. • Electrocution: Electrocution occurs when a worker receives a powerful enough electric shock to kill. Electrical burns: A person who co…

[2] Oregon OSHA Program Directive | Inspection and Citation Guidance for Cranes and Derricks in Construction

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# regulatory text of the provisions violated. (cont.) ## 1926.1432. Multiple Crane/Derrick Lifts—Supplemental Requirements. (cont.) effectively communicated to the employees involved in the hoisting job. 1. 1926.1432(a). Plan Development. - When more than one crane or derrick will support the load, employers must plan the operation in accord with the following criteria: • 1926.1432(a)(1). A qualified person must develop the plan. • 1926.1432(a)(2). The plan design must ensure that the requirements of Subdivision CC are met. • 1926.1432(a)(3). The employer must ensure that engineering expertise is provided when the qualified person determines that it is needed for planning the lift. - Inspection Guidance A. When a load is observed being hoisted by more than one crane, determine whether the employer has developed a plan meeting the requirements of 1926.1432(a)(1-3). B. The multiple-crane lift plan does not have to be in writing. If the plan is in writing, examine the plan. If not, interview the employer and lift director to determine what the plan was and whether the requirements in 1926.1432(a)(1-3) are met. C. Confirm that a qualified person developed the lift plan. If possible, interview the qualified person to assess their qualifications. D. Through review of the written or described multi-crane lift plan, confirm that the plan was designed to meet the requirements of Subdivision CC. For example, consider whether the plan addresses hazards such as: • Ground conditions. • Proximity to power lines. • Hazardous weather conditions. • Rigging (any custom rigging). • Work area control. - Worksite communication. E. Through interviews, determine if there were problems with the lift plan and if the qualified person requested engineering expertise from the employer. - Citation Policy F. 1926.1432(a). Consider a citation for violation of 1926.1432(a) if more than one crane/derrick is supporting the load and the employer …

[3] MNOSHA Directive | Cranes and Derricks in Construction – Subpart CC

Page 145

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# Citation Policy (cont.) ## Citation Policy (cont.) MNOSHA Instruction CPL 2-1.57A August 16, 2021 ## W. §1926.1432. Multiple Crane/Derrick Lifts-Supplemental Requirements. This section describes the requirements for development and implementation of a plan when more than one crane/derrick supports the load. The most important aspect of this section is to ensure that qualified persons make determinations regarding the capacity and safe use of the equipment and that the work practices and employee protections are effectively communicated to the employees involved in the hoisting job. ## 1. §1926.1432(a). Plan Development. When more than one crane or derrick will support the load, employers must plan the operation in accord with the following criteria: • §1926.1432(a)(1). A qualified person must develop the plan. " §1926.1432(a)(2). The plan design must ensure that the requirements of Subpart CC are met. §1926.1432(a)(3). The employer must ensure that engineering expertise is provided when the qualified person determines that it is needed for planning the lift. - Inspection Guidance a. When a load is observed being hoisted by more than one crane, determine whether the employer has developed a plan meeting the requirements of §1926.1432(a)(1-3). b. The multiple-crane lift plan does not have to be in writing. If the plan is in writing, examine the plan. If not, interview the employer and lift director to determine what the plan was and whether the requirements in §1926.1432(a)(1-3) are met. C. Confirm that a qualified person developed the lift plan. If possible, interview the qualified person to assess their qualifications. d. Through review of the written or described multi-crane lift plan, confirm that the plan was designed to meet the requirements of Subpart CC. For example, consider whether the plan addresses hazards such as: - ground conditions, - proximity to power lines, - hazardous weather conditions, • rigging (any custom rigging), …

[4] Toolbox Talk: Rigging Safety

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# RIGGING SAFETY Date Published: 05/15/2025 # Rigging Safety It is crucial to properly rig and secure loads as poorly rigged loads may become unbalanced and fall, causing severe consequences. Additionally, rigging hardware may fail under excessive loads, which can also be catastrophic. Certain training and experience are required to rig a load. A qualified rigger is necessary during any hoisting activity used for the assembly or disassembly of a crane. They are also required whenever a worker is engaged in hooking, unhooking, guiding a load, or making an initial connection of a load to a component or structure within the fall zone. Note: Fall zone means the area (including but not limited to the area directly beneath the load) in which it is reasonably foreseeable that partially or completely suspended materials could fall in the event of an accident. ## WHAT IS RIGGING? to Rigging is the process of fastening a load to a lifting device, such as a crane. In order to rig a load properly, riggers need to be able to make calculations determine the weight of the load and the best method to use for rigging it. This may involve using ropes, chains, slings, shackles, lifting attachments, or other equipment. To prevent dangerous movement of the load during transportation, a tagline may be used to control it. Finally, the load will be safely landed. ## RIGGING HAZARDS The following are some hazards with rigging a load: • An improperly rigged load may cause a failure in the rigging equipment and thus cause the load to drop. • Failure to rig the load to its center of gravity may cause the load to be hoisted unlevel, add extra strain to the rigging, and, in some cases, cause the load to fall out of the rigging. • An improperly - rigged load may add strain/force to the load and cause damage to the load. • Hands or fingers can get injured by pinch points when taking up the strain of the rigging or when landing loads. ## GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RIGGING • Ensur…

[5] Toolbox Talk: General Crane Safety

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# GENERAL CRANE SAFETY (cont.) ## WHILE MOVING A LOAD (cont.) • A trained signal person is required, and the signal person and operator must use standard industry hand signals. The crane operator and signal person must be able to see each other or communicate by radio at all times. • Only one person should operate a lift or give signals at a time unless required due to a specific hazardous situation. This prevents conflicting messages that could confuse. • Make use of an air horn to signal a lift is in motion to alert personnel of what's overhead. It should be loud enough to alert nearby persons who might not be watching the crane. • Never raise a load higher than necessary. • Never leave a load suspended in the air unattended. • Use tag lines to control the load while it is being lifted. ## REFERENCES WAC 296-155-[redacted postal code] - Cranes Rigging and Personnel Lifting WAC 296-155-[redacted postal code] - Operator Qualifications and Certification WAC 296-155-[redacted postal code] - Rigger Qualifications WAC 296-155-[redacted postal code] - Signal Person Qualifications FSPO-901-000 Standard Hand Signals for Cranes (wa.gov) Deadly Power-Line Contact with Cranes Hazard Alert (wa.gov)

[6] Toolbox Talk: Competent Person

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# COMPETENT PERSON Date Posted: 02/09/2024 According to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), WAC [redacted identifier], a competent person is "One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective action to eliminate them." By way of training and/or experience, a competent person is knowledgeable of applicable standards, can identify workplace hazards relating to the specific operation, and has the authority to correct them. Some standards add additional specific requirements that the competent person must meet. ## DESIGNATED OR PERFORMANCE BASED There is no general or formal training to become a competent person, but rather competency is demonstrated through training, experience, skill, and authority. Labor and Industries (L&I) does not generally have a specific, blanket regulation or standard regarding a competent person, which can lead to some confusion on when one is required. Much of the confusion surrounding the definition of a competent person may have something to do with the fact that OSHA currently has a vague standard regarding competent persons, even though many regulations dictate that competent persons are required on site. Many believe they can be considered "competent" because they attended a safety course or a boss arbitrarily assigned the title. However, competence is a measure of both proven skills and knowledge. An extensive job site with different operations going on simultaneously may require more than one competent person. The term "competent person" should not be confused with other terms like "authorized," "qualified," or "certified." These three terms are defined below: Authorized: This means the employer has approved or assigned an employee to be in a specific area or perform a particular task. Qualified: This means that an employee has the knowledg…

[7] OSH Enforcement Procedures | CPL 02-01-063 - Compliance Directive for Cranes and Derricks in Construction Standard

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# U. § 1926.1431. Hoisting Personnel. (cont.) ## Inspection Guidance (cont.) ■ Signal requirements, §§ 1926.1419 to 1926.1422 - Work area control, § 1926.1424 ■ Keeping clear of the load, § 1926.1425 - Free fall and controlled load lowering, § 1926.1426 The above list contains some requirements of the standard that could be implicated by a multiple crane lift operation. When the crane engaged in a multiple lift violated some part of Subpart CC, and the lift plan was not designed to prevent the violation, consider a citation for § 1926.1432(a)(2) grouped with each applicable requirement of Subpart CC violated. i. § 1926.1432(a)(3). Consider a citation of § 1926.1432(a)(3) if the qualified person determined that engineering expertise was required to develop the plan, but the employer did not provide it. 2. § 1926.1432(b). Plan Implementation. - The lift must be directed by a person (lift director) who satisfies the requirements of a competent and qualified person or by a competent person assisted by one or more qualified persons. The lift director must review the plan in a meeting with all workers who are involved with the lift before the lift takes place. The meeting must include employees of other companies involved with the lift operation. - Inspection Guidance a. Interview the lift director, if the employer has one, and other employees involved in the lift to verify that that a person or persons meeting the requirements of § 1926.1432(b)(1) directed the lift. If there are indications that the performance of a multiple-crane lift is unsafe, evaluate whether the lift director was a qualified person. Obtain information about the level of experience, knowledge, training and authority of the lift director and gauge the applicability of this knowledge and experience to the hoisting job being performed. Interviews may cover subjects such as: - a description of the multi-crane lift plan; - how the load was calculated; - what ground conditions wer…

[8] Toolbox Talk: General Crane Safety

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# GENERAL CRANE SAFETY Date Posted: 05/12/2025 ## General Crane Safety Cranes are incredibly versatile, powerful, and vital pieces of equipment on a construction site. They can handle many heavy-lifting tasks, which can save time and energy on a project. However, they can also be incredibly dangerous, as they can lift heavy loads over large project areas, require workers to perform work at great heights, and pose a risk of electrocution. It's crucial for employees working with and around cranes to understand the hazards of moving parts and rigging loads. Many different types of cranes play an essential role in lifting heavy loads. Regardless of which piece of equipment is being used, there are general safety rules regarding the maintenance and operation of cranes that should always be followed. ## HAZARDS OF WORKING AROUND CRANES It has been reported that approximately 40 construction workers die each year due to crane accidents. To ensure safety, cranes with a lifting capacity of over 2,000 pounds are regulated, and their operators must be certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). Companies that use cranes are legally responsible for any injuries, damages, or harm caused to workers, bystanders, and structures. • Striking injuries from moving equipment, raising, or dropping loads. • Crushing injuries from equipment overturning, breaking, or rigging failures. • Falls from performing work at heights. • Electrocution from contact with overhead power lines. ## BEFORE MOVING A LOAD Before lifting a load, it is crucial that all individuals involved have a clear understanding of their respective roles, the potential hazards related to rigging and hoisting, and how to perform the lift safely to avoid any injuries or fatalities. Consider the following general requirements before initiating a lift: • All operators should be qualified and certified by WAC 296-155-[redacted postal code]. - Check first for overhead obst…

[9] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Tandem lift (cont.) B.C. Reg. 296/97 WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION # Part 14 - Cranes and Hoists (5) At a pre-job meeting held immediately before commencing hoisting operations for a tandem lift, the lift plan required in subsection (2) must be communicated to all people involved and the supervisor must document the meeting. (6) The pre-job meeting required under subsection (5) must be repeated whenever there is a change in the people or equipment involved in the tandem lift. (7) Effective communication must be established and maintained between all people - involved in a tandem lift. [en. B.C. Reg. 320/2007, App. E, S. 26.] ## Critical lift - 14.42.1 (1) A written lift plan must be prepared for every critical lift and must be available at the worksite during the lift. (2) The written lift plan required in subsection (1) must include the following: (a) rigging details; (b) wind speed limitations; (c) maximum hoist line speed; (d) maximum crane travel speed, if applicable; (e) load distribution; (f) the need for and position of signallers. (3) At a pre-job meeting held immediately before commencing hoisting operations for a critical lift, the lift plan required in subsection (1) must be communicated to all people involved and the supervisor must document the meeting. (4) The pre-job meeting required under subsection (3) must be repeated whenever there is a change in the people or equipment involved in the critical lift. (5) Effective communication must be established and maintained between all people involved in a critical lift. [en. B.C. Reg. 320/2007, App. E, S. 27.] ## Travelling with a load - 14.43 (1) When a crane or hoist is travelling with a load, the operator of the crane or hoist must ensure that the load is carried as close to the ground or grade as possible and rigged to control load swing. (2) When a crane or hoist is…

[10] Toolbox Talk: Heavy Equipment

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# HEAVY EQUIPMENT (cont.) ## SPOTTERS Worker visibility and visual and verbal communication are essential to keeping workers safe around moving construction equipment. Blind spots can be a significant hazard for workers on the ground where the operator is unable to see them. A spotter, using effective means of communication or hand signals, can help communicate between the operator, workers on the ground, and any pedestrians entering the work zone. Spotters must wear high-visibility clothing, stand clear of equipment, and always be visible to the equipment operator. ## GENERAL SAFETY WHEN OPERATING OR WORKING AROUND HEAVY EQUIPMENT • Develop a work zone traffic control plan. Indicate travel routes through the site to eliminate (as much as possible) the need for backing equipment or vehicles. • When vehicles or heavy equipment must operate in reverse, ensure they are equipped with an audible backup alarm. • Inspect equipment before operation to ensure all lights and audible alarms work correctly. • Set up the equipment in the work zone so that construction equipment and workers have adequate space to perform the planned tasks. • Use 3-point mounting and dismounting technique off heavy equipment - NEVER JUMP OFF HEAVY EQUIPMENT. • - Establish a "danger zone," the working area where contact could result in personal injury or damage during operations. • Wear high-visibility clothing when working around heavy mobile equipment. • Use predefined and understood hand signals or two-way radios to control movement within the work zone. • Maintain a clear line of sight between the operator and workers. • Use a spotter when heavy equipment is in motion. This requires communication between the operator and workers to maintain safe movement. • Workers - should keep a safe distance from all sides of the heavy equipment while it is in use. • Be aware of the swing radius on specific equipment and, if possible, cordon off the area with barriers or caution tape. • A…

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