When completing lifting operations, there is always a level of risk involved.  To mitigate this risk, it is best to create a lift plan to help vet out the risks involved and make everyone involved aware of the risks.  Most organizations have created certain levels of lift plans based on the level of risk involved with the lift. One example of this setup is having a standard lift, non-standard lift, and a critical lift.  Each of these has criteria that build off of each other. Another example could be a standard lift, a critical lift and an engineered lift. Some organizations just have two levels of lift plans: standard or critical/engineered.  We will walk thru some criteria that could be set forth for a standard lift, a non-standard lift, and a critical/engineered lift.

We should note below that gross load means all of the load acting on the boom or jib tip and any other deductions that need to be taken into account.

In all cases, the crane shall be set up properly according to the manufacturer specifications.  It shall also be set up on proper matting as required on firm, level ground. A survey of underground infrastructure should also be completed prior to lifting operations to make sure the crane isn’t set up over an item that could rupture beneath it.  There should also be an assembly and disassembly plan for the crane. Many accidents occur during the erection and dismantling of the crane so this should not be overlooked.

A standard lift is usually deemed a low risk lift.  It is something that is lighter in weight, doesn’t take up much capacity of the crane, and is typically a common lift.  An example of this may be unloading a load of secondary structural beams from a truck with a rough terrain hydraulic crane.  

A standard lift could be considered any lift that is not a non-standard or a critical/engineered lift.  Some of the criteria may include:

• Gross load is less than 25 tons
• Gross load is less than 75 percent of the crane manufacturer’s load chart rating at the working radius.

At a minimum a standard lift plan should include:

• A job safety analysis
• Daily crane operation log
• Daily crane inspection

A non-standard lift is slightly riskier than a standard lift and there are a few more items to include:

• Gross load is equal to or greater than 25 tons but less than 50 tons.
• Gross load is less than 75 percent of the crane manufacturer’s load chart rating at the working radius.

At a minimum a non-standard lift plan should include:

• All items for a standard lift plus:
• A lift evaluation form
• Pre-lift meeting with all personnel involved with the lift

A critical/engineered lift is considered the riskiest and usually involves many documents to ensure everything about the lift has been considered.  Some of these require a Professional Engineer to review and approve. If this is the case, make sure you find one that is qualified in this area and has experience with lifting operations.  

Some criteria that could qualify a lift to be deemed critical are:

• Gross load is equal to or greater than 50 tons
• Gross load is equal to or greater than 75 percent of the crane manufacturer’s load chart rating at the working radius.
• Two or more pieces of equipment are required to lift a load to its final position
• The load is lifted over or near operating equipment or electrical power lines
• The lift involved the transport or personnel in a suspended personnel basket
• Rigging attachment points are located below the center of gravity of the lifted load
• Lifting equipment is used for operations on the deck of a barge or other floating structure
• Center of gravity can be altered during the lift whether it is fluid or other variable deposits
• Lifted load is irreplaceable or a long lead time item
• Load is being lifted over or near critical infrastructure
• Explosive hazards nearby

At a minimum a critical/engineered lift plan should include:

• All items for a non-standard lift
• Wind sail study and how it affects the load
• Detailed to-scale drawings that show plan and elevation views of the lifting operations including the total travel path
• Ground bearing pressure analysis
• Rigging analysis
• Written procedure of lifting plan including contingency plans for breakdown, weather, etc.

It is necessary to plan out every lift.  Even the most standard lift needs a simple lift plan to make sure that the lift is within the limits of the equipment and is accomplished safely.

We want to make sure you have a successful lift and that starts with proper planning.  We can help in this process by helping to create a lift plan with you whether it is a standard lift, non-standard lift, or an engineered (critical) lift.  

Here at The Dothea Group, we will do our best to meet your schedule needs and we will provide efficient, engineered solutions to better your project, improve safety, and increase your bottom line.

If you are interested in learning more about our engineering services, contact us today.  We can partner with you to ensure a successful bid or project.