When operators hear the term lift plan, some may roll their eyes while others just start working to get it done, so what’s the big deal about them anyway? While Lift Planning can be a complex task, a standard lift plan should not be daunting.
At Crane Tech we teach that even the most standard lift needs a simple, documented lift plan to make sure the lift happens safely and within the limits of the equipment and personnel. Why? Because the adage, “failing to plan, is planning to fail,” holds true in material handling operations. If you have a documented lift plan that has been shared with the crew it’s almost like having an insurance policy that the lift will go smoothly.
An accident is an alternative scenario that no one wants to think about. You never want to have an investigator asking questions, such as load weight and radius and the operator responding with approximations. Wouldn’t it be better to be able to hand over a written lift plan?
The Basics Of A Standard Lift Plan
Operators should at least review and document:
- Boom length or boom angle
- Radius
- Gross capacity
- Net load weight
- Travel path (i.e. proximity to immovable objects, powerlines, workers in the area)
If any one of these items creates a concern, such as the weight coming close to the capacity, then a more detailed evaluation would be necessary. These parameters should be part of a comprehensive crane and rigging program that outlines when a more detailed/critical lift plan is needed.
What About The LMI?
Relying on the crane’s computer is NOT the answer either. Newer machines may have event recorders that tell the boom length, boom angle, radius, gross weight and net load weight on the hook for each and every lift. Supervisors and owners may now download every lift at the end of the day to see if their operators are indeed following proper protocol.
The Gift That Keeps On Giving
Lift plans can also be the gift that keeps on giving, helping to educate and create a history for future lifts. Having access to written records can help when planning lifts and a review of plans may show gaps that need to be corrected.
Crane Tech’s goal is to make sure the equipment, load, and personnel all make it through without damage that impacts lives or future lifts—a commitment we take very seriously. Should you need lift planning assistance or training, comment below, call or email us today. Remember, Safety through Education is more than just our motto it’s our guiding principle.
Like this article, This has been a big question in our area recently with respect to our update to Life Saving Rules. Lift plans do not have to be difficult at all, and we all need to know what is occurring on-site. What better way do we have to demonstrate this than a lift plan / safe work plan, and having it documented proves diligence. Being in training, I love the subject of “educate” and a history/baseline for future lifts… can’t get any better than this eh…
Thank you,
Kevin
Thanks for your feedback Kevin. Glad you enjoyed the article.
Is Lift Plans an actual course that you offer?
Bob – We offer Lift Planning as part of our On-site Training curriculum or as a Consulting Service to our clients. Call our office and ask to speak with Tony for more information.
My take on it is that you need a plan, no matter what the operation. How deep you need to go in the weeds with the plan depends on how complex the operation is and the risk it poses. It might be a simple verbal agreement between the crane operator and a rigger/signalperson is all it takes, or it might need a full blown package with drawings, calcs, method statement, ground bearing tests etc etc. Don’t forget either that a documented plan is a way to communicate your intentions to those who have to review your work, prepare for your work and execute the operation. So the plan should contain as much or as little as it needs to accomplish that. Your employer should provide guidelines/rules to help make that judgment given the nature of the work you do. OSHA will establish minimum requirements and ASME can provide good industry guidance on best practice. See ASME P30 for lift planning guidance.
Thank you Keith for your comments on this topic!