Lesson 1Identifying site-specific hazards: scaffolding, proximity to property lines, pedestrian/work zonesThis section focuses on identifying and controlling site-specific hazards such as scaffolds, nearby structures, property lines, utilities, and pedestrian or work zones, and integrating these findings into the overall lift planning process.
Surveying adjacent structures and roofsScaffolding and temporary works hazardsProperty line and neighbor exposureOverhead and underground utility conflictsPedestrian and worker interface risksUpdating hazard register and controlsLesson 2Crane and lift geometry checks: crane capacity charts, radius calculations, boom configuration and stabilityThis section details how to verify crane and lift geometry, interpret capacity charts, calculate radius and boom angles, confirm configuration, and assess stability margins for planned and potential worst-case lifting positions.
Reading and applying capacity chartsCalculating operating radius and boom angleConfiguring boom length and attachmentsDetermining parts of line and reevingChecking outrigger or crawler configurationVerifying stability and limiting conditionsLesson 3Pre-lift documentation and checklists: lift plan components, required permits, responsibility assignmentThis section describes required pre-lift documentation, including formal lift plans, permits, engineering data, and checklists, and explains how to assign responsibilities, track approvals, and retain records for compliance and review.
Core elements of a written lift planStandard pre-lift checklist itemsPermit requirements and supporting dataEngineering reviews and critical liftsAssigning and documenting responsibilitiesRecordkeeping and document controlLesson 4Permit, exclusion zones and traffic control: establishing exclusion areas, pedestrian/vehicle controls, signageThis section explains how to establish and maintain exclusion zones, manage pedestrian and vehicle traffic, select and place signage and barriers, and coordinate with site management and authorities to protect people and property.
Defining crane swing and load pathsSetting exclusion and no-go boundariesPedestrian routing and access controlVehicle and delivery traffic managementSignage, barriers, and lighting needsCoordination with site and authoritiesLesson 5Pre-lift briefing structure: agenda, roles, emergency plan, hot topics to cover with operator and crew (tag lines, signals, handoffs)This section explains how to structure an effective pre-lift briefing, define roles and responsibilities, review the lift plan, confirm communication methods, and address emergency actions and critical topics with the operator and crew.
Required attendees and role clarificationReviewing lift plan scope and objectivesStandard and backup communication methodsDiscussing tag lines, signals, and handoffsEmergency response and rescue proceduresDocumenting attendance and key decisionsLesson 6Environmental and weather checks: wind, precipitation, visibility, temperature effects on equipmentThis section addresses environmental and weather factors that affect crane operations, including wind, precipitation, temperature, and visibility, and explains how to interpret limits, adjust plans, and decide when to suspend lifting.
Reading crane weather and wind limitsWind effects on loads and sail areaRain, snow, and ice impact on footingTemperature effects on equipment and riggingVisibility, lighting, and line-of-sightWeather monitoring and stop-work criteriaLesson 7Ground and outrigger assessment: soil bearing, cribbing, outrigger placement and load distributionThis section covers evaluating ground conditions, soil bearing capacity, and underground hazards, and explains proper outrigger placement, cribbing design, and load distribution to prevent settlement, tipping, or structural failure.
Identifying soil type and bearing limitsLocating underground utilities and voidsSizing pads, mats, and cribbing stacksPositioning outriggers and crawler tracksMonitoring settlement and deflectionReassessment after weather or load changesLesson 8Load information verification: weight confirmation, dimensions, center of gravity determination methodsThis section explains how to verify load information, including weight, dimensions, and centre of gravity, using drawings, calculations, and field checks, and how to document assumptions and safety margins in the lift plan.
Sources for accurate load weight dataMeasuring and confirming dimensionsDetermining center of gravity locationHandling off-center and shifting loadsApplying safety factors and allowancesDocumenting load data in lift planLesson 9Power line risk assessment: minimum approach distances, de-energized verification, line location methodsThis section covers how to identify, evaluate, and control hazards from overhead and nearby power lines, including minimum approach distances, de-energising verification, and safe line locating methods before crane setup or lifting.
Regulatory power line clearance requirementsDetermining minimum approach distancesCoordination with utility owner or authorityVerification of de-energized and grounded statusUse of dedicated spotters and signal personsBarriers, warning devices, and safe routing
