Crane and Lift Planning
Document Type: Procedure
Version: 1.0
Last Updated: February 2026
Distribute To: Superintendents, Riggers, Operators
Purpose
Establish procedures for safe crane operations and critical lift planning.
Crane Operation Requirements
Operator Requirements:
| Crane Type | Certification |
|---|---|
| over 2,000 lbs capacity | NCCCO or equivalent |
| Assembly/disassembly | Additional qualification |
| Signal person | Qualified by employer |
| Rigger | Qualified by employer |
Pre-Operation Requirements:
- Current operator certification
- Equipment inspection (shift)
- Site assessment
- Load chart available
- Communication established
Daily Crane Inspection
Before Each Shift:
Operator Inspects:
- Control functions
- Safety devices
- Wire rope
- Hooks and latches
- Hydraulic system (leaks)
- Outriggers/stabilizers
- Load indicators/limiters
- Documentation complete
Document:
- Date and time
- Crane identification
- Inspector name
- Items checked
- Deficiencies found
- Actions taken
Critical Lift Planning
What is a Critical Lift?
A lift that, due to technical complexity, unusual circumstances, or potential consequences, requires detailed advance planning.
Criteria for Critical Lift:
| Factor | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Capacity | over 75% of rated capacity |
| Multiple cranes | Any tandem lift |
| Personnel | Man basket/personnel platform |
| High value | Load value justifies |
| Sensitive location | Near utilities, structures |
| Complex rigging | Non-routine configuration |
| Limited clearance | Restricted swing/boom |
Critical Lift Plan
Plan Contents:
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CRITICAL LIFT PLAN
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Project: ___________________________________________________
Lift Date: _________________ Time: _________________________
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LIFT DESCRIPTION:
Load description: __________________________________________
Load weight: ________________ lbs
Load dimensions: L ____ × W ____ × H ____
Center of gravity: _________________________________________
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CRANE SELECTION:
Crane type/model: __________________________________________
Crane capacity: _____________ lbs (at radius)
Operating radius: __________ ft
Boom length: ______________ ft
Capacity at configuration: ____________ lbs
CAPACITY CALCULATION:
Load weight: ________ lbs
Rigging weight: ________ lbs
Block/hook weight: ________ lbs
TOTAL LOAD: ________ lbs
Rated capacity at radius: ________ lbs
Capacity utilized: ________ %
Must be ≤75% for standard lift
Must be ≤85% for critical (with additional controls)
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RIGGING PLAN:
Sling type: ________________________________________________
Sling capacity: ____________________________________________
Sling angle: _______________________________________________
Hardware: __________________________________________________
Rigging diagram attached: ☐ Yes
================================================================
GROUND CONDITIONS:
Ground bearing capacity: ___________ psf
Outrigger/mat requirements: ________________________________
Ground inspection: ☐ Complete
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HAZARD ASSESSMENT:
☐ Power lines (clearance: _______)
☐ Underground utilities
☐ Adjacent structures
☐ Personnel exclusion zone
☐ Weather conditions
☐ Other: ________________________________________________
Mitigation measures:
___________________________________________________________
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PERSONNEL:
Crane operator: ____________________________________________
Rigger: ___________________________________________________
Signal person: _____________________________________________
Lift director: _____________________________________________
COMMUNICATION:
Method: ☐ Hand signals ☐ Radio ☐ Both
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SEQUENCE OF OPERATIONS:
1. _______________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________
================================================================
APPROVALS:
Lift Director: _______________________ Date: _______________
Superintendent: ______________________ Date: _______________
Safety (if required): _________________ Date: _______________
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Power Line Safety
Minimum Clearances:
| Voltage | Clearance |
|---|---|
| Up to 50 kV | 10 feet |
| 50-200 kV | 15 feet |
| 200-350 kV | 20 feet |
| 350-500 kV | 25 feet |
| 500-750 kV | 35 feet |
| 750-1000 kV | 45 feet |
Power Line Precautions:
- Identify all overhead lines
- Assume lines are energized
- Use spotter near lines
- Consider de-energization
- Install warning lines
- Use proximity devices
Signal Person Requirements
Qualified Signal Person:
- Knows standard hand signals
- Competent in voice/radio signals
- Understands crane limitations
- Positioned for clear view
Standard Hand Signals:
Must use OSHA/ASME standard signals unless alternative established and communicated.
Rigging Safety
Rigging Inspection:
- Before each use
- Remove from service if damaged
- Know capacity ratings
- Use proper hardware
Sling Angle Effects:
| Angle | Capacity |
|---|---|
| 90° | 100% |
| 60° | 86% |
| 45° | 70% |
| 30° | 50% |
Never use angle less than 30°
Rigging Do's and Don'ts:
DO:
- Know load weight
- Use proper slings
- Inspect before use
- Use tag lines
- Stay clear of load
DON'T:
- Guess at weights
- Use damaged rigging
- Stand under load
- Side load slings
- Shock load
Lift Execution
Pre-Lift:
- Plan reviewed with crew
- Area cleared
- Communication established
- Test lift performed (critical)
During Lift:
- Smooth, controlled movements
- Maintain communication
- Watch for hazards
- No personnel under load
Post-Lift:
- Secure load
- Document completion
- Report any issues
Related Documents
- JHA Procedure
- Safety Inspection Checklist
- Scaffold Safety
- Fall Protection
OSHA References
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC (Cranes and Derricks)
- 1926.1402 (Ground Conditions)
- 1926.1408 (Power Lines)
- 1926.1425 (Rigging)
Template provided by support.construction. Plan every lift carefully.