Crane & Hoist Safety Part 8

Critical Lift Plan
A Critical Lift Plan consists of many drawings, specifications and procedures as necessary to accurately assess all important load factors and important site factors relating to a Critical lift. In most cases the plan must be submitted for approval 24 hrs before the scheduled lift. In such cases, the minimum level of information required to comprise an adequate lift plan is as follows:

• Documentation of the pre-lift meeting.
• Elevation View Drawing of the crane, load and nearby structures which would cause
  interference problems. This drawing shall be made to scale and will note:
  Crane Manufacturer(s), model(s), and counterweight(s) if variable.
  Boom length(s) and lifting radius (i), Maximum load elevation during lifting procedure. Any jibs or special lifting devices required, Minimum number of parts of crane hoist line required to lift the load.

All required slings, shackles, and other rigging components identified by capacity, size, length, and location. Plan View Drawing of the crane, load and nearby structures which could cause interference.

• The geometry and shape of the load.
• The height of the load to be lifted.
• Backward stability.
• Wind from behind the crane.
• Operating a crane between structures.

This drawing will note:

• The route that transport will take to position the load for lifting.
• Initial lifting position of the load including radius as per crane chart
• Final placement position of load including radius.
• Location the crane(s) will take if walking the load, as well as associated matting requirements and ground compaction.

Lift Analysis including:

• Tabulation of the gross load weight including the weight of all blocks and rigging sackle.
• Gross rated capacity of the crane in the configuration specified.
• Calculation of the percentage of the crane’s rated capacity at which the lift will be made.
• Allowable weather conditions for the lift and the effect of wind loading.