Exclusion Zones During Lifting

Exclusion zones are controlled areas beneath and around lifting operations where unauthorised persons must not enter.
A falling or swinging load kills anyone in its path — the exclusion zone removes people from the danger area.
The size of the exclusion zone depends on the load weight, lift height, boom radius, and potential for load swing.
Physical barriers such as cones, tape, Heras fencing, and banksmen must define and enforce the exclusion zone boundary.
The exclusion zone must be established before the lift begins and maintained throughout the entire lifting operation.
Banksmen or marshals must be positioned at every access point to prevent people walking into the exclusion zone.
The exclusion zone must account for load swing, crane slew, and the potential fall radius if the load is dropped.
Pedestrian routes may need to be diverted during lifting operations to keep people out of the danger area.
The lift plan must define the exclusion zone size and the method of control for every planned lifting operation.
Anyone who enters the exclusion zone during an active lift must be challenged and removed immediately.

Dropped loads kill	A load falling from a crane strikes anyone below with lethal force — the exclusion zone keeps people outside the impact area.
Load swing	Even a correctly lifted load can swing unpredictably — the zone must account for the full potential swing radius.
Shared responsibility	The lift supervisor, banksmen, and every worker on site share the duty to maintain and respect exclusion zones during lifts.

Do

Don't

Define the exclusion zone size in the lift plan for every lifting operation.
Install physical barriers around the exclusion zone before the lift begins.
Position banksmen at every access point to prevent unauthorised entry.
Account for load swing, slew arc, and potential fall radius when setting the zone.
Divert pedestrian routes away from the exclusion zone during lifting operations.
Maintain the exclusion zone throughout the entire lift — not just during the initial pick.
Challenge and remove anyone who enters the exclusion zone during an active lift.
Brief all site workers on the lifting schedule and exclusion zone locations daily.
Use radios between banksmen, the signaller, and the crane operator for coordination.
Record the exclusion zone arrangements in the lift plan documentation.

DON'T begin any lift without an exclusion zone established with physical barriers.
DON'T leave exclusion zone access points uncontrolled — banksmen must be present.
DON'T set the zone too small — include the full swing radius and potential drop area.
DON'T allow pedestrian routes to pass through active exclusion zones.
DON'T relax the exclusion zone once the load is up — maintain it throughout the lift.
DON'T ignore people entering the zone — stop the lift and remove them immediately.
DON'T assume workers know about the lift — brief them on the schedule and zones daily.
DON'T rely on verbal warnings alone — use cones, tape, and fencing as physical barriers.
DON'T allow banksmen to be distracted from their access control duties during lifts.
DON'T carry out lifts without the exclusion zone documented in the lift plan.

See also: Lifting Operations Awareness (LOLER) | Crane Safety and Signals

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