Tandem Lifts

A tandem lift uses two or more cranes working together to lift and position a single load.
Tandem lifts are high-risk operations requiring detailed planning by an appointed person for lifting.
Unequal load sharing between cranes can overload one crane, causing it to fail catastrophically.
A specific tandem lift plan must define each crane's capacity, rigging, radius, and load share percentage.
Communication between crane operators is critical — typically by radio with a single designated controller.
Wind conditions are more critical in tandem lifts because the load responds differently to two crane movements.
LOLER 1998 requires that tandem lifts are planned and supervised by a competent appointed person.
The lift sequence — hoisting, slewing, travelling, and lowering — must be rehearsed before the live lift.
Exclusion zones for tandem lifts are larger than for single crane operations due to the wider swing area.
Ground conditions under both cranes must be confirmed adequate for the maximum reaction loads during the lift.

Crane overload	Unequal load sharing causes one crane to exceed its capacity and collapse.
Coordination risk	Two cranes moving independently on one load creates unpredictable forces.
Legal requirement	LOLER requires competent planning and supervision of all tandem lifting operations.
Communication failure	Miscommunication between operators during a tandem lift has caused fatal crane collapses.

Do

Don't

Appoint a competent appointed person to plan and supervise the tandem lift.
Prepare a specific tandem lift plan defining each crane's capacity and load share.
Confirm ground conditions under both crane positions can support the maximum loads.
Establish radio communication with a single designated lift controller.
Rehearse the lift sequence — hoist, slew, travel, lower — before the live lift.
Establish an extended exclusion zone covering both cranes and the load path.
Brief all crane operators, slingers, and banksmen on the lift plan before starting.
Monitor wind conditions continuously — tandem lifts have lower wind speed limits.
Record the tandem lift including any issues for the LOLER lifting file.
Stop the lift immediately if either crane approaches its capacity limit.

DON'T attempt a tandem lift without a specific plan from an appointed person.
DON'T allow either crane to exceed its rated capacity at the working radius.
DON'T proceed without confirmed radio communication between all operators.
DON'T allow any person inside the extended exclusion zone during the lift.
DON'T continue if load sharing between the cranes becomes unequal.
DON'T lift in wind speeds above the reduced limit specified for tandem operations.
DON'T change the lift sequence on site without the appointed person's approval.
DON'T rely on hand signals alone — radio communication is essential for tandem lifts.
DON'T skip the rehearsal — coordination errors in live lifts are catastrophic.
DON'T position both cranes on the same side if it creates asymmetric ground loading.

See also: Lift Plan Requirements | Crane Safety and Signals

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