- Establish a clear exclusion zone beneath and around the load before lifting begins.
- Use barriers, cones, or a banksman to prevent anyone entering the drop zone.
- Attach tag lines to control load rotation and swing during travel and placement.
- Check all slings, shackles, and lifting accessories before connecting to the load.
- Confirm the load weight and verify the crane or hoist capacity before lifting.
- Maintain visual contact with the load throughout the entire lifting operation.
- Lower the load to the ground if you need to leave the controls for any reason.
- Brief all nearby workers on the lift plan and exclusion zone before starting.
- Use standard hand signals or radio communication between slinger and operator.
- Report any load instability, sling damage, or equipment concerns immediately.
|
- DON'T walk or stand beneath a suspended load at any time for any reason.
- DON'T leave a load hanging while the operator steps away from the controls.
- DON'T lift a load without tag lines attached to control movement and rotation.
- DON'T allow the load to swing freely — control it throughout the entire lift.
- DON'T carry a load over areas where people are working or walking below.
- DON'T use damaged, kinked, or corroded slings to lift any load on site.
- DON'T exceed the rated capacity of the lifting equipment or accessories used.
- DON'T guide a suspended load by hand — use tag lines from a safe distance.
- DON'T remove exclusion zone barriers until the load is fully landed and stable.
- DON'T assume a load is secure just because it looked stable when first lifted.
See also: Lifting Operations Awareness (LOLER) | Exclusion Zones During Lifting |