• 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