Lift Planning and Critical Lift Procedures 1 Flashcards

Under ASME B30.5, when two cranes are used to lift a single load in a tandem lift, at what threshold does the operation automatically qualify as a critical lift requiring a formal lift plan?

Answer: Tandem lifts are always classified as critical lifts regardless of the percentage of rated capacity used

ASME B30.5 and industry standards classify all tandem (multi-crane) lifts as critical lifts by definition, because the load-sharing dynamics between cranes introduce inherent complexity and risk regardless of what percentage of rated capacity each crane is using. A formal engineered lift plan is always mandatory.

A lift plan must include an assessment of ground bearing pressure. Which of the following correctly describes what must be verified before positioning the crane?

Answer: The ground bearing pressure under each outrigger pad must not exceed the manufacturer's rated outrigger load divided by the pad area, and this value must not exceed the site's allowable soil bearing capacity

Each outrigger pad transmits a concentrated load to the ground. The pressure (load divided by pad area) must be calculated for each pad individually and compared against the verified allowable soil bearing capacity at that specific location. This is a required element of any lift plan and is critical to preventing crane tip-over from ground failure.

During lift plan development, the rigger calculates that the crane's maximum radius during the pick will be 42 feet. After reviewing the load chart, she determines the rated capacity at that radius is 28,000 lbs. The total lifted weight including rigging is 23,500 lbs. What is the percentage of rated capacity, and does this classify as a critical lift under common industry thresholds?

Answer: 83.9% — this exceeds the typical 75% threshold and qualifies as a critical lift

23,500 ÷ 28,000 = 83.9% of rated capacity. Most industry standards and employer programs classify lifts at or above 75% of rated capacity as critical lifts requiring a formal lift plan. ASME B30.5 and OSHA 1926.1431 both reference the 75% threshold as the common trigger, so this lift qualifies.

A critical lift plan has been completed and approved. On the day of the lift, the site superintendent directs the crane operator to begin the pick before the scheduled pre-lift meeting has been held. What is the correct action for the crane operator?

Answer: Refuse to begin the lift; the pre-lift meeting is a required step that must occur before any critical lift begins

The pre-lift meeting is not an administrative formality — it is a required procedural step for critical lifts under ASME B30.5 and OSHA 1926.1431. All personnel involved must confirm roles, review the plan, and identify last-minute hazards before work begins. The crane operator has the authority and obligation to refuse to lift until this step is completed.

A lift plan identifies a load path that passes over an active roadway. Which of the following is the most appropriate control measure to address this hazard?

Answer: Temporarily close or control traffic in the load path for the duration of the lift, and document this measure in the lift plan

Swinging or transporting a suspended load over an active roadway creates a hazard to the public that must be mitigated through traffic control — typically a temporary closure coordinated with the appropriate authority. This is a standard requirement under OSHA 1926.1425 and must be explicitly addressed in the lift plan as a documented engineering control.

After a critical lift is completed successfully, how long must the written lift plan typically be retained according to standard industry recordkeeping practice and OSHA regulations for construction?

Answer: Lift plans must be retained for a minimum of 3 years after the lift is completed

OSHA's general recordkeeping regulations and industry best practices require that critical lift plans and associated documentation be retained for a minimum of three years following completion of the lift. This retention window supports incident investigation, insurance documentation, and regulatory audit purposes.