Lifting Operations

Exposure to loss of control of a load suspended by a crane (fixed or mobile), hoist, forklift, boom or other lifting equipment.

Barriers and Segregation

Is the lifting operation controlled by barricading?

Have I verified that the barricading has 360 degree coverage to prevent unintended access to the potential drop/loading/unloading zone?

Is the exclusion zone large enough to protect people in the event of a load falling?

Is the team or lifting equipment provided with horns, whistles or lights to warn others who may be in the path of travel?

Have I erected barricades as required?

Do barricaded areas have adequate notification, signage/tags?

Are there only authorized personnel inside the barricaded area during the lift?

For personnel in controlled zone, are safe distances maintained?

Lifting Execution

If there is a formal written lift plan, has it been completed and reviewed with the lift team?

Have I determined that the weather conditions will allow for a safe lift?

Does the work team have agreed communication protocols (e.g. radio, spotter, lights)?

Are the ground conditions stable for the position of the crane outriggers/tracks?

Is the load rigged/secured from shifting/sliding during lift?

Have underground and overhead hazards been identified within the lift zone (e.g. active or abandoned utilities or mine works, tanks, structures, powerlines, trestles, etc.)?

Mechanical Integrity of Lifting Equipment

Have I performed a walk around inspection of the lifting equipment prior to use?

Is the maximum safe working load indicated on the lifting equipment?

Have I verified that the annual certification of the lifting equipment to be used for the lifting operation is valid and current?

Have I performed a pre operational inspection on the lifting equipment prior to it being used?

Has a competent person inspected the rigging and lifting equipment and is the inspection current?

Does each piece of rigging equipment have a current tag or stamp on it indicating it has been checked on a planned schedule?