Crane Critical Lift Pre-Lift Inspection

OSHA 1926.1431 critical-lift / lift-plan verification before any lift exceeding 75% of crane capacity, multi-crane lift, or personnel lift.

Lift Plan Verification

• Lift qualifies as a critical lift
  Verify whether the operation meets critical-lift criteria: lift exceeds 75% of crane capacity, tandem/multi-crane lift, personnel lift, or other site-defined critical condition.
• Approved lift plan is available on site
  Lift plan is present at the jobsite and matches the planned operation, crane model, load, rigging, radius, and configuration.
• Load weight and load chart capacity verified
  Documented load weight, rigging weight, and crane configuration have been compared against the applicable load chart for the planned radius and boom setup.
• Required approvals obtained
  Confirm approvals from the lift director, competent person, and any site-specific authorization required for critical lifts.
• Personnel lift procedure verified
  If personnel are being hoisted, verify that the personnel platform, fall protection, communication, and rescue provisions are approved for the operation.

Crane Configuration & Mechanical Readiness

• Crane configuration matches lift plan
  Boom length, counterweights, outrigger setup, reeving, hook block, and attachments match the approved lift plan.
• Load moment indicator / rated capacity limiter functional
  Verify the crane's load moment indicator, rated capacity limiter, and other required safety devices are operational and not bypassed.
• Wire rope, hook, and rigging hardware inspected
  Inspect wire rope, hook latch, shackles, slings, spreader bars, and other rigging hardware for visible damage, wear, deformation, or missing components.
• Outriggers / stabilizers properly deployed
  Outriggers or stabilizers are fully deployed per manufacturer instructions, with pads/mats installed as required and level verified.
• Crane inspection current
  Daily, periodic, and any required post-assembly inspections are current and documented before the lift begins.

Site Conditions & Ground Stability

• Ground bearing capacity verified
  Support surface is adequate for crane loading, including outrigger reactions, crawler tracks, mats, and any adjacent excavation or voids.
• Overhead and adjacent hazards cleared
  Verify clearance from power lines, structures, scaffolds, process equipment, and other obstructions along the lift path and landing area.
• Exclusion zone established
  Barricades, signage, and access control are in place to keep personnel out of the swing radius, drop zone, and load path.
• Landing area prepared
  Set-down location is level, stable, and free of obstructions, with adequate space for controlled placement of the load.
• Weather and visibility acceptable
  Wind speed, precipitation, lightning, and visibility are within the limits established by the lift plan and manufacturer guidance.

Personnel & Communication

• Lift director / signal person identified
  A single lift director and, where required, a qualified signal person are designated and understood by the crew.
• Pre-lift briefing completed
  Crew reviewed the lift sequence, roles, hand signals or radio protocol, stop-work authority, and emergency actions before the lift.
• Qualified riggers assigned
  Riggers and any tag line handlers are trained, authorized, and positioned according to the lift plan.
• Communication method tested
  Primary communication method (radio, hand signals, or other approved method) has been tested and is clear to all involved personnel.
• Emergency stop and rescue plan reviewed
  Crew understands the stop signal, emergency shutdown steps, and rescue plan for personnel lifts or other critical operations.

Weather & Final Authorization

• Wind speed recorded
  Record the current wind speed at the lift site and compare it to the lift plan and manufacturer limits.
• Final go/no-go decision
  Document whether the lift is authorized to proceed after all critical checks are complete.
• Deficiencies documented and corrected
  Any deficiency or non-conformance identified during the pre-lift inspection has been documented, corrected, and reverified before proceeding.
• Inspector signature
  Signature of the competent person or authorized inspector completing the pre-lift verification.