Ok, before we get started. Let's make sure we have the right tools.
A Highlighter
A copy of the Lift Plan / CAD Drawing of the lift
Crane Rating Charts - Not the brochure
Geotechnical Report
Confirmed Hook Weights
Advanced Lift Plans, also known as CAD Lift Plans, complex lift plans or critical lift plans, play a crucial role in ensuring the success and safety of lifting operations.
This post outlines a structured technique to review and approve these plans effectively. With a meticulous approach that starts with printing the plan and using a highlighter, this guide aims to ensure you don’t miss out on any crucial detail.
The Importance of Lift Planning
• Ensures Safety
• Improves Efficiency
• Mitigates Risks
• Complies with Regulations
So, let's check out one Technique for Approving Advanced Lift Plans.
Step 1: Print the Lift Plan
Physically printing the plan provides a tactile reference that aids in a thorough review. You can see the whole plan, write on it, and highlight areas.
Step 2: Use a Highlighter
A highlighter helps to mark confirmed figures and details, ensuring nothing gets overlooked. It lets you know where you have been and what's left to check.
Step 3: Verify Load Weight
Types of Load Weight Information: Certified, Weighed, Known, or Calculated
Importance: Incorrect weight can compromise the entire lifting operation.
Step 4: Confirm Hook Weight
Usually published by the Crane Manufacturer.
Marked on the hook
Step 5: Tackle/Rigging Weight
Includes chains, strops, and shackles
Make sure the weights are correct and up to date.
Step 6: Hook Wire Rope Weight
This is especially important for larger lifts
Verify hook capacity based on the parts of line to be used
Step 7: Pause and Calculate Overall Weight
Compare the sum with the figures in the lift plan.
Step 8: Refer to Crane Rating Charts
Use official crane rating charts, not promotional material
Confirm configurations and positions
Step 9: Highlight Important Aspects in the Plan
Boom configuration
Fly configuration
Counterweight
Outrigger positions
Parts of line
Machine-specific guidance
Step 10: Confirm Radius and Crane Rating
Check these figures in the drawing and throughout the illustration.
Step 11: Industry Deratings
Important for multi-crane lifts
Pick and Carry Operations
Confirm that any deratings have been applied.
Step 12: Consider Wind Factors
Th surface area of the load
Wind resistance factor
Manufacturer’s guidance may be required
Step 13: Ground Bearing Pressure
Manufacturers’ calculated ground-bearing pressure
Crane pads or bridging pads
Ground conditions and geotechnical guidance
Step 14: Final Review for Practicality and Safety
Clearances
Dimensions
Hazards like power lines
Access issues
Any clash points
Remember: Use the Highlighter
Before finalizing, ensure all points have been highlighted and verified.
Lift planning is not an area where one can afford to make errors. When in doubt, do not hesitate to ask questions. Remember, there are no dumb questions when safety is at stake.
It's not just the numbers. You must also understand the process and and what's happening.
By following this structured technique for approving Advanced Lift Plans, you can ensure your lift operation will be as safe and efficient as possible.
Additional Considerations Beyond the Lift Plan Drawing
It’s important to note that a drawn Advanced Lift Plan or CAD Lift Plan is just one component of the overall lift planning process. Additional factors that require due diligence to ensure a comprehensive and successful lift operation.
Here are some aspects to consider:
Regulatory Compliance
Ensure the plan complies with all regulations.
Communication and Emergency Protocols
Verify that appropriate communication methods and emergency procedures are in place.
Personnel Qualifications
Make certain that the personnel involved are qualified for their respective roles.
Site Inspection
A pre-lift site inspection should be part of the overall lift plan to account for discrepancies between real-world and documented conditions.
Weather Conditions
Besides wind factors, consider other weather elements like precipitation and temperature and storms - lightning.
Documentation and Record-Keeping
Keep track of all relevant documents such as permits and certifications that must be present during the lift.
Post-Lift Review
Although not part of the approval process, a post-lift review can offer valuable insights for future operations.
Remember, the drawn Lift Plan is just a portion of what should be a robust, comprehensive lift planning process. These additional steps are important for ensuring your lifting operations' safety and success.
If you are approving Lift Plans and would like us to take a look let us know. We offer this as one of our Engineering Services.
We also have some great tools such as our 3D Digital Twins which ensure clearances as plans are spot on. Have a chat to the team if these tools would be valuable on your site.