Safety
Safety checklist for heavy lift operations in the port area
What to check before, during and after a heavy lift, ground, load chart, rigging, weather and communication.
29 July 20261 min read
Most lifting incidents start in the preparation, not in the lift itself. In busy port and industrial areas especially, a routine checklist removes most of the risk.
Before the lift
- Know the load's real weight, and keep a safety margin if it is an estimate
- Check the crane's load chart at the working radius; capacity drops as radius grows
- Confirm the ground under the outriggers is firm; use pads or mats where needed
- Identify overhead lines and nearby obstructions
- Inspect slings, shackles and hooks; never use damaged gear
- Cordon off the lift area so nobody stands under the load
During the lift
- One designated signaller gives the operator instructions
- Control load swing with tag lines
- Lift a short way first, pause, and check balance and brakes
- Stop lifting in strong wind
After the lift
Release the rigging only once the load is fully settled, then inspect and store the gear. Record any near miss, it makes the next lift safer.
For complex lifts, a site survey and a written lift plan beforehand is the single most effective safety step.
Keep reading
