Critical Lifts Defined

Note: This information was updated in the 2015 Crane Safety Manual. Refer to Complex Lift which replaced the terminology referred to here as a critical lift. The Crane Association has left this information here for historical record. See the latest Crane Safety Manual for the latest information and advice on Multiple Crane Lifts. 

Category One

1. A relatively simple basic lift requiring one or more cranes.
2. A relatively routine, simple basic lifts not involving significant height or reach using two or more cranes. A relatively routine, simple basic lift is normally one which because of weight, length or physical size requires two cranes e.g. lifting a 40ft container from each end off a truck and placing it on the ground.

Category Two

1. A complex or critical lift requiring two or more cranes where engineering planning and procedures are essential.
2. A none-routine crane lift requiring detailed planning and additional or unusual safety precautions.

Category Two lifts or Critical lifts include:

• lifts made when the load weight is 75% or more of the rated capacity of the crane; 
• lifts that require the load to be lifted, swung or placed out of the operators view;
• lifts using more than one hoist or crane that are not category one lifts; 
• lifts involving none-routine or technically difficult rigging arrangements: hoisting personnel with a crane or derrick;
• lifts involving hazardous materials (e.g., explosives, highly volatile substances); 
• lifts involving submerged loads; 
• lifts without the use of outriggers or on-rubber load charts; 
• lifts where the centre of gravity could change; 
• Lifts where the crane is required to setup on a man made suspended platform or structure;
• or any lift that the crane operator believes should be critical.

For further information see the Code of Practice for Cranes.