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820 Cranes and Derricks Safety I
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Assembly and Disassembly

Importance of Ground Conditions

Adequate ground conditions are essential for safe crane operations because the crane's capacity and stability depend on such conditions being present.

Who is responsible for ensuring the ground conditions are adequate at the site?

If, for example, the ground is muddy or otherwise unstable, a crane could overturn even if operated with the load limits specified by the manufacturer.

Basic Rule (Short Version)

You must not assemble or use a crane, unless the equipment manufacturer's specifications for adequate support and degree of level of equipment are met.

Basic Rule (Long Version)

You must not assemble or use a crane unless ground conditions are firm, drained, and graded to a sufficient extent so that, in conjunction (if necessary) with the use of supporting materials (such as blocking, mats, cribbing, or marsh buggies (in marshes/wetlands), the equipment manufacturer's specifications for adequate support and degree of level of the equipment are met. The requirement for the ground to be drained does not apply to marshes/wetlands.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-1. What essential conditions must be met to make sure cranes meet capacity and stability requirements?