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821 Cranes and Derricks Safety II
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Multiple Crane/Derrick Operations

Multiple Crane/Derrick Lifts

Lifts in which more than one crane or derrick is used require careful planning and precise coordination.

Pedestrian Overpass Dual Lift

It is particularly important to determine how the weight of the load will be distributed among the multiple pieces of equipment during all phases of the operation to ensure that all are operated within their rated capacities.

When more than one crane/derrick is used to support the load, a plan must be developed by a qualified person and designed to ensure that all requirements of OSHA 1926.1432 below are met.

  • Where the qualified person determines that engineering expertise is needed for the planning, the employer must ensure that it is provided.
  • The multiple-crane/derrick lift must be directed by a lift director who meets the criteria for both a competent person and a qualified person, or by a competent person who is assisted by one or more qualified persons.
  • The lift director must review the plan in a meeting with all workers who will be involved with the operation.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

6-1. When more than one crane/derrick is used to support the load, a plan must be developed _____.