Lifting Operations Pre-Lift Checklist (UAE)

Most UAE lifting incidents are not equipment failures. They are planning failures that became visible at the moment of the lift: an outrigger on unverified ground, a load nobody weighed, a slew path over an occupied area, or a lift continued past the wind limit because the crew was nearly finished. This checklist is designed to be run at the lift location, before the hook is loaded.

Plan and appointments

• Lift plan issued for the specific lift, signed by the appointed person, and classified correctly as routine, complex or critical.
• Appointed person, lift supervisor, crane operator, riggers and banksmen named, present, and holding in-date third-party competence certificates.
• Lifting permit issued and valid for this shift, with simultaneous operations checked.
• Toolbox talk delivered to the actual crew doing the lift, in a language they confirm they understand.

Equipment

• Crane third-party certificate in date and matching the machine's serial number, not just the fleet number.
• Load chart available at the operator's position, with the configuration actually rigged.
• Load radius, load weight and gross capacity confirmed; utilisation calculated, not estimated.
• Lifting accessories colour-code checked, SWL legible, certificates traceable, and visual inspection done today.
• Anti-two-block, load moment indicator and limit switches functional and tested — not overridden.

Ground, environment and exclusion

• Ground bearing pressure verified against the crane's outrigger loads; mats sized by calculation, and underground services confirmed clear.
• Slew and travel path free of overhead power lines, with the minimum approach distance marked physically.
• Exclusion zone barricaded at ground level and at any level the load passes over; nobody works under a suspended load.
• Wind speed measured at the boom tip height, not at ground level, and compared with the manufacturer's limit for the specific load's sail area.
• Visibility and lighting adequate; night lifts planned separately with their own permit.

Stop-work triggers

1. Wind reaches the stated limit, or gusts become unpredictable.
2. Load weight or centre of gravity differs from the plan.
3. Communication between banksman and operator is lost for any reason.
4. Anyone enters the exclusion zone.
5. Ground movement, outrigger settlement or unexpected crane motion is observed.
6. The crew is asked to deviate from the lift plan — any deviation needs a re-issued plan, not a verbal agreement.

Every person on the lift has the authority to stop it. Say that out loud at the toolbox talk and record that you said it.