TL;DR: A critical lift is any crane operation that exceeds 75% of the crane’s rated capacity, involves multiple cranes, or poses elevated risk. Before executing one, site managers must assess five key factors: ground bearing capacity, wind speed, centre of gravity, rigging equipment certification, and personnel competency.
A failed lift can halt projects, drive up costs, and put lives at risk. For site managers operating in South Africa’s demanding construction and power generation sectors, the margin for error is zero.
This critical lift checklist covers the five factors your team must verify before any major lift gets underway.
What Qualifies as a Critical Lift?
Any crane operation that exceeds 75% of the crane’s rated capacity, requires two or more cranes working in tandem, involves hoisting personnel, or takes place near live power lines is classified as a critical lift.
Each of these conditions introduces additional risk that demands a formal critical lift plan.
5 Critical Factors to Consider Before Executing a Critical Lift
Factor 1: Is the Ground Capable of Supporting the Load?
Ground bearing capacity is one of the most overlooked variables on a job site.
Before positioning any crane or heavy lifting equipment, a geotechnical assessment must confirm the soil can handle the combined weight of the crane, its outriggers, and the suspended load. Unstable or compacted ground can cause outrigger settlement mid-lift with catastrophic consequences.
Use crane mats to distribute load across a wider footprint, and always verify bearing pressure calculations against the crane manufacturer’s specifications.
Factor 2: What Are the Wind Speed Thresholds for Your Lift?
Wind turns a controlled lift into an unpredictable one. Even sustained winds at 20 mph (approximately 32 km/h) can compromise load control, particularly for bulky or lightweight loads. At 32 mph and above, all crane operations should cease.
Your critical lift plan must specify a maximum allowable wind speed, sourced from the crane manufacturer’s guidelines.
Monitor live weather conditions and not just forecasts. Then assign a designated person to call a stop if thresholds are reached. Tag lines should also be rigged and ready to stabilise loads whenever conditions are marginal.
Factor 3: Has the Centre of Gravity Been Accurately Calculated?
An off-centre load shifts during the lift, creating uneven stress on rigging hardware and drastically increasing the risk of a dropped load.
Before rigging begins, calculate the exact centre of gravity for the load using engineering drawings or load test data. Rigging attachment points must be positioned directly above the centre of gravity, and sling angles must be verified to avoid load tipping.
Factor 4: Is All Rigging Equipment Certified and Load-Rated?
South Africa’s Driven Machinery Regulations (DMR 18) require that all lifting tackle be inspected, certified, and entered into a lifting tackle register before use. This includes slings, shackles, hooks, spreader beams, and any other load-bearing hardware.
Verify that rigging equipment certification is current, that each item’s rated capacity matches the lift requirements, and that all hardware is free from visible damage or deformation. Equipment without a valid certificate must be removed from site.
Factor 5: Are All Personnel Competent for This Specific Lift?
The South African OHS Act requires that riggers hold recognised qualifications appropriate to the type of lift being performed.
Basic Rigging (SAQA 14706) and Advanced Rigging (SAQA 59731) are nationally accredited credentials that confirm a rigger’s competency for different lift types and risk levels.
Before execution, confirm that every team member (the riggers, crane operators, and banksmen) holds current, verifiable credentials. Conduct a pre-lift meeting to review the lift plan, communication signals, emergency procedures, and each person’s specific role.
Plan the Lift. Lift the Plan.
A thorough critical lift checklist is what separates a safe, efficient operation from a preventable incident.
Verify ground bearing capacity, enforce wind speed thresholds, calculate your centre of gravity, confirm rigging equipment certification, and ensure every team member is qualified before a single load leaves the ground.
Eduardo Construction’s experienced rigging specialists have delivered safe, complex lifts across South Africa’s power generation sector for over 35 years.
Contact us today to discuss your next project.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a critical lift in construction?
A critical lift is any crane operation that exceeds 75% of the crane’s rated capacity, involves multiple cranes, requires hoisting personnel, or takes place in proximity to hazards such as power lines.
2. What wind speed is too high for crane operations in South Africa?
Most crane manufacturers recommend pausing operations at sustained winds above 20 mph (32 km/h). At wind speeds of 32 mph or higher, crane operations should stop entirely.
3. What rigging certifications are required in South Africa?
Under South Africa’s OHS Act and DMR 18, all riggers must hold nationally recognised qualifications such as Basic Rigging (SAQA 14706) or Advanced Rigging (SAQA 59731). All lifting tackle must be inspected, certified, and registered in a lifting tackle register before use.
