Using Cameras on Cranes for Critical Lifts

lift platform and basket

As anyone with experience on a job site where cranes are used knows, all lifts require a measure of planning in order to be safe. According to the Hartford Loss Control Department, “Factors such as load weight, crane configuration, rated capacity, and site conditions, some lifts require more extensive planning by qualified persons and are often referred to as “critical lifts”. Critical lifts require a more comprehensive lift plan to minimize the potential of crane failure and/or catastrophic loss.”

What Is A “Critical Lift?”

In the construction industry, the term “critical lift” can have several definitions. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a critical lift is one in which the hoisted load approaches the maximum capacity of the crane. It also refers to lifts in which people are being transported, two or more cranes are being used. Lifts that occur in industrial settings and lifts that involve cranes that are floating on barges are also considered to be critical lifts by NIOSH, as are any lifts that take place near power lines, or in adverse weather conditions such as high winds.

Other Factors of Critical Lifts

There are several other factors which can cause a lift to be considered critical. According to the Construction Safety Association of Ontario, lifts that occur in congested areas, lifts that involve turning or flipping the cargo, lifts in which shock loading or side loading may occur, lifts in poor soil conditions, lifts which involve unstable cargo, or lifts where the ground conditions or load weight is not known is also considered to be critical. The Department of Energy explains that a critical lift is also defined as those lifts in which the load has high value, is radioactive, hazardous, explosive, unique, or irreplaceable.

How HoistCam Can Help

While the factors listed above come from several different organizations, there are other factors which are also considered to create critical lifts. For example, according to the United States Army Corps of Engineers, a critical lift is also defined as one in which the lift is made outside of the view of the operator. This is often known as a “blind lift” or a “blind pick.” These lifts are good examples of how HoistCam’s cameras on cranes can help to improve safety and accuracy in critical lifts. When a crane operator cannot see the area where he will be loading or unloading his cargo, it makes a lift more dangerous. By adding cameras on cranes, HoistCam makes it possible for the crane operator to see every step of the lift, from start to finish. He can simply glance at the monitor in his can where the feed from the camera is going. With just a glimpse, he can tell exactly where any power lines are, he can check to see that the load is secured properly, he can make sure that there are no workers in the path of the lift, he can see exactly where to place the load, and much more. It is easy to see how cameras on cranes could improve safety on these critical lifts.