APPENDIX B - GENERAL LOAD CHARTS AND OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

General Load Chart and Operational Consideration

General Load Chart: Manufacturer's operating notes supplied with the machine contain important information concerning proper set-up, operation and additional points that need to be considered when calculating load handling capacities of cranes. Mistakes in calculating capacity can cause accidents.   

Several factors to be considered when calculating a cranes load capacity, including the following:   

1. Load Radius: the horizontal distance between the center of the crane rotation to center of the load.   
2. Boom length: including the jib, swing away extension or any other attachments that may increase length of the boom.
3. Parts of line:
4. Quadrant of operation: the area of operation that the lift is being made in; note different quadrants usually have lower lifting capacities.   
5. Boom angle: the angle formed between the horizontal plane of rotation and center line of the boom. 
6. Weight of any attachments: jib, lattice extension or auxiliary boom point.
7. Weight of handling devices: ball, block, and/or any necessary rigging.

Operational Considerations:

1. When working at boom lengths or radii between the figures shown on the load capacity chart, the next lower capacity rating should be used. It is dangerous to guess the capacity for boom lengths or radii between those listed on the rating plate.   
2. It is very dangerous to lift a load without knowing whether it is within the rated capacity while expecting the crane to start to tip to warn of an overload. Cranes may suddenly tip over or the boom may collapse if the load is too heavy.
3. Always stay within the rated capacity. Operators must reduce the load capacity under adverse field conditions until, it is determined, the machine can safely handle the lift.  
4. Loads shall not be allowed to exceed rated load capacity and working radius.
5. Do not use counterweights heavier than the manufacturer's recommended weight.
6. Even a light wind can blow the load out of control, collapse booms, or tip machines.

   Winds aloft can be much stronger than at ground level.
   
   

7. Proper precautions shall be taken when the velocity of wind exceeds 20-mph.
8. Crane capacity can be adversely effected when the machine set is not level.
9. Do not lift loads when winds create an unsafe or hazardous condition. Booms should be lowered, if possible, under high wind conditions.   
10. Foot pedal brake locks are furnished on some cranes to allow the operator to rest his legs when suspending the load for short periods of time. Operators should keep their feet on the pedals while foot pedal brake locks are in use. Brakes may cool allowing the load to fall.   
11. No one, except the oiler, instructor or designated person should be allowed on a crane with the operator when the crane is in operation.