🏗️ Types of Lifting in Construction – Know the Difference, Control the Risk

 🏗️ Types of Lifting in Construction – Know the Difference, Control the Risk

Lifting operations are not all the same.

 Each type of lifting carries a different risk level, control requirement, and rigger competency.

🔹 1. Routine Lifting

📌 What it is: Repetitive lifts with known loads and standard methods

⚠ Precautions:

 ✔ Pre-use inspection of lifting gear

 ✔ Stable ground & clear access

 ✔ Standard hand signals and communication

👷 Rigger Required:

 ✅ Rigger Level 3 (Basic / Certified)

🔹 2. Non-Routine Lifting

📌 What it is: Unusual load shape, weight, or lifting method

⚠ Precautions:

 ⚠ Detailed lift planning

 ⚠ Toolbox talk before lifting

 ⚠ Close supervision during operation

👷 Rigger Required:

 ✅ Rigger Level 2 (Intermediate / Experienced)

🔹 3. Heavy Lifting

📌 What it is: Loads near crane capacity or involving large components

⚠ Precautions:

 🚧 Engineered lifting plan

 🚧 Load calculation & radius check

 🚧 Crane stability and exclusion zones

👷 Rigger Required:

 ✅ Rigger Level 2 or Level 1 (Senior Rigger)

🔹 4. Critical Lifting

📌 What it is: High-risk lifts near live services, structures, or personnel

⚠ Precautions:

 🚨 Approved lifting plan & method statement

 🚨 Permit-to-Work system

 🚨 Continuous monitoring & stop-work authority

👷 Rigger Required:

 ✅ Rigger Level 1 (Advanced / Senior)

🔹 5. Tandem Lifting ( Special Category)

📌 What it is: A single load lifted by two cranes simultaneously

⚠ Why it’s risky:

 ⚠ Uneven load sharing

 ⚠ Sudden overload on one crane

 ⚠ Communication failure

⚠ Precautions:

 🚨 Engineered tandem lifting plan

 🚨 Load-share calculations for each crane

 🚨 One lift supervisor & one signalman only

 🚨 Radio + visual communication

 🚨 Strict exclusion zone

👷 Rigger Required:

 ✅ Rigger Level 1 (Senior / Advanced)

 ✅ Competent Lift Supervisor mandatory

🔑 All tandem lifts are treated as CRITICAL LIFTS.

The higher the complexity, the higher the competency required.

 Safe lifting is not luck — it’s planning, coordination, and control.