Guest Perspective
Lift Directors
The Importance
of Lift Directors
Every lift has a lift director, even when one isn’ t officially assigned; regardless of how complex or simple the lift might be. Directing lifts safely and efficiently requires extensive knowledge of crane and rigging principles. Lift directors play a critical role by considering all the necessary factors before letting lifts proceed. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers( ASME) B30.5 and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration( OSHA) 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC both recognize this fact.
Every lift using a mobile crane has someone in charge.
Common Lift Director Misconceptions
Although ASME states that a lift director’ s responsibilities apply to all industries, many companies using cranes are unaware of their role. This is an issue considering OSHA has been citing companies for“ failure to designate a competent lift director” since 2013.
The problem stems when crane users fail to recognize this simple fact. The standards do not state who must hold this role, however someone on the job will have the responsibility whether they know it or not.
The Roles Involved in Crane Operations
All the roles identified within ASME B30.5 for crane operations are held by someone on the job. One person may hold multiple roles. The standard lists the responsibilities for each of these roles.
These include: crane owner, crane user, site supervisor, lift director, operator, rigger and signal person.
What Is a Lift Director?
A lift director oversees load-handling activities, verifies key factors and reviews and implements lift plans. These professionals aim to protect lives and assets through expertly planned and executed lifts.
Through effectively executed lifts, lift directors establish workplaces that minimize risks to equipment operators, nearby personnel and properties. These individuals act as leaders for crane and rigging crews. The lift director must be present on-site during operations.
By Larry Kime
An experienced instructor and inspector specializing in safety training for the material handling and lifting industry at Crane Inspection & Certification Bureau( CICB). With extensive expertise in mobile and overhead cranes, tower cranes, heavy equipment, forklifts, aerial devices and rigging, Kime leads both hands-on and classroom training programs at CICB. For more information, visit www. cicb. com.
Responsibilities of Lift Directors
The role of lift directors includes a wide range of responsibilities.
Common duties include:
• Implementing lift plans: A lift director will implement a lift plan for a load-handling job. Even when not devising the lift plan, they must understand the scope of the work and the selection of equipment for the project, based on the load weight, lifting capacity of the cranes and environmental conditions.
• Verifying personnel: These leaders verify the relevant qualification standards of the lifting crew. They need to confirm that a qualified signal person is appointed and that a qualified rigger performs the rigging.
• Communicating with crews: Lift directors conduct pre-lift meetings where key personnel are identified.
6 CRANE HOT LINE ® November 2024 • www. cranehotline. com