Pick-and-Carry Operations
In a pick-and-carry operation, the crane lifts a load and then travels with it suspended. This avoids repeated setups, but it is one of the riskiest ways to use a crane because travel causes the load to swing and the ground shifts under the machine.
- Crane Operators
- Riggers
- Lift Supervisors
What makes it risky
- Dynamic loads: bumps, turns and stops add force to the load and the crane.
- Uneven ground: a slope or soft spot can tip the crane or cause the load to swing.
- Reduced capacity: capacity while travelling is lower than a stationary lift, and the load chart for travel must be used.
- Limited visibility when the load is high or close to the cab.
Planning
- Write a lift plan that includes the travel route. See Lift Planning
- Use the manufacturer's pick-and-carry chart or the specific procedure. If there is none, the manufacturer or a qualified person must set limits. Many cranes allow travel only at a small percentage of the stationary rating
- Survey the route: surface, grade, bumps, holes, soft ground, buried utilities and overhead hazards. See Crane Setup
- Keep the route clear of people and vehicles; use barricades and spotters
- Check wind and keep within limits. See Lift Wind Limits
Carrying the load
- Pick the load a short distance above the ground (just enough to clear obstacles).
- Keep the boom as short and low as the chart allows, and the boom aligned with the direction of travel, over the front or rear as the chart requires.
- Travel slowly with smooth starts and stops, no sudden turns, and no travel across slopes.
- Use tag lines to control the load, and keep hands and body out of pinch points. See Rigging Basics.
- Use a signal person who watches the load, the route and the crane's tires or tracks. See Crane Hand Signals.
- Stop and set the load down if conditions change, such as wind, soft ground or a blocked path.
- Do not travel with a load beyond what the chart allows.
- Do not carry a load over people.
- Do not leave the crane while the load is suspended.
Standards & references
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