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SEP TANDEM LIFT SAFE PRACTICES

When lifting heavy or oddly shaped objects, it is sometimes desirable to use two cranes in tandem rather than a
06 single higher-capacity crane. Tandem lifts can be very useful, and they are often used to place structural beams
2018 for bridges, move large loads, and lift long components from horizontal to vertical positions. However, tandem lifts
have the potential to become very dangerous if not handled properly.

The first step in safely executing a tandem crane lift is to prepare a rigging plan that will investigate all possibilities
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THIS of overloading the cranes involved. OSHA 1926.1432 outlines a few requirements for tandem lifting plans. Tandem
lifting plans must be developed by a qualified person, and if the qualified person determines that engineering
expertise is required, the employer must ensure it is provided. The lift must also be directed by a person who
meets the criteria for both a competent person and a qualified person, or by a competent person assisted by one
or more qualified persons. Finally, the lift director must review the complete plan in a meeting with all workers who
will be involved in the operation.

Lift Factors and Conditions

The goal of a detailed lifting plan is to ensure that the lift can be completed safely. For the lift to be safe, the
cranes must not be overloaded or side loaded. When a lift involves more than one crane, there are many factors
that could cause an overload situation to arise, and they must be accounted for when the plan is developed. Here
are a few factors to consider when planning a tandem lift:

Center of Gravity: It is necessary to know the center of gravity of a load to be able to balance the load
correctly and distribute the load between cranes as desired. It is also necessary to account for any
conditions that could cause the center of gravity to shift, such as wind blowing on the load or fluids in or on
the load. If the center of gravity shifts or is not correctly aligned, the crane closer to the center of gravity
could become overloaded, resulting in a failure.
Capacities: There are two possibilities for loading during a tandem lift: equal distribution and unequal
distribution. When the load is distributed equally between both cranes, it can be beneficial to use cranes of
the same model or the same capacity range. Using two of the same or similar cranes will make it easier to
synchronize movements between them, which will help reduce the chance of overload conditions. If the
load is not intended to be distributed equally, cranes of different capacities can be used based on the
portion of the load that will be carried by each crane. However, using cranes of the same model even when
the load is distributed evenly can still make synchronizing movement easier. If the cranes have different
movement speeds, the lift plan should define ways to keep the movements synchronized to avoid moving
the center of gravity out of the position defined by the plan.
Rigging: Many loads that are being moved with a tandem lift may require the use of additional rigging and
lift equipment. Lifting devices, such as equalizer beams, can also help prevent the risk of unintended load
distribution due to uncoordinated vertical movements. Equalizer beams can help keep the load distributed
evenly in case crane movements become unsynchronized. Rigging equipment can also be used to ensure
that the load is lifted above the center of gravity, rather than below it, for the most stability. Like the cranes,
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 all rigging and lift equipment must have the necessary lifting capacities. Lift equipment can also add
significant weight to the load, so the lifting plan must account for the additional weight of any equipment as
well as the weight of the load itself.
Side Loading: Side loading is one of the most dangerous risks of tandem lifting, and it can also happen
because of uncoordinated movement. While crane booms can withstand some side loading forces, it is
unsafe to allow horizontal loads or off-center lifts intentionally. The lifting plan should provide ways to avoid
side loading, and cranes should be carefully positioned to minimize the side loading risk.
Communication: The tandem lift plan should have a clearly and precisely defined system of communication
to avoid any miscommunication and possible unintended movements. The qualified person directing the lift
should be the person directing the personnel who are operating the machines. If necessary, relay persons
should be used between the supervisor and operator. The operators and relay persons should know and
understand all commands and communications. In case of an emergency, an emergency stop signal should
be used by any person who observes an unsafe condition.

Tandem crane lifts have the potential to be dangerous, so every precaution must be taken to protect the safety of
everyone involved. There are many additional factors to consider when planning a tandem lift that have not been
described here. The qualified person planning and directing the lift is responsible for identifying all potential
hazards and addressing them. The planners should also be aware of any national and local safety regulations,
such as derating requirements, and ensure that the plan is compliant. Safety is the top priority when executing
tandem lifts and all other critical lifts.

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tariq ibrahim • a year ago

Dear Sir/Madam ,

i just read this tandem lifting article ,i found it very useful for the field personnel ,i would like to
ask one question which is confusing me ,i had asked this question to many safety personnels
as well but had no satisfactory answer yet,this question is frequently asked during interview ,
Q:how many riggers are required for tandem lift?
awaiting for your quick response with authentic response .
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Jeremy Miller Spanco Mod > tariq ibrahim • 10 months ago • edited
Hi Tariq, thanks for your question. As all Tandem lifts are considered critical lifts per
Federal U.S.A. OSHA law, only OSHA can provide a definitive answer. You should
consult with a local OSHA Federal or State office for an official interpretation. All tandem
lifts must fully comply with the Federal Law requirements defined in OSHA to ensure
worker safety.

When planning a tandem lift, remember that the requirements for all tandem lifts are
specific to the conditions of the specific lift. Because those conditions can vary greatly
between lifts, there is no established number of riggers required for a tandem lift.

Instead, the number of riggers needed will depend on the size and capacities of the
cranes involved, the weight and size of the load, the lift distance, the object or objects
being lifted, and other lift factors. However, at least one qualified rigger should be
involved in creating and carrying out the rigging and lifting plan.

OSHA defines a qualified rigger as a person who a.) posses a recognized degree,
certificate, or professional standing, or b.) has extensive knowledge, training, and
experience, and c.) can successfully demonstrate the ability to solve problems related to
rigging loads.

Thanks for your question! Please let us know if you have any more.
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