Static field route #608

What should an apprentice know before a crane pick or lift day starts?

Seismic Bracing, Sway Control & Structural CoordinationHigh-risk starter answer — foreman/qualified-person verification required

Lift day is awareness-only unless you are assigned and qualified. Before the pick starts, know where apprentices stand, who signals, where the fall zone is, and what your exact role is.

Open in Field Rescue Open category

Field checklist

Identify lift lead, qualified rigger, signal person, fall zone, swing path, landing area, and escape path.
Confirm whether apprentices are observers, runners, tag-line helpers, or staying clear.
Stay out of the load path and keep hands off rigging unless assigned/trained.
If asked to rig or signal without qualification, stop and escalate to foreman/PM/superintendent.

Ask foreman

Before the pick starts, who is the signal person and where do you want apprentices standing? I want to stay clear unless I’m assigned a specific task.

Do not

Do not stand under the load, signal the crane, choose rigging, or touch slings/shackles/hooks unless assigned and qualified.

Why it matters

The first apprentice lift-day question is not how to rig. It is where to stand and who is in charge.

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