A crane with capacity of 100,000 lbs is performing a lift of 90,000 lbs is an?

• A. Simple Lift
• B. Moderate Lift
• C. Complex Lift
• D. Routine Lift

Answer: (C)

Classification of lifts depends on how much of the crane’s rated capacity the load uses, along with the level of planning and risk involved. Lifting 90,000 lb with a crane rated at 100,000 lb puts the load at about 90% of capacity, which leaves very little margin for dynamic factors like acceleration, sway, wind, rigging efficiency, and ground or outrigger conditions. That near-full capacity makes the lift far more sensitive to any variation, so it requires extra planning, engineering review, a detailed lift plan, and tighter coordination among the crew. Because of these factors, the lift is considered complex.

If the load were well under capacity with straightforward rigging and predictable behavior, it would be a simpler, routine, or basic lift. A moderate lift would involve some planning beyond a routine one but wouldn’t push the crane toward its limits.