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Unit 1 — Workplace Safety and Equipment Management
Section 4 — Hoisting, Lifting, & Rigging

4.7 Performing a Basic Lift

A safe lift depends on systematic preparation, clear communication, and disciplined execution. This lesson covers the pre-lift checklist, step-by-step lift procedure, manual lifting technique, required PPE, and load surface protection.

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✅Pre-Lift Checklist 🏗️Lift Procedure 💪Manual Lifting 🦺PPE Selection 🛡️Load Protection

4.7.1 Pre-Lift Checklist

Confirm every item below before signalling the operator to take up the slack. If any item cannot be confirmed, the lift must not proceed until it is resolved.

  • Load is rigged and all rigging components verified — slings, shackles, hooks, and fittings.
  • Exclusion zone established and confirmed clear of all personnel.
  • Communication plan confirmed with equipment operator and designated signaller.
  • PPE in use by all personnel — hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, and CSA-approved footwear.
  • Tag lines in place and personnel holding them are clear of the load path.
  • Operator has reviewed the load chart and confirmed the equipment has sufficient capacity.
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Stop the Lift If: Any item on the checklist is not satisfied, communication is lost with the operator or signaller, conditions change (weather, bystanders entering the zone), or any rigging component shows signs of distress during the lift.

4.7.2 Lift Procedure

Execute the lift in this exact sequence. Each step must be completed and confirmed before moving to the next.

  1. Take up the slack — Signal the operator to raise slowly until all sling legs are taut but the load has not yet left the ground.
  2. Trial lift — Raise the load approximately 150–300 mm (6–12 in) off the ground. Stop. Verify balance, stability, and inspect all rigging under load before proceeding.
  3. Proceed with lift — If the trial lift is satisfactory, signal the operator to continue raising to the required height.
  4. Move the load — Use tag lines to control load orientation during travel. Maintain clear, continuous communication. Keep all personnel clear of the load path and the area directly beneath the suspended load.
  5. Set down — Lower the load slowly onto its seating surface or blocking. Confirm the load is fully stable and level before releasing sling tension.
  6. Remove rigging — Once the load is fully supported, de-tension and remove all slings. Inspect each rigging component for damage before returning to storage.
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One Signaller Only The equipment operator must receive signals from one designated signaller only. Multiple people giving simultaneous hand signals creates confusion and is a leading cause of rigging incidents. In an emergency, any worker may signal "stop."

4.7.3 Safe & Ergonomic Manual Lifting

When mechanical lifting aids are not available for smaller components, use proper body mechanics to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury.

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Manual Lifting Technique — Step by Step

  1. Assess the load — test the weight before committing to the lift; push the load with one hand to gauge resistance.
  2. Position your feet shoulder-width apart, as close to the load as possible.
  3. Bend at the knees and hips, keeping the back straight and core muscles engaged throughout.
  4. Get a firm grip on the load — full-hand grip, not fingertips.
  5. Lift by straightening the legs; keep the load as close to the body as possible throughout the lift.
  6. Turn by moving your feet — never twist the spine while carrying a load.
  7. Lower the load by reversing the procedure — bend knees, keep back straight, set down under control.
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Weight Limit — Seek Assistance or Use a Mechanical Aid If the load exceeds approximately 23 kg (50 lbs), or is awkward to grip, use a mechanical aid or obtain a second person. Two-person lifts require coordination — designate one person as the lead who calls the lift sequence for both.
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Selecting PPE for Lifting Operations

PPE does not prevent dropped loads — it mitigates injury severity if incidents occur. The following PPE is required during all rigging and lifting operations.

PPE Item Standard Protection Provided
Hard hat — Type 1 or Type 2 CSA Z94.1 Protection from falling objects and overhead hazards
Safety glasses CSA Z94.3 Eye protection from debris, wire splinters, and dust
Safety gloves — Cuts and abrasion when handling wire rope, chain, and hardware
Safety footwear — Grade 1 CSA Z195 Toe and metatarsal protection from dropped components
High-visibility vest — Required on construction sites and around mobile equipment

4.7.4 Cover Materials — Protecting the Load

Slings and ropes can damage both the load's surface finish and themselves if contact with sharp or rough edges is not managed. Corner and surface protection must be installed before any sling contacts the load.

Neoprene Sleeves

  • Flexible rubber sleeves slipped over wire rope or chain slings at contact points.
  • Protects polished, painted, or aluminium surfaces from marring.
  • Resists oil and moderate chemical exposure.

Burlap & Padding

  • Wrapped around the load's corners or edges before sling placement.
  • Low-cost solution suitable for rough or unfinished equipment surfaces.
  • Inspect for tears or moisture saturation before use.

Purpose-Built Corner Protectors

  • Rigid plastic or composite saddles designed to sit over a load corner.
  • Distributes sling load over a larger radius, reducing stress concentration.
  • Mandatory when using synthetic web slings on any sharp or angular edge.
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Always Install Corner Protection First Always install corner protection before placing wire rope or chain slings on painted, polished, or fragile equipment casings. A sharp edge can cut through a synthetic web sling under load with no visible warning.
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