How should you respond to a load that starts to swing dangerously?

• A. Stop movement, communicate with signal person, use tag lines to control the load, and ensure no personnel are in the swing area.
• B. Increase speed to clear the swing area.
• C. Ignore if small swing.
• D. Detach rigging to stop swing.

Answer: (A)

When a load starts to swing dangerously, the main priority is quickly regain control and keep everyone safe. Begin by stopping the crane’s movement so the load stops gaining momentum and swing slows. Clear and decisive communication with the signal person is essential so coordinating actions are understood and everyone knows the plan. Use tag lines to apply controlled guidance to the load from a safe position, damping the swing and steering the load toward a stable stop rather than letting it swing freely or bounce. Finally, make sure no personnel are in the swing area to prevent injury if the load shifts or the motion changes again. This approach avoids worsening the situation—like trying to pull the load faster or detaching rigging—and relies on established signals, deliberate control, and a safe exclusion zone.