If the boom is struck or damaged during a lift, what is the recommended action?

• A. Lower the load if possible. Leave the boom in position and wait for an assist crane to lower it safely unless this presents a new, more significant hazard.
• B. Immediately shut down the crane and retreat.
• C. Continue the lift and reassess later.
• D. Stop the lift and lower the boom manually.

Answer: (A)

When a crane boom is struck or damaged, the immediate goal is to reduce the danger and regain control safely. Lowering the load if it can be done without creating a new hazard helps remove weight from the damaged boom, lowering the stress on the structure and decreasing the chance of sudden, uncontrolled movement. Leaving the boom in place while awaiting an assist crane to lower it provides stability and allows trained personnel to execute a controlled, safe lowering.

If lowering the load would put people or critical equipment at greater risk, stop and reassess, but still bring in the assist crane to manage the lowering safely. Continuing the lift or attempting to lower the boom manually introduces high risk of a disastrous failure or injury, and simply shutting down and retreating may leave a hazardous situation unresolved.