What is the purpose of performing a center of gravity (CG) check on a lifted load?

• A. To determine the color of the rigging.
• B. To verify that the load's CG is within the crane's stability limits to prevent tipping.
• C. To predict wind speed.
• D. To schedule maintenance.

Answer: (B)

The center of gravity check focuses on where the weight of the load effectively acts. In crane operations, the crane’s stability depends on keeping the combined center of gravity of the crane and load within the crane’s stability limits for the given lift configuration. Verifying the load’s CG ensures it sits inside that stability envelope, so the crane won’t tip or become unstable as the load is raised or moved. If the CG is outside the allowable area, the crane could overturn or the lift could behave unpredictably, even if the rated load isn’t exceeded.

This check directly informs how you rig the load and where you hook it, helping maintain safe margins during the lift. It’s not about the color of rigging, predicting wind speed, or scheduling maintenance, which are unrelated to whether the lift remains stable.