Before beginning a lift, what should be verified regarding the boom and load?

Verifying both the weight of the load and the height of the lift is crucial for ensuring safety and proper equipment operation before beginning any lifting operation. Understanding the load's weight is essential because this determines whether the crane or lifting equipment can safely handle the weight without risking overload conditions, which can lead to equipment failure or accidents. Additionally, knowing the height of the lift allows operators to assess the lifting capacity and capabilities of the equipment being used, as different lifting mechanisms have varying limits based on the height to which they can safely raise loads.

Assessing both factors is part of a comprehensive lift plan, which ensures not only the safe execution of the lift but also compliance with regulations and guidelines that govern lifting operations. Proper preparation minimizes the potential for accidents and enhances operational efficiency by ensuring that the right equipment is utilized for the task at hand.