Outrigger and Crane Pad Safety Tips

Crane and outrigger pads play a crucial role as a safety tool in maintaining stability and preventing accidents during crane operations. They provide support and distribute the load, minimizing the risk of tipping or collapse. Understanding the importance of proper outrigger and crane pad usage is essential for ensuring a safe working environment.

Click here to get more.

Below are important safety tips listed that anyone working in the lifting and rigging industry should follow when using outrigger and crane pads. 

What are Outrigger Pads?

Outrigger pads are essential tools used in any lifting and rigging setup. They are flat objects that come in a variety of different sizes, thickness, and materials to accommodate the equipment's weight and points of contact.

Also known as crane pads, these tools sit underneath the outrigger (known as a shoe, foot, arm, or flat) and provide a flat surface that distributes the pressure more evenly across the ground. Because the point of contact between the outrigger and the ground is small, too much pressure can cause the ground underneath to shift and crumble. These products help alleviate this pressure to keep equipment like cranes stable during lifting jobs.

Outrigger & Crane Pad Safety Tips

Like any lifting and rigging equipment, safe usage ensures that personnel and equipment stay safe during operations. When it comes to using outrigger pads, follow these tips to make sure everything runs nice and safely during the job.

1. Conduct a Site Assessment

Prior to any crane operations, conduct a thorough site assessment to identify potential hazards. This includes factors like the positioning of your equipment, underground utilities, available space, environmental conditions, and obstructions. Be sure to check for any specific regulations or permits required for crane operations in the area. Always comply with local safety standards and guidelines to avoid any potential legal issues. This includes not only outrigger systems, but any other equipment involved like lifting slings, lifting beams and spreader bars, and any rigging hardware used.

• Browse through our collection of Lifting Slings today!

Part of the site assessment also includes evaluating ground conditions. Ground stability, which involves soil type, compaction, slope, and underground utilities, helps determine the appropriate size and type of outrigger and crane pad needed for the specific conditions. According to OSHA's standards on ground conditions, outrigger pads "must not be assembled or used unless ground conditions are firm, drained, and graded to a sufficient extent..." (.(b)). Ensure that conditions meet the necessary safety requirements to use cranes and other equipment on before taking on the task.

2. Understand Load Capacities

Secondly, be aware of your crane's load capacity and the maximum load it can handle with fully extended outriggers. Exceeding the load capacity or misjudging the load distribution leads to outrigger failure or crane instability. Also, not calculating additional weight components like counterweights used to lessen the pressure on outrigger pads leads to the same problems. Refer to the crane manufacturer's specifications and consult with an engineer if necessary.

3. Proper Setup and Leveling

Selecting the correct outriggers and crane pads is crucial for maintaining stability. Use outriggers specifically designed for the crane model and ensure they are in good working condition. Crane pads should be large enough to distribute the load evenly and prevent too much ground pressure. Use load-bearing calculation tools or consult with experts to determine the appropriate size and type of outriggers and crane pads for your specific application.

Keep these tips in mind when setting up the outrigger system:

• Always keep the outrigger shoe in the center of the pad.
• Make sure that the outrigger pad stays in complete contact with the ground. Never use it to bridge over a hole or other hollow area.
• Clean the area for any loose materials where you plan to sit the outrigger pad on.

• Cribbing blocks can be used to support the outriggers, especially on slopes or uneven ground, further enhancing stability.

4. Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Additionally, make sure to regularly inspect and maintain outriggers and crane pads so that they are in proper working condition. Check for signs of damage, corrosion, or wear, and address any issues quickly. Regular inspections help identify potential problems before they compromise safety. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance and conduct load testing when required.

5. Operator Training and Communication

Lastly, ensure that crane operators are adequately trained and experienced in outrigger and crane pad setup. They should have a clear understanding of load capacities, setup procedures, and safety protocols. Establish effective communication channels between the crane operator, signal person, and other personnel involved in the operation to ensure everyone is aware of their roles and responsibilities.

Outrigger and Crane Pads from U.S. Cargo Control

Safety is paramount when working with outriggers and crane pads. That's why US Cargo Control offers high-quality outrigger pads from DICA®. Designed with an engineered thermoplastic material, these products are made to be unbreakable, flexible, and withstanding of high pressure, temperature, moisture, and other corrosives. DICA® outrigger perform well compared to other competitors and handle a variety of applications, all while having an ergonomic design for safe and easy usage.

These products come in two different varieties:

• SafetyTech Pads: These outrigger pads work for a wide variety of equipment, from digging derricks and bucket trucks, to mobile cranes and concrete pumpers with higher reactionary forces. SafetyTech pads come in a variety of sizes and thickness to accommodate different equipment loads:
  
  
• Medium Duty Pads
• Heavy Duty Pads
• Super Duty Pads
  
  
• FiberTech Pads: These outrigger pads are made with Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRP) for added rigidity and strength-to-weight ratio that's higher than SafetyTech pads. With incredible durability and a service life of over 20 years, FiberTech pads are the durable alternative that seriously holds up for any outrigging task.

By following these essential safety tips, you can help ensure stability, prevent accidents, and create a secure work environment. Remember, a well-prepared and knowledgeable team is key to successful and safe crane operations.

More Articles You May Like:

4 Tips on Buying the Right Lifting and Rigging Equipment

How Many Legs Do I Need for My Lifting Sling?

Spreader Bars vs. Lifting Beams: What's the Difference?

What is D/d Ratio, and Why is it Important for Lifting Slings?

Why is it Called 'Guy Wire?'

Talk with our product experts via  or by at (866) 444- today for questions you might have on any of our cargo control products.

Written by Jim Vaughn, CUSP on April 15, . Posted in Worksite Safety, Train the Trainer 101.

I've met a lot of people over the years while working in the utility industry. One of those people is in management with a respected manufacturer of aerial devices. Back when OSHA published 29 CFR Subpart CC, 'Cranes and Derricks in Construction,' he and I and a few others were discussing how a utility operation could best comply with some of the standard's requirements. The OSHA rules were formed with the perspective of typical construction sites in mind. In particular, we discussed the rule's expectation that the site's general manager will tell the crane operator about underground obstructions that might collapse and cause a crane to become unstable. It's obvious that a crane operator setting structures on a right-of-way doesn't have that luxury, so we were thinking about things we could do. The discussion landed on auxiliary outrigger pads. At the time, my friend from the aerial device company had this to say: 'We have occasionally been sued by folks who turned over one of our cranes or aerial devices, but we have never been sued by anyone who had set up on auxiliary pads.'

If you want to learn more, please visit our website XINXINGHUAGONG.

I don't know if that's still the case with that company, but at the time I began to research why auxiliary pads appeared to be an important part of stable setup for aerial devices. Basically, it's because sometimes even a few square inches of additional pad dimension can increase ground support by tons per square foot. When it comes to the four-point support of an aerial device that weighs in at tons, tons-per-square-foot increases are a good thing.

The expectation for the stability of cranes is clearly demonstrated by the language OSHA uses in the Subpart CC standard. Take ., 'Ground conditions,' for example. In the preamble, OSHA explains that due diligence in determining ground conditions will prevent numerous overturns, which are the most frequent cause of crane-related fatalities. The preamble also mentions OSHA's recognition of the utility industry and our good record of low-incident operation compared to the rest of industry.

On bucket trucks, boom trucks, digger derricks and cranes, the manufacturer-supplied outrigger foot is designed to be used as a bearing surface against an auxiliary pad placed by the user. The fixed factory outrigger foot is optimally sized to provide support for all boom configurations on solid foundations. The fixed outrigger foot size also takes into account space and weight, and the qualified operator is expected to be able to determine what additional support is needed to assure stability. The fixed foot on the outrigger is not designed to accommodate all ground conditions and should always be used with an outrigger pad.

Practical Considerations for Stability
In our industry, OSHA's expectation for stable setup of bucket trucks and digger derricks is not called out literally. Setup stability is expected to be covered as a collective part of the OSHA standards regarding qualification and work-related safety skills that the employer must certify after observing an employee's demonstrated skill. So, let's take a look at some practical things that can improve your bucket truck and digger derrick setup stability.

I need to clarify here that there is little ' if any ' consensus guidance that a policy writer can turn to. The information that follows are workable methods I used for years when I served as the safety director for a big line construction company. So, keep that in mind. The guidance in this document is based on practices common to the lifting industry, information available from public sources and industry experience. I am providing this guidance as a tool to help the reader in developing their own training or policy because I haven't found any detailed guide on device setup. Also keep in mind that it is the employer's responsibility to devise policies and practices to establish workplace safety, including performing due diligence in setting up cranes and aerial equipment in accordance with the equipment manufacturers as well as state and federal requirements.

First, outrigger pads should be used under all outriggers in all surface conditions. If you purchase an aerial device today, it is likely to come with synthetic outrigger pads. They should not be relegated to use in sandy areas only. Bucket truck and digger derrick operating rules often call out setting up on manufacturer-provided outrigger pads. Cribbing (dunnage) is additional support used under an auxiliary outrigger pad. It is added in muddy conditions and stacked to achieve leveling on sloped ground. Cribbing is convenient to add additional size because you can build a 4-foot-by-4-foot pad over a soft spot or mud without having to cart around a 4-foot-square, 200-pound auxiliary outrigger pad. Cribbing also comes out of mud easier (tie a rope to one end) than a 3- or 4-foot-square outrigger pad, and it can be used to raise a pad to level a truck. During my time as a safety director for construction, I would survey the site before mobilization. If we weren't using crane mats, I would frequently identify a local sawmill that could run a truckload of 3-foot 4x4s to keep on-site for our cranes and buckets used to perform transmission construction. These green wood dunnage pieces are inexpensive, environmentally friendly and can be left behind or given away when no longer needed. They also become a handy goodwill tool for the people you have been inconveniencing for the last few months, although there are rarely any left because lineworkers tend to burn them during winter for heat in the laydown area.

Below is a table that offers guidance on minimum cribbing lengths for digger derricks, bucket trucks and light boom trucks when supplementing factory outriggers with built-up pads or when providing additional support for factory-provided pads. There is no guarantee this table is foolproof since it relies on the proper performance of certain ground conditions. However, after years of following these guidelines, they seem to work well since no bucket or derrick I was overseeing failed to remain upright. Check your operator manuals and you likely will find similar guidance. This table is based on the widths of outrigger feet and a pad dimension increased safety factor of 2.5.

Note: Minimum cribbing lengths shall be 2.5 times the width of the digger derrick/truck crane outrigger foot. Use this table to select minimum lengths of cribbing planks.

Cribbing Under Pads
As I noted earlier, digger derricks and bucket trucks often come from the manufacturer with outrigger pads. Manufacturer pads have historically performed well in support of the bucket trucks and derricks they accompany. However, manufacturer-supplied pads do not relieve the employer of the responsibility to assure pads and cribbing under an outrigger will safely support the vehicle in the conditions present. The operator still must carefully observe the manufacturer's pads for sinking or deformation during loading. Adding cribbing as described above will limit sinking and bending of the auxiliary pads in soft conditions. If you see one of your pads sink or bend, add dunnage supplement pads as needed. A competent person should attempt to quantify the load-bearing capacity of the soil when conditions are suitable for making those calculations.

Calculations for Outrigger Pads
I was qualified as a crane operator many years ago and recently found some training materials from that class, which provide the following recommendations. 

When compaction information is available or a pocket penetrometer is used to measure soil compaction, lift planners may use the following calculations to compute support limits by outrigger pad area for constructed pads. This method was published by NCCCO CraneTech in April . 

Method for Determining Crane Outrigger Pad Dimensions When Soil Compaction is Known
The total loaded weight of a crane is divided by the total number of outriggers in touch with the earth to determine the maximum weight that will be placed on each outrigger. The total weight on the outrigger must be less than the weight that can be supported by the earth without further compressing. If the earth beneath an outrigger should further compress during a lift, the rig will become unstable. The weight-load capability of compacted soil, known as the soil's compressive strength, usually is rated in tons per square foot (tsf). The following process requires that soil compaction be stated in pounds per square inch (psi) in order to estimate the pad dimensions in square inches needed to support the weight to be applied.

The weight of a crane and load cannot be evenly divided among the outriggers because swinging over a single outrigger loads that point more than all of the others. Crane manufacturers design each outrigger to handle the total weight of the crane and load. Using the total weight of the crane plus the load weight computed against the ground resistance to calculate pad size matches the manufacturer's capacity for the outrigger and ultimately provides a good safety factor for pad applications.

Step 1: Convert tsf to pounds per square foot (psf).
Formula: tsf * 2,000 = psf
Example: 1.5 tsf * 2,000 = 3,000 psf

Step 2: Convert psf (when known) to psi.
Formula: psf ÷ 144 = psi the soil will support
Example: 3,000 ÷ 144 = 20.83 psi 

To compute pad area for a lift for calculated crane-plus-load weight:
Formula: square root of total crane weight ÷ soil psi = pad dimension

For example, let's say the crane and load weight are 78,000 pounds and soil compaction is 20.83 psi. Given that Ö(78,000 ÷ 20.83) = 61, the pad size is 61 inches by 61 inches (approximately 5 feet square).

Cribbing Best Practices
If you are using outrigger pads for cranes that are constructed of wood cribbing (beams or blocks), the following best practices should be followed:

• Cribbing planks should not be less than 3-inch-thick hardwood or built-up plywood.
• Cribbing assembled on-site shall be a minimum of three layers for 3-inch-thick planks or two layers for 4-inch-thick planks.
• Cribbing shall not bend or deform in any manner under loading.
• Each successive layer of cribbing shall be laid at a right angle to the layer below.
• The top cribbing layer in contact with the crane outrigger foot shall be at least as wide as the outrigger foot.
• Cribbing should not be used if it is split, warped or excessively worn.

Guidance on Cribbing Constructed Pads
Cribbing is laid at a bias (right angle) to evenly spread out the load from the crane outrigger foot. Using three layers for 2-inch planking distributes the stresses across all of the boards in the lower two layers, creating a single, larger unit of resistance.

Pads constructed of cribbing (dunnage) planks that are 4 inches thick may be constructed in two layers, provided that the top layer of cribbing is wider than the crane outrigger foot and that the bottom layer is at least as wide as the length of the top layer. If a built-up pad bends under load, additional layers must be laid.

When to Crib, When to Excavate
Cranes, derricks, boom trucks and bucket trucks must be set up levelly in accordance with manufacturer standards. Cribbing alone will not always solve leveling problem, and in some cases, cribbing will make the setup less stable than an incline.

There are no national standards or limits regarding how to build cribbing or how high cribbing can be built. The operator must understand the physics at work to determine how and when cribbing and excavating must be used.

Soil finds its natural slope in accordance with its granular weight, granular shape, moisture content and organic content. This slope is called the angle of repose. The angle of repose can be disturbed by pressure and cause the soil to slide or otherwise be displaced. The greater the angle of repose, the greater the chance the soil can be disturbed.

When setting up a crane on a slight angle, the use of cribbing stacks can level the crane with careful placement of interlocked cribbing of two or three layers. The more cribbing layers used, the less stable the cribbing may be if not properly interlocked and constructed. In addition, cribbing can be destabilized by the outriggers opposite the cribbed outrigger, especially where high angles are concerned. If the angle is too great, an articulating outrigger may engage the soil at a fairly high angle. The higher the angle, the more push is created toward the opposite-side outrigger set up on cribbing.

Sometimes a better choice is to excavate a pad into a slope on which to set up a crane. There is no standard for the size of a pad excavation, but experience teaches that a pad three times the longest length of the equipment to be set up is reliable.

About the Author: After 25 years as a transmission-distribution lineman and foreman, Jim Vaughn, CUSP, has devoted the last 22 years to safety and training. A noted author, trainer and lecturer, he is a senior consultant for the Institute for Safety in Powerline Construction. He can be reached at .

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Crane Outrigger Pads. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.