How do you verify the load weight before lifting?

• A. Weigh after the lift
• B. Guess the weight by visual estimation
• C. Check the load tag or documentation, weigh the load if possible, or use a certified scale or plan by the rigging engineer
• D. Rely on crane capacity regardless of load

Answer: (C)

Before you lift, you must know the exact weight of what you’re moving so the crane, rigging, and ground conditions are all suitable for the load. The best way to verify that weight is to check the official information on the load tag or documentation, or weigh the load if possible using a certified scale, or follow a plan provided by the rigging engineer. The load tag or documentation gives the manufacturer-stated weight and any attachments considered in the rating. If the weight isn’t clearly published, a precise measurement with a certified scale ensures you’re not guessing. A plan from the rigging engineer is valuable because it includes the expected weight and the recommended rigging configuration, which helps you select appropriate slings, spreaders, and lifting points.

Relying on guesswork or assuming the crane’s capacity without confirming the actual load can lead to overloading or improper rigging, which increases the risk of crane failure or a dropped load. Waiting to weigh after the lift is unsafe and impractical, and visual estimation is notoriously unreliable for heavy or complex loads.