In the event a load tag is not available, what is the recommended method to determine the load weight before lifting?

• A. Lift the load and estimate weight visually
• B. Rely on the crane's maximum rating for any load
• C. Weigh the load on a certified scale or obtain a plan from the rigging engineer
• D. Use the weight listed on the load tag from memory

Answer: (C)

Knowing the exact load weight before a lift is essential to keep the crane within its rated capacity and to plan safe rigging. If a load tag isn’t available, the safest and most reliable method is to weigh the load on a certified scale, or obtain a lift plan from the rigging engineer that specifies the weight and how the load should be rigged. A certified scale provides a traceable, objective measurement that directly informs the lifting parameters. A lift plan from the rigging engineer offers verified weight data and any special considerations for the lift. Relying on the crane’s maximum rating for any load is unsafe because the actual weight, along with the lift radius and rigging, determines if the capacity is exceeded. Visually estimating weight or remembering a weight from memory is unreliable and dangerous.