What should be done before starting a lift to ensure safety?

Performing a pre-lift inspection of the rigging equipment is crucial to ensure safety before starting a lift. This inspection involves examining all rigging components, including slings, hooks, and hardware, for any signs of damage, wear, or other issues that could lead to failure during the lift. By ensuring that all rigging equipment is in good working condition, the risk of accidents or incidents is significantly reduced.

While verifying the weight of the load, getting a weather update, and checking the manufacturer's instructions are also important steps in the lifting process, the primary focus before commencing a lift should be on the condition of the rigging equipment. This specific inspection directly impacts the safety and integrity of the lift operation, as inadequately maintained equipment can lead to catastrophic failures.