What should be done before any lift is accomplished?

• A. Survey the job site
• B. Inspect equipment
• C. Communicate with ground crew
• D. Obtain weather clearance

Answer: (A)

Surveying the job site first is essential because it reveals hazards, obstacles, and constraints that will shape the entire lift plan. By walking the area, you identify overhead obstructions, ground conditions, access routes, swing radius, nearby personnel, and any utilities or structural features that could affect how the load will move. This aircraft-style planning sets the foundation for where to position the crane, how to rig the load, and how the crew will coordinate, so all subsequent safety steps—checking equipment, communicating with the ground crew, and confirming weather conditions—fit into a plan that accounts for the actual site. Without this early site awareness, you risk setting up in an unsafe location or missing factors that could complicate or derail the lift.