I am in the midst of a technical debate with colleagues over this question........

Is it safe to leave lifting attachments unattended and suspended from an overhead travelling crane?

We accept that loads should not be left unattended whilst hanging from a crane, but do attachments such as spreader bars count as part of the load in this context, or are they part of the lifting equipment? I know they obviously have to be counted as part of the SWL (which is based on a 'bare' crane hook), but is it acceptable for example to leave a 65kg spreader bar attached to a 2.5t crane and suspended? Or slings? Or lifting chains?

Production are reasoning that if they had to lower attachments to the ground or remove them between lifts it would involve significant operational difficulties due to the frequent number of lifts per day. This would involve either finding a 'parking spot' for the crane hook and attachment (with additional hazards being created by doing this...), or removing the attachment each time and then replacing a few minutes later. That said of course, if it is necessary, then it is necessary, and they will have to live with it :-)

Is there a definitive answer to this one, and if so is it written it in any of the industry guidance etc.?

Many thanks

Stu

I agree with the above. In a previous job we left a pennant more or less permanently attached to the hook on a crawler crane as we determined that the risk of having to remove it all the time, and risk a smack in the face from the head ache ball, was greater than leaving it suspended