We use a small range of  lifting devices that for lifting certain components, these devices can range from 35T up to 75T in weight, connected to the main crane by the use of slings and shackles, the question was asked if this was a suspended load or not, and it recieved a different range of opinions. Some say that this becomes part of the crane so it is not a suspended load, therefore walking under it would not be classed as walking under a suspended load...I would be interested to hear your thoughts?

Oxy

The crane has a safe working load depending on its configuration.

That safe working load includes all that it is lifting, which can include one or more lifting accessories.

As regards any debate about walking below a "suspended load" why don't those having the debate apply some basic thinking? Would any of them want to be underneath if it became detached from the crane?

Once investigated an incident where the attachment to a piling rig detached and fell nearly 30m. There was a labourer underneath - lots of metal hit his helmet, bounced off and broke his collar bone. Would these debaters wish to be in a similar scenario?

Originally Posted by: Oxy

Some say that this becomes part of the crane so it is not a suspended load, therefore walking under it would not be classed as walking under a suspended load

I do not think the attachment will be contemplating its description as it drops on to someones head.

Yes there are areas where it is impossible not to walk under a crane due to its installation especially where the outer track forms part of the building wall however the area immediately below the hoist plus any attachments should be considered a potential risk (albeit remote) of failure whether a load has been attached or not.

Lifting device is a component of Crane and for me, its any load which attached externally to the lifting devices will be considered as a suspended load.