Load chart ratings apply under which conditions?

Load chart ratings are critical in ensuring safe crane operations. The ratings provided in a load chart are based on specific conditions that must be met during lifting operations.

A key condition is that the load should be freely suspended. This means that the load must not be hindered or subject to additional forces, such as friction or binding. When a load is freely suspended, it allows for accurate assessment against the crane's load chart, which is designed to reflect the crane's lifting capacity under these ideal conditions. Any additional factors, such as wind, uneven terrain, or additional load on the crane, can affect its performance and safety, thereby making the load chart ratings invalid.

The other conditions, such as the crane being at maximum height, being near its operational limits, or the crane having been recently serviced, do not guarantee that the load chart ratings apply. Each of these conditions may imply different risks or operational considerations that could affect the crane’s lifting capabilities, thus they do not suffice to confirm the applicability of the load chart ratings.