During a lift, what should be established before proceeding?

Establishing a clear communication signal plan before proceeding with a lift is crucial for ensuring safety and coordination among all personnel involved. Effective communication helps prevent misunderstandings that could lead to accidents or mishaps during the operation. In a dynamic environment like rigging and lifting, a well-defined communication protocol allows the rigger, operators, and spotters to relay information quickly and accurately, which is essential for real-time decision-making.

With a clear communication signal plan, every participant knows what signals to watch for and how to respond. This reduces the likelihood of errors and enhances teamwork, ultimately contributing to the safe execution of the lift. It ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding the lift's progress, any changes in the plan, or emergency situations that may arise.

While other factors such as having a backup plan, written documentation, and clarity on roles are also important components of safe lifting operations, the immediate need during the lift is to establish effective communication to manage the operation in real time.