CRANE OUTRIGGER SETUP TOOLBOX TALK
Ground capacity is as important as crane capacity.
Verification of ground capacity, outrigger position and crane stability.
Preview is public. A free SERNEM account is required to download the standard PDF.
Toolbox Topic
CRANE OUTRIGGER SETUP TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 minutes
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Prevent crane overturning caused by outrigger settlement, ground failure and unstable setup.
WHY IT MATTERS
Outrigger reactions can transfer very high loads into a small ground area.
Fill, soft ground and underground voids can undermine crane stability.
Incorrect mats or partial outrigger extension can significantly reduce lifting capacity.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
A mobile crane was set up near the edge of an asphalt area with one outrigger over soft fill.
The outrigger began sinking when the load was taken.
Ground assessment and suitable mats would have prevented the condition.
REMEMBER
If the outrigger support is not stable, the crane is not stable.
KEY HAZARDS
Ground settlement.
Outrigger pad sliding.
Setup over drains or voids.
Undersized outrigger mats.
Partial outrigger extension.
Setup on sloping ground.
Vehicle traffic affecting stability.
Reduced ground strength after rain.
CONTROLS
Assess ground conditions before setup.
Check underground services, drains and voids.
Use correctly sized outrigger mats.
Level the crane within manufacturer limits.
Verify outrigger extension against the load chart.
Centre outrigger pads on mats.
Protect the setup area from traffic.
Monitor outrigger settlement during lifting.
Reassess after rain or ground changes.
Seek engineering or competent approval when ground conditions are uncertain.
SUPERVISOR MESSAGE
Team, crane capacity means nothing if the ground cannot support it. We will verify ground conditions and outrigger support before taking any load.
TEAM QUESTIONS
Is the ground suitable?
Are underground voids present?
Are mats correctly sized?
Are outriggers correctly extended?
Is the crane level?
Is reassessment needed after rain?
FIELD VERIFICATION
Ground assessed
Underground checked
Mat suitable
Outrigger position correct
Extension correct
Crane level
Traffic controlled
Pads centred
Ground stable
Crew briefed
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
Project / Site
Date
Presented by
Work area
Attendance and Signature
| # | Name | Position | Signature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 | |||
| 5 | |||
| 6 | |||
| 7 | |||
| 8 | |||
| 9 | |||
| 10 | |||
| 11 | |||
| 12 |
Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource – Permit conditions, risk assessments and site procedures take priority.