LOAD STABILITY AND CENTER OF GRAVITY TOOLBOX TALK
A load may appear balanced while its center of gravity is somewhere unexpected.
Assessment of center of gravity, lifting points and load behaviour.
Preview is public. A free SERNEM account is required to download the standard PDF.
Toolbox Topic
LOAD STABILITY AND CENTER OF GRAVITY TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 minutes
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Prevent rotation, shifting and instability caused by incorrect center-of-gravity assessment during lifting.
WHY IT MATTERS
If the center of gravity is not beneath the hook, the load can tilt or rotate when lifted.
Asymmetrical equipment and internal liquids can change load behaviour.
A trial lift is one of the most effective methods for verifying stability.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
An asymmetrical item was rigged from its geometric centre.
One side dropped rapidly as the load cleared the ground.
Center-of-gravity assessment and a low trial lift would have prevented the condition.
REMEMBER
Think about the center of gravity before lifting and observe it during the trial lift.
KEY HAZARDS
Incorrect center of gravity.
Uneven load distribution.
Sudden load rotation.
Rigging slippage.
Movement of internal liquids.
Incorrect lifting points.
Inadequate trial lift.
People beneath the load.
CONTROLS
Determine load weight and center of gravity.
Use approved lifting points.
Configure rigging around the center of gravity.
Perform a low-height trial lift.
Observe load behaviour during the trial lift.
Apply additional rigging control for asymmetrical loads.
Assess movement of liquids inside equipment.
Plan safe tag-line use where required.
Stop lifting if the load is unstable.
Keep all personnel clear of suspended loads.
SUPERVISOR MESSAGE
Team, we will lift according to both load weight and center of gravity. If the load is unstable during the trial lift, we will stop and re-rig.
TEAM QUESTIONS
Where is the center of gravity?
Are lifting points suitable?
Is the load asymmetrical?
Will a trial lift be performed?
Does the load contain liquid?
What will we do if the load is unstable?
FIELD VERIFICATION
Load weight known
Center of gravity assessed
Lifting points suitable
Rigging correct
Trial lift planned
Load behaviour monitored
Asymmetry assessed
Liquid movement assessed
Area below clear
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.