What Precautions Should Be Taken When Parking A Load? Ensure A Safe And Stable Landing Every Time

The most critical precautions when parking a load involve a sequence of deliberate actions focused on three areas: the landing zone, the descent, and the release. You must first clear all personnel from the area, ensure the load is placed slowly onto a stable and prepared foundation, and then gradually release tension from the rigging to prevent instability or equipment damage.

The goal of parking a load is not merely to set it down, but to transition it from a dynamic, suspended state to a completely static and secure one, eliminating all potential energy and hazards before your team approaches.

What precautions should be taken when parking a load? Ensure a Safe and Stable Landing Every Time

The Three Pillars of Safe Load Parking

Properly parking a load is a systematic process. Each step is designed to mitigate a specific risk, from crush injuries to equipment failure. We can break this down into three core principles.

Pillar 1: Prepare the Landing Zone

Before the load begins its descent, the destination must be fully prepared. This is a non-negotiable first step.

The absolute priority is to clear the area of all personnel. No one should be in the landing zone or immediate vicinity as the load is lowered. This eliminates the risk of crush injuries from a shifting or falling load.

The ground itself must be a stable foundation. This means it is level, firm, and has the capacity to support the full weight of the load without sinking or shifting. Never park a load on soft soil, uneven ground, or any surface whose integrity is unknown.

Pillar 2: Execute a Controlled Descent

The movement of the load into its final position must be slow and deliberate. Speed is your enemy.

Lower the load slowly and steadily, avoiding any swinging or sudden movements. This gives the operator maximum control and prevents momentum from creating unexpected hazards.

The final placement should be precise. The operator must have a clear line of sight or rely on a single, qualified spotter to guide the load to the exact intended position.

Pillar 3: Secure the Load and Release the Rigging

The final steps ensure the load is stable on its own and that the rigging can be removed safely.

Place the load on supports like blocks or dunnage. This serves two critical functions: it provides a stable base for the load and creates a crucial gap that allows slings to be removed easily and without damage. Placing a load directly on the ground can trap the slings, forcing personnel to use unsafe methods to retrieve them.

Once the load is fully supported by the foundation and its dunnage, release the tension on the rigging gradually. Releasing it suddenly can cause the chain or rope to snap back, endangering personnel and potentially shocking the equipment. This slow release confirms the load is stable before the rigging is fully disconnected.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Mistakes during this final phase of a lift can negate all previous safety efforts. Understanding these common errors is key to preventing them.

The Danger of an Unprepared Foundation

Placing a heavy load on an unstable or unprepared surface is a primary cause of incidents. The load can slowly sink into soft ground, causing it to become unbalanced and tip over hours or even days later.

The Risk of Trapped or Damaged Slings

Forgetting to use dunnage is a frequent mistake. When a load's weight pinches a sling against the ground, it can become impossible to remove. This often leads to workers attempting to lift a corner of the load in an unsafe manner or, worse, cutting the sling, which destroys expensive equipment and can cause the load to shift unexpectedly.

The Hazard of Shock Loading

Releasing tension abruptly creates a dangerous "snap." This shock can damage the rigging equipment, stress the crane components, and jolt the load, potentially making it unstable just as you are disengaging from it.

A Final Checklist for Every Load

Use these points to ensure your procedure is sound, adapting to the specifics of each lift.

If your primary focus is personnel safety: Ensure the landing zone is completely clear of all people and that the load's final descent is slow and perfectly controlled.
If your primary focus is load and equipment integrity: Always use proper dunnage to create a stable base and ensure rigging can be removed without being damaged or trapped.
If your primary focus is long-term stability: Verify the ground has the capacity to support the load indefinitely and will not shift, sink, or become compromised by weather.

A safe lift only ends when the load is secure on the ground and the rigging is safely stored away.

Summary Table:

Precaution Phase	Key Action	Purpose
Prepare Landing Zone	Clear personnel, ensure stable foundation	Prevent crush injuries, ensure load stability
Controlled Descent	Lower slowly and steadily, use spotter	Maintain control, prevent swinging/shifting
Secure & Release	Use dunnage, release tension gradually	Protect rigging, confirm load is stable

Ensure every lift ends safely with the right equipment. Proper load handling is critical for project success and worksite safety. GARLWAY specializes in construction machinery, offering reliable winches, concrete mixers, and concrete batching plants for construction companies and contractors globally. Our equipment is designed for precision control and durability, helping you execute controlled descents and secure placements efficiently.

Let us help you build safer and smarter. Contact GARLWAY today to discuss your project needs and discover how our machinery can enhance your operational safety and productivity.