During a heavy lift with a hydraulic crane, the load capacity indicator alarm sounds, and the operator realizes the crane is at risk of overturning. The load is partially suspended. What immediate action should the operator take to prevent a critical incident?

Question: During a heavy lift with a hydraulic crane, the load capacity indicator alarm sounds, and the operator realizes the crane is at risk of overturning. The load is partially suspended. What immediate action should the operator take to prevent a critical incident?

Answer options:

• Rapidly lower the load to the ground.
• Maintain the current position and call the supervisor. ✅ Boom down and retract, while simultaneously lowering the load if possible, to reduce radius and load moment.
• Slew the boom to bring the load directly over the outriggers.

Correct answer: Boom down and retract, while simultaneously lowering the load if possible, to reduce radius and load moment.

Explanation: To prevent overturning, the operator must immediately reduce the load moment. This is best achieved by booming down and retracting the boom, which reduces the operating radius. Simultaneously lowering the load, if safely possible, further decreases the moment. Rapidly lowering the load or swinging it could worsen stability depending on the situation.