Cribbing and lifting point selection should consider stability of the lifting points.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not Applicable
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (A)

Ensuring stability of lifting points is essential in cribbing and lifting operations. When planning a lift, the chosen points must stay solid and level under load, avoiding any movement, rocking, or tipping as the rigging is tightened and the lift begins. If a lifting point is unstable—on a deformed surface, an uneven contact, or a weak feature of the object—the load can shift or rotate, pulling on one side more than the other, causing the rigging, cribbing, or even the entire assembly to fail. That kind of instability puts rescuers at risk and can worsen the collapse condition.

To maintain stability, inspect the surfaces that will bear the load and the lifting hardware, ensure even load distribution (using appropriate rigging and, if needed, load equalizers), keep the load centered to minimize eccentric forces, and adapt the setup so the contact points are solid and level. If a stable lift point cannot be found, modify the rig or cribbing arrangement to create a safe, stable foundation.

Because stability of lifting points is a constant, critical consideration for safety during lifts, it should always be taken into account.