When unloading with a lorry-mounted crane, which safety feature should you use?

When unloading with a lorry-mounted crane, which safety feature should you use?

• A. Wheel clamps
• B. Vehicle stabilisers
• C. Jockey wheels
• D. Kingpin locks

Answer: (B)

When unloading with a lorry-mounted crane, you must use the vehicle’s stabilisers (outriggers) to create a solid, wide base for the crane. Extending the stabilisers puts the lifting forces onto stable ground and prevents the vehicle from tipping as the load is raised or moved. They should be deployed on firm ground, fully extended, and kept clear of hazards, with the crane kept level inside its safe working limits. Wheel clamps, while useful to stop vehicle movement when parked, don’t provide the stability needed for lifting. Jockey wheels are for moving trailers and supporting them when manoeuvring, not for stabilising a crane during unloading. Kingpin locks secure a trailer hitch and have no role in stabilising the crane during operation.

When unloading with a lorry-mounted crane, you must use the vehicle’s stabilisers (outriggers) to create a solid, wide base for the crane. Extending the stabilisers puts the lifting forces onto stable ground and prevents the vehicle from tipping as the load is raised or moved. They should be deployed on firm ground, fully extended, and kept clear of hazards, with the crane kept level inside its safe working limits.

Wheel clamps, while useful to stop vehicle movement when parked, don’t provide the stability needed for lifting. Jockey wheels are for moving trailers and supporting them when manoeuvring, not for stabilising a crane during unloading. Kingpin locks secure a trailer hitch and have no role in stabilising the crane during operation.