14 September, 2026 | 
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What to Look for in an Outrigg
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Tips for the Safe Use of Outrigger Pads
23 October, 2024 | Admin
The safe use of outrigger pads starts with understanding what the material under the crane is actually made of.
What is UHMWPE?
Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a robust plastic known for its high wear and abrasion resistance, making it ideal for industrial applications that require durability, low friction, and chemical resistance. SafeRig outrigger pads, made from UHMWPE, are specifically designed to support heavy loads and provide flexibility in crane operations, especially on challenging terrains.
Why Use Outrigger Pads?
When working on unstable or soft soil, outrigger pads are crucial. Without these pads, cranes and other heavy equipment risk tipping, which can lead to severe damage to equipment, materials, and the surrounding environment. Outrigger pads help to disperse the crane’s load over a larger area, protecting the ground and enhancing operational safety, especially on fragile soils.
Important Safety Tips for Outrigger Pad Usage
1. Follow Government Regulations
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) provides specific standards for safe outrigger pad use:
- Ground Conditions (OSHA 1926.1402): Ensure that the ground is firm, well-drained, and properly graded to support outrigger pads.
- ASME B30.5 standards: Ensure any blocking or cribbing materials used are sufficiently strong to prevent crushing, bending, and shifting, supporting the load without excessive settlement.
Consult the full OSHA and ASME guidelines for legally binding safety requirements.
2. Know Your Working Load Limits
Understanding the working load limits (WLL) of your outrigger pads is essential:
- SafeRig outrigger pads are available with load limits of 45,000, 55,000, and 60,000 pounds, with a crush rating of 200 PSI.
- Always ensure that the load on your outrigger pads does not exceed these limits, as doing so can compromise safety.
3. Calculate Load Distribution
To lift safely with outrigger pads, follow these steps:
- Calculate Total Force: Add together the weight of the crane, load, rigging equipment, and accessories to get the total force.
- Determine Ground Area: Use the ground pressure data to calculate the area required for safe load distribution.
In some cases, you may need additional blocking or cribbing under the pads for optimal support.
Conclusion
Outrigger pads are essential for safe crane operations, especially on soft ground. By following government regulations, understanding load limits, and calculating load distribution, you can ensure a safer work environment while protecting the ground and your equipment.
Everyday rules for the safe use of outrigger pads
Beyond material choice, the safe use of outrigger pads on any site comes down to a few consistent habits: inspect each pad for cracking or deformation before every lift, center the crane’s outrigger foot fully on the pad rather than near an edge, and never stack pads to make up for an undersized pad when a larger size is the correct fix. These habits cost nothing and prevent the majority of pad-related incidents on site.
Storing and transporting pads correctly
Store outrigger pads flat and out of direct sun when not in use, since prolonged UV exposure and uneven stacking can warp UHMWPE over time. When transporting pads between sites, secure them so they can’t shift or impact each other in transit, since surface damage from transport is one of the more common causes of premature pad replacement.
Choosing the correct size for the safe use of outrigger pads
Pad size should always be driven by the outrigger float’s footprint and the maximum reaction force from the crane’s load chart, not by whatever is already on the truck. Our Saferig outrigger pad sizing datasheet lists standard sizes and load capacities by crane class, and we also produce custom size outrigger pads when a standard pad doesn’t match the float dimensions. For general guidance on crane stability and ground bearing during outrigger operations, OSHA’s cranes and derricks eTool is a useful reference alongside your site-specific lift plan.
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