What is the requirement for cribbing when using a crane?

The requirement for cribbing when using a crane focuses on the safety and stability of the crane during operation. Cribbing serves as a support to distribute the load evenly and prevent sinking or tipping. Therefore, the ideal scenario is to have a firm, flat surface for the crane to stand on, which helps in evenly distributing the weight. Additionally, larger cribbing must be placed under smaller cribbing to ensure an increased surface area for better stability. This method reduces the risk of shifting or failure, thereby safeguarding both the equipment and personnel.

Options suggesting that cribbing must be made of plywood only or that only wooden cribbing is allowable are overly restrictive and do not reflect the broader safety standards that allow for various materials and configurations as long as they provide the necessary support. A statement indicating that any type of surface is acceptable disregards the critical need for a stable, level, and strong base, which is essential to safe crane operations.