In calculating the gross load for a personnel platform, what is included?

In calculating the gross load for a personnel platform, what is included?

• A. Platform weight plus load weight
• B. Load weight only
• C. Platform weight only
• D. Crane weight

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that the gross load is the total weight the crane must lift when using a personnel platform. You add together the platform’s own weight and the weight of everything on it—the people, tools, and any cargo. This total is the load used to check the crane’s capacity at the given boom position to keep the lift safe. The crane’s own weight isn’t part of this calculation because it’s supported by the crane’s own structure and ground, not lifted by the hook. Counting only the payload would understate the load, while counting only the platform would miss the actual bulk of what’s being lifted. So the gross load equals platform weight plus load weight.

The main idea is that the gross load is the total weight the crane must lift when using a personnel platform. You add together the platform’s own weight and the weight of everything on it—the people, tools, and any cargo. This total is the load used to check the crane’s capacity at the given boom position to keep the lift safe. The crane’s own weight isn’t part of this calculation because it’s supported by the crane’s own structure and ground, not lifted by the hook. Counting only the payload would understate the load, while counting only the platform would miss the actual bulk of what’s being lifted. So the gross load equals platform weight plus load weight.