Disclaimer on lifting plan
Disclaimer on lifting plan
(OP)
I was asked to do a lifting plan for a pipe valve. The valve has 4 lifting eyes so it was simple. I just had to compare the weight of valve vs the capacity of crane. And also add appropriate rigging/sling.
Client asked for another lifting plan drawing. Valve was transported in horizontal position and they need to lift this in that position for transporting to site and also to turn this valve to vertical position.
I called the manufacturer and asked. He was helpful and told me how they have done it in the past. Basically they just used 2 lifting eyes and choker on the pipe connected to the valve.
Don't know why client just don't call the manufacturer.
I believe they also want a lifting plan drawing that my company can produce.
Now since I wont be using the all 4 lifting eyes on some lifting instances, I want to protect myself by adding a disclaimer on this drawing.
Can you comment on this disclaimer:
Lifting plan drawing is just for recommendation.
Contractor must verify with manufacturer if the valve is being lifted on locations other than on four (4) lifting eyes of the valve.
Engineer of record is not responsible for damage during lifting.
Client asked for another lifting plan drawing. Valve was transported in horizontal position and they need to lift this in that position for transporting to site and also to turn this valve to vertical position.
I called the manufacturer and asked. He was helpful and told me how they have done it in the past. Basically they just used 2 lifting eyes and choker on the pipe connected to the valve.
Don't know why client just don't call the manufacturer.
I believe they also want a lifting plan drawing that my company can produce.
Now since I wont be using the all 4 lifting eyes on some lifting instances, I want to protect myself by adding a disclaimer on this drawing.
Can you comment on this disclaimer:
Lifting plan drawing is just for recommendation.
Contractor must verify with manufacturer if the valve is being lifted on locations other than on four (4) lifting eyes of the valve.
Engineer of record is not responsible for damage during lifting.






RE: Disclaimer on lifting plan
Professional Engineer (ME, NH, MA) Structural Engineer (IL)
American Concrete Industries
www.americanconcrete.com
RE: Disclaimer on lifting plan
It seems like a simple, small lift. But the contractor is asking you for a lifting plan for a reason. He/she may not have experience lifting such pieces and wants something/someone to blame if he screws something up. The fact that he asked the engineer for lifting a valve is a red flag in my mind.
RE: Disclaimer on lifting plan
www.SlideRuleEra.net
www.VacuumTubeEra.net
RE: Disclaimer on lifting plan
It is going to be lifted down around 10' below ground.
I think client just want lifting drawings because I've seen from previous project lifting drawings for small equipment.
This would have been very simple if valve was transported by manufacturer in vertical position but manufacturer said they can't transport it like that so they had to turn it horizontal.
RE: Disclaimer on lifting plan
Professional Engineer (ME, NH, MA) Structural Engineer (IL)
American Concrete Industries
www.americanconcrete.com
RE: Disclaimer on lifting plan
RE: Disclaimer on lifting plan
Professional Engineer (ME, NH, MA) Structural Engineer (IL)
American Concrete Industries
www.americanconcrete.com
RE: Disclaimer on lifting plan
I think it's reasonable to defer to the manufacturer for the requirements of safely lifting and tripping (that's the industry term for rotating from horizontal to vertical) their valve from the valve's point of view. That said, I wouldn't phrase my disclaimer the way you put it.
It's important to limit our scope and liability to our areas of knowledge and influence, but it's also important that we end up delivering documents to a client that end up being useful and meaningful. It gets easy to try to write our way out of this caveat and that circumstance, and forget why the client is paying us.
If you do end up providing a lifting plan, I want restate the importance of the factors MotorCity pointed out. I'd say that proper equipment selection, proper ground preparation (either improved/competent bearing surface or spread the load) and utilities (protecting the crane from overhead power or protecting underground utilities from the crane weight) are the key factors for most lifts.
RE: Disclaimer on lifting plan
I already called the manufacturer and he told me how to lift this in this position. He told me to use only 2 lifting eyes and choker hitch on the pipe attached to the valve. That's where my slight concern is. Because I'm only relying on what the vendor said that choking hitch the pipe is ok although I don't see any reason to doubt him. They must have done this a hundred times.
The crane is way below capacity.
So what disclaimer is appropriate that also take into consideration that the client is paying me to do this lifting plan that I agreed to do.
RE: Disclaimer on lifting plan
Or show your best attempt and have a disclaimer noting:
"The integrity of all lifted components are the responsibility of the component manufacturer. Coordinate pick points, rigging details and lifting or tripping procedures (as applicable) with the manufacturer. If details vary from what is shown on this plan, coordinate changes with the lift plan engineer."
Or something like that.