How to Lift Beams to a Roof

Learn the hand signals that you will use to direct the crane operator. The crane service may give you a paper that illustrates the signals when you arrange for the rental, or the crane operator might show you the signals on the job site.

Hook a spreader beam attachment to the crane cable hook. This is a brace that fits between two side cables and forms a triangle. The spreader beam prevents the cables that will be holding the heavy beam from sliding inward and causing a tipping hazard.

Center the spreader beam over the beam that you want to lift and attach the safety cables at each end securely around the beam.

Tie the end of a rope around the beam about a foot from the end of the beam. This is a tagline, and one worker will hold the other end of the rope to stabilize the beam if necessary. The tagline must be long enough to easily reach from the tip of the roof to the ground.

Direct the crane operator to lift the beam and guide him with hand signals to position the beam on the roof. The crane operator’s view is often blocked, so he will depend on the hand signals.

Use the tagline to maneuver the end of the beam into position if necessary. Workers on the roof must be ready to attach the beam once it’s in place.

Do not remove the safety straps from the roof beam until it is securely in place.