What is meant by 'load sway' in crane operation?

Load sway refers to the unintended lateral movement of a load being lifted by a crane, typically caused by external factors such as wind or the operator’s actions during crane operation. This phenomenon can create challenges in maintaining load control, which could lead to safety risks or the loss of the load.

When load sway occurs, it can be influenced by how the crane moves as well as environmental factors like wind currents. These external forces can cause the load to swing, potentially putting stress on the lifting apparatus and impacting the overall safety and stability of the operation. Understanding load sway is crucial for operators to anticipate and mitigate risks associated with swinging loads, therefore ensuring safe lifting practices.

Other options describe different aspects of crane operation. For instance, the movement of the crane itself is a separate consideration and does not directly pertain to the sway of the load. Sudden drops of the load may indicate other issues, such as equipment failure or improper rigging, rather than load sway. Inadequate load positioning refers to improper placement of the load before lifting, rather than the movement of the load once it has been hoisted. Understanding the concept of load sway is essential for effective crane operations, as it helps in planning lifts that account for these dynamic movements.