• Outriggers and stabilizers must be used according to manufacturer specifications; for example, they must either be fully extended or deployed as specified in the load chart.

Outriggers are designed to take all load off the tires. Stabilizers are designed to relieve some, but not all, of the sprung weight for the purpose of increasing the stability of the vehicle.

Any time outriggers or stabilizers are used, all of the following requirements must be met (except as otherwise indicated):

• The outriggers or stabilizers must be either fully extended or, if manufacturer procedures permit, deployed as specified in the load chart.
• The outriggers must be set to remove the equipment weight from the wheels, except for locomotive cranes. This provision does not apply to stabilizers.
• When outrigger floats are used, they must be attached to the outriggers. When stabilizer floats are used, they must be attached to the stabilizers.
• Each outrigger or stabilizer must be visible to the operator or to a signal person during extension and setting.
• Outrigger and stabilizer blocking must follow the Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA) requirements for blocking material: “The size, amount, condition and method of stacking the blocking must be sufficient to sustain the loads and maintain stability.” (1926.1404)
• Outrigger and stabilizer blocking must only be placed under the float/pad of the jack or, where the outrigger or stabilizer is designed without a jack, under the outer bearing surface of the extended outrigger or stabilizer beam.
• For locomotive cranes, when outriggers or stabilizers are used to handle loads, the manufacturer’s procedures must be followed. When loads are lifted without using outriggers or stabilizers, the manufacturer’s procedures must be met regarding truck wedges or screws.