Brick Cage — Animation
Anatomy of a Brick Cage
Steel Frame
Heavy-duty structural steel frame provides the rigid skeleton. Must be free of bends, cracks, and corrosion. Carries the entire load weight.
Mesh Sides
Welded steel mesh panels prevent loose materials (bricks, blocks, debris) from falling during lift. Must be intact with no tears or holes.
Loading Gate / Door
Hinged gate allows loading and unloading of materials. Must have a positive-locking latch mechanism. ALWAYS close and secure before lifting.
Fork Pockets
Integrated channels on the base allow forklift tines to pick up and position the cage for loading at ground level.
Lifting Lugs
4-point crane attachment. Welded steel lugs at each corner for connecting slings or chains. Inspect welds before every lift.
Safety Chains
Secondary restraint chains on the gate provide backup retention if the primary latch fails during transit.
Purpose
Safely transports bricks, blocks, and masonry materials by crane. Prevents loose materials from falling during the lift, protecting workers below from falling object hazards.
Brick cages are a critical control when moving bulk masonry materials vertically on construction sites. Without a cage, loose bricks on a pallet can shift, topple, or fall — creating a lethal dropped-object hazard.
Key Principle
Always contain materials in the cage, secure the gate, THEN signal the crane to lift.
Capacity & Ratings
| Specification | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Working Load Limit (WLL) | 1,000 – 2,000 kg |
| Tare Weight (empty cage) | 150 – 350 kg |
| Standard Brick Weight | ~3.5 kg each |
| Approx. Capacity (standard bricks) | ~280 – 570 bricks |
Critical Warning
- ALWAYS check the WLL plate before loading — never assume capacity
- Never exceed the rated capacity — overloading causes structural failure
- WLL includes the weight of ALL contents — bricks, mortar, tools, everything
- Tare weight of the cage itself is NOT included in the WLL
Loading Procedure
- Stack bricks evenly — distribute weight uniformly across the cage floor
- Do not exceed cage height — materials must not protrude above the top of the mesh sides
- Centre the load — ensure the centre of gravity is centred in the cage to prevent tilting
- No loose items on top — small pieces, cut bricks, and tools must be secured or placed inside the stack
- Close and secure the gate before signalling the crane — verify latch is fully engaged
- Attach safety chains on the gate as secondary retention
- Confirm sling angles — 4-point lift, included angle must not exceed 120°
Pre-Lift Checklist
- Load evenly distributed and centred
- Materials below cage height
- Gate closed, latched, and safety-chained
- 4-point sling attached to all lifting lugs
- Exclusion zone established below lift path
- Communication with crane operator confirmed
Inspection & Rejection Criteria
Inspect the brick cage before every use. Remove from service if ANY of the following are found:
Reject Immediately If
- Bent frame: any structural deformation of the steel frame
- Torn mesh: holes, tears, or broken welds in mesh panels
- Damaged gate/latch: gate won’t close fully or latch won’t engage
- Worn lifting lugs: visible wear, elongation, or cracking at lug welds
- Cracked welds: any visible cracks in structural welds
- Missing WLL plate: no identification plate = no use
- Corrosion: significant rust weakening structural members
- Missing safety chains: gate backup retention absent or damaged
Good Condition Indicators
- Frame straight with no visible deformation
- All mesh panels intact and securely welded
- Gate swings freely, latch engages positively
- All four lifting lugs in good condition
- WLL plate legible and current
- Safety chains present and functional
Exclusion Zone & Safety
ALWAYS maintain an exclusion zone under a suspended brick cage. A loaded brick cage can weigh over 2 tonnes — any failure is catastrophic.
Non-Negotiable Rules
- Never stand under a suspended load — this includes brick cages at any height
- Never walk through the lift zone while the cage is in transit
- Barricade the landing zone before the lift commences
- Dogger must maintain visual contact with the load at all times during the lift
- Do not leave a loaded cage suspended — complete the lift or lower to ground
The dogger is responsible for establishing and maintaining the exclusion zone. Use barriers, cones, or tape to clearly delineate the no-go area beneath and around the lift path.
Slinging & Attachment
Brick cages use a 4-point bridle sling configuration attached to all four lifting lugs.
| Configuration | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Sling type | 4-leg chain or wire rope bridle |
| Attachment | One leg to each lifting lug |
| Max included angle | ≤ 120° |
| Shackle type | Bow shackle (preferred for multi-directional loading) |
- Ensure all sling legs are equal length for a level lift
- Check that shackle pins are fully engaged and moused
- Perform a trial lift (raise 300mm, hold, check stability) before full lift
- If the cage tilts during trial lift — lower immediately and redistribute load