Precision in Action: Crane Lift at the Gainesville VA Medical Center

ESA recently completed a major milestone on our Replace Air Handling Units (AHUs) 2 and 3 project at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida.

The project involves removing and replacing thirteen AHUs with four high capacity AHUs that provide heating, cooling, and ventilation to critical areas of the hospital. To install the new units, our team coordinated a complex crane lift operation to safely hoist the new AHUs over a pedestrian bridge and onto the hospital roof.

Careful planning and communication were essential to ensure the lift was completed efficiently and without disruption to hospital operations. Working closely with VA staff, subcontractors, and crane operators, our team executed the lift successfully—showcasing ESA’s commitment to safety, precision, and collaboration on every job.

As with any high-risk operation, safety was our top priority. Our Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) shared several key takeaways that helped make this lift a success:

• Plan and verify. Walk the lift area in person and review all lift plans and AHA’s thoroughly—never assume conditions are ready without confirmation.
• Communicate clearly. Keep constant radio contact between the operator and signaler, and maintain exclusion zones for all non-essential personnel.
• Use taglines correctly. Always control the load from a safe distance and never place hands or bodies directly on a suspended load.
• Protect the public. Use sturdy visual barriers, like snow fence, to prevent pedestrians from entering work zones.
• Don’t rush safety checks. Take time to verify equipment, weather, and documentation before every lift.

These precautions, combined with detailed coordination and professional execution, ensured the crane lift was completed smoothly and safely—another example of ESA South’s dedication to doing the job right the first time.

Watch the video below to see the crane lift in action and get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the many ways ESA South supports our nation’s veterans through essential facility upgrades.