A floor weight limitation is posted at 700 pounds per square foot maximum. Before lowering a load that is calculated at 900 pounds per square foot, what must be done?

The correct course of action is to install cribbing to increase the surface bearing area because this method helps distribute the weight of the load more evenly across the floor, reducing the pressure exerted on any particular point. By increasing the surface area that supports the load, the effective weight per square foot decreases, allowing the load to be lowered without exceeding the posted weight limitation of 700 pounds per square foot.

This approach addresses the structural concerns of the flooring and ensures safety by conforming to the established weight limits. It's important to maintain compliance with these limitations to avoid potential damage to the floor or safety hazards related to overloading.

Other options, such as removing the load, might be impractical in certain situations if the load cannot be moved or needs to remain in place. Increasing the load capacity is not feasible without proper modifications to the structure, which may not be permissible or possible. Changing the load type does not directly address the issue of exceeding the weight limitation and may not effectively resolve the immediate concern of safe lowering. Therefore, providing a means to better support the load through cribbing is the most appropriate action.