Insights
Lift plan requirements under LOLER: a practical guide
LOLER requires every lifting operation to be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out in a safe manner. In practice that means a documented lift plan. This is what one should actually contain.
What the regulations require
Regulation 8 of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 sets the requirement: planning by a competent person, appropriate supervision, and safe execution. BS 7121 then sets out how that is achieved for crane operations.
The depth of planning is proportionate to risk. A repetitive, low-risk lift can work from a generic plan; a complex, one-off or high-consequence lift needs a plan written specifically for it.
What a lift plan should contain
Load details — weight, dimensions, centre of gravity and lifting points.
Crane selection and configuration, with the duty chart calculation showing the crane is within capacity at the working radius.
Site information — setup position, ground conditions and bearing capacity, outrigger loads, matting, and any overhead or underground services.
Lifting accessories — slings, shackles and beams with certification and rated capacities.
The method — the sequence of the lift, exclusion zones, communication method and adverse weather limits.
Personnel — the Appointed Person, Lifting Operations Supervisor, operator and Slinger/Signaller, with their responsibilities defined.
Supporting drawings and diagrams showing crane position, radii and the load path.
An accompanying method statement and risk assessment.
Who can produce one
A lift plan for a crane operation must be produced by a qualified Appointed Person. Under a contract lift the crane company provides this. Under CPA hire you must provide it yourself.
Liftec supplies a fully qualified Appointed Person who will attend site, survey the working environment, identify a safe and practical method, select the correct lifting equipment and produce the documented plan — including drawings and diagrams where required.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a written lift plan for every lift?
- Every lifting operation must be planned by a competent person. For crane operations that planning is documented, with the level of detail proportionate to the risk involved.
- Can you produce a lift plan if another company is doing the lift?
- Yes. Liftec can supply an Appointed Person and a documented lift plan for a project we are not lifting on.