Planning a Lifting Operation

Planning & Organising Lifting Operations

As with any workplace activity, tasks involving using lifting equipment should be planned by a competent and fully trained individual in advance.

Lifting operations may include the use of equipment such as forklift trucks, trucks and trolleys, or pallet trucks and material lifts, right up to the use of crames, grabs, gantries, and hoists.

The plan should identify and assess any risks, list the resources required and clearly note which employees are responsible for which tasks and who will be supervising. Lifting operations can cause serious injury and incur huge costs if they go wrong.

If an operation is routine and common, such as using a forklift truck, then it still requires an adequate plan, however, there is scope to work from a basic plan template and simply make additions as required. These basic plans should be reviewed at least twice a year.

For more complicated lifting tasks, a new plan should be written each time it is carried out.

Speedy Hire has a range of crane operation and lifting training courses available to individuals and businesses.

 

Planning a Lift

You need to consider creating a risk plan, which includes the following:

• identifying hazards such as unstable ground, overhead power lines, and environmental factors like wind or rain.
• assessing the weight, size, and centre of gravity of the load.
• determining potential risks to personnel, property, and equipment.

You should then create a lifting plan, which includes the below:

• when and where the load is going.
• the load weight and dimensions.
• the lifting route and exclusion zones.
• personnel responsibilities.
• communication methods (radio, hand signals, etc.)
• emergency procedures in case of equipment failure or other incidents.
• continuing maintenance of the equipment.

Plans should also include details of what should be done in unusual circumstances, for example, if bad weather hits, so that workers are prepared for all eventualities.

Always follow the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), which is the approved code of practice for all lifting tasks.

 

LOLER and PUWER Awareness Course

 

A lifting plan should never be deviated from, and if a plan does not suit a lifting job, the job should be paused until it has been updated or adapted.

 

Choosing the Right Lifting Equipment

Selecting appropriate lifting equipment is critical to maintaining safety. Considerations include:

• Load capacity – Equipment must be rated for the specific weight of the load.
• Type of lifting gear – Cranes, hoists, slings, and lifting accessories should be suitable for the task.
• Equipment certification – All lifting equipment must be inspected and certified per LOLER.
• Emergency stop features – Ensure lifting gear has emergency stop mechanisms to prevent uncontrolled movement.

 

Analysing the Lifting Equipment

When considering which lifting equipment to use, and if it is suitable for what you're lifting, you need to think of its strength and stability.

Lifting equipment must be of adequate strength for what you need to lift. A combination of issues, such as the accessories used, will be a factor in this. You need to think about how reliable the stability will be, to both the load and equipment. Also, think of what will be underneath the load; if there are workers, or you've already completed a huge portion of your job, the risks may be higher.

Think about where the lifting equipment is positioned. Lifting equipment can be fixed or mobile. Both of these can cause individual issues.

• If fixed, it can cause strains and reach when lifting items which need to be factored in.
• If mobile, while it can cause less strain, you have to think about the stability and flatness of the ground.

 

Working Under Suspended Loads

Where it can be avoided, loads should not be lifted over occupied areas. This includes both over buildings, and where there are workers. When loads are suspended, the below area should be treated as a danger zone and access should be limited.

 

Supervising Lifts

Everyday lifting tasks, such as using a forklift truck to move packages around a warehouse, do not need to be supervised by a second person if the forklift truck driver is qualified and experienced.

However, supervision may be required in extraordinary circumstances. This includes lifting an unusual or heavy load or working in a built-up area where there are other workers or members of the public. 

It is a good idea for site managers or employers to occasionally monitor lifting operations to ensure they are still being carried out effectively and there are no corners being cut. This should apply to all trained workers, not just those operating lifting equipment.

 

Executing the Lift Safely

During the lifting operation:

• Maintain clear communication between the operator and ground personnel.
• Ensure that the lift is performed smoothly without sudden jerks or movements.
• Keep unauthorised personnel away from the lifting zone.
• Continuously monitor the operation to detect any signs of equipment stress or instability.

 

​Post-Lift Inspection and Documentation

Once the lift is completed:

• Inspect equipment for any damage or wear before its next use.
• Ensure the load is properly positioned and secured.
• Document the operation, noting any issues, near misses, or improvements for future lifts.