Lift planning is the key to a successful operation
Prior identification of the skills and equipment required to complete the task safely and efficiently are key to a risk-free lifting project.
Even the simplest of lifting jobs require identification of the risks, of the skills needed, and the lifting equipment best suited to the task.
Where co-ordination of additional requirements from 3rd parties is required, communication is essential.
- After an enquiry has been submitted for a lift, an experienced Appointed Person will be allocated to the task and gather all the information required. They will check the route to the job and any restrictions e.g. weight/height/bridges/narrow access/roadside culverts etc. and Local authority travel permits may be applicable. They check the site access and conditions, often making recommendations to implement improvements to route/ground conditions as required.
- Once at the site they will assess the required lifts, the topography, and any other restrictions and undertake a technical pre-lift calculation of the type/size of crane required using the crane manufacturers software.
- Once the Appointed Person is satisfied they have gathered all the required information on site, they will draw up the lift plan for use on the day of works. Drawings will be prepared showing precise position of crane and clearance to obstacles and adjacent live grid/apparatus. Ground loadings will be calculated, Crane capability and safe working range will be identified, any specific additional tackle will be identified/specified, and a Programme of works and responsibilities will be established. Additional works required from 3rd parties will also be noted e.g. Tree Cutting/traffic management/groundworks/air traffic permits etc.
- Once the lift plan is prepared, it is issued to the client, or the client representative fulfilling the role of Principal Contractor (PC), to ensure it is suitable & sufficient. It may be returned for revision if there are particular points the client is unable to arrange or implement, and an alternative solution is required. Once the lift plan is agreed and a date has been set, crane and crew allocation is handed over to the operations desk.
- Typically, the crane crew consists of the operator, and a crane supervisor or AP on site. The originating lift planning AP should be available for consultation if there is a requirement to change any aspect of the lift plan on site from the original submission.
- The evening before the job, the crane is checked over and prepared, along with any tackle, load spreading mats and specialist tackle required. Printed copies of lift plans are left in the yard office for collection and available for inspection by the crew prior to departure. On the morning of the works, the crew inspects the crane for roadworthiness, and set off for site allowing plenty of time to reach their destination.
- On site the client supervisor conducts a toolbox talk/briefing, along with the crane supervisor, and all crew qualifications and crane/tackle certification are checked. All involved sign on to confirm they are qualified for the task allocated, agree to the programme of works, and that they understand what is required of them and any risks involved. Mandatory PPE is to be worn at all times. Predicted local weather conditions are checked by the crane supervisor. If predicted weather conditions are deemed to be unsuitable [impaired visibility/lightning/high winds] the job will either be cancelled completely or delayed if forecasts permit.
- Demarcation/exclusion zones are implemented. If implemented or requested, Live power sources are de-energised/earthed and lift team signs on to the documentation associated with the Permit for Work. Crane to be earthed upon advice from client supervisor/PFW holder.
- The crane is then prepared in the configuration dictated by the lift plan, and pre-operational checks as per the operator’s manual and lift plan sign-off are undertaken, including pre-stressing of the outriggers. Check for ground distortion/compression. Check intended tackle for use for any damage/faults.
- The lifting then can proceed within the limits set out in the lift plan and method statement. Communications can be visual or by radio dependant on site constraints and visual line of sight. Man-basket users must be harnessed and clipped on, trained in the use of, and supplied with an escape kit of sufficient length for the crane configuration to evacuate the man-basket. Man-basket users must have direct contact with the crane operator via radio.
- Weather forecasts are to be checked at regular intervals throughout the day to ensure safe operations in high winds, impaired visibility, or lightning storms.
- Demobilisation is a reversal of the mobilisation practice. Once the crane is ready to leave, the site is checked for any surface damage or marking.