Risk Assessments · Mandatory · Pre-Construction

RAMS — Crane and Lifting Operations

This RAMS covers all lifting operations using cranes, hoists, telehandlers, and MEWPs as required under LOLER 1998. It includes lift planning, appointed person responsibilities, slinger/signaller roles, exclusion zones, and thorough examination certificates. Every lifting operation must be planned by a competent person with a documented lift plan.

Last reviewed: 29 March 2026 — This guide reflects UK law as of this date. LOLER 1998 remains current with no amendments enacted as of 29 March 2026. Next scheduled review: 29 March 2027.

Legal basis	LOLER 1998 + PUWER 1998 + BS 7121-1:2016 (Code of practice for safe use of cranes) + CDM 2015
RAMS category	B20 Crane & Lifting Operations
Who	Crane hire companies, lifting contractors, principal contractors, appointed persons
LOLER thorough examination	Every 12 months for lifting equipment; every 6 months if used for lifting persons
Lift plan	Required for every lifting operation — complexity proportionate to the lift classification
BS 7121 standard	BS 7121-1:2016 is the current code of practice for the safe use of cranes — general principles
Enforcing authority	Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

1. What It Covers

A RAMS for crane and lifting operations must address every phase of the lifting operation — from planning and lift classification through to execution, monitoring, and demobilisation. Crane operations are among the highest-risk activities on any construction site. The consequences of a failure are catastrophic: crane collapse, load drop, and struck-by injuries are all potentially fatal events that can affect operatives, other site workers, and members of the public.

The RAMS should cover the selection of the crane type, the lift plan, the roles and responsibilities of the lifting team, the LOLER examination requirements for the crane and all lifting accessories, ground conditions and outrigger loading, proximity to overhead power lines, weather limitations, communication procedures, and the emergency plan for crane failure or load drop. Each lifting operation must be individually planned — a generic RAMS that does not address the specific lift is not compliant with LOLER or BS 7121.

“Every employer shall ensure that every lifting operation involving lifting equipment is — (a) properly planned by a competent person; (b) appropriately supervised; and (c) carried out in a safe manner.”— LOLER 1998 Regulation 8(1)

2. Lift Classification

BS 7121-1:2016 classifies lifting operations into three categories based on complexity and risk. The classification determines the level of planning, the qualifications of the appointed person, and the documentation required. Every lift must be classified before planning begins. The RAMS must specify the classification for each lift or category of lifts covered.

Classification	Description	Examples	Planning requirements
Basic	Straightforward lifts with known load weights, standard lifting accessories, good ground conditions, and no significant hazards in the lift zone	Unloading materials from delivery vehicles; routine lifts on open sites with no overhead obstructions; repetitive lifts of known loads	Lift plan may be a simple documented procedure; appointed person can be the crane operator if trained to AP standard; pre-use checks and LOLER reports must still be in place
Routine	Lifts that are within the crane's capacity but involve one or more complicating factors that require additional planning	Lifts near occupied buildings; lifts requiring load to pass over site hoarding; lifts in restricted spaces; multiple crane operations on the same site; lifts with limited ground bearing capacity	Formal written lift plan required; appointed person must be identified and competent for the complexity; risk assessment specific to the complicating factors; communication protocol documented
Complex	Lifts that involve significant hazards, non-standard configurations, or require specialist engineering input	Tandem lifts (two or more cranes lifting a single load); lifts near overhead power lines; lifting persons in a suspended basket; lifts exceeding 80% of crane capacity; engineered heavy lifts; blind lifts; lifts over live railways or highways	Detailed engineered lift plan required; appointed person must have specific experience of the lift type; independent check of lift plan calculations; full method statement; rehearsal where practicable; standby rescue arrangements

Every lift needs a lift plan — the complexity of the plan matches the lift classification

LOLER Regulation 8 requires that every lifting operation is properly planned by a competent person. For a basic lift, the plan may be a simple documented procedure. For a complex lift, the plan may run to many pages and include engineering calculations, load charts, ground bearing assessments, and a detailed sequence of operations. The absence of a lift plan — for any lift — is a LOLER breach.

3. Lifting Team Roles

BS 7121 defines specific roles within the lifting team, each with distinct responsibilities and competence requirements. The RAMS must name the individuals filling each role (or specify the competence required) and confirm that each person understands their responsibilities. Confusion over roles during a lifting operation is one of the most common root causes of crane incidents.

Role	Responsibility	Competence requirement
Appointed Person (AP)	Plans the lifting operation; selects the crane, lifting accessories, and lifting method; ensures the lift plan is communicated to the team; has authority to stop the lift at any time	CPCS Appointed Person card (A61) or equivalent; must have specific experience relevant to the lift classification; for complex lifts, must have demonstrable experience of the specific lift type
Crane Supervisor (CS)	Supervises the lifting operation on the ground; ensures the lift plan is followed; coordinates the lifting team; has authority to stop the lift if conditions change	CPCS Crane Supervisor card (A62) or equivalent; must understand the lift plan and be able to identify deviations; must be present for the duration of the lifting operation
Crane Operator	Operates the crane in accordance with the lift plan and the directions of the crane supervisor or slinger/signaller; must not operate the crane beyond its rated capacity	CPCS trained operator or competent operator card for the relevant crane category (e.g. A02 tower crane, A60 mobile crane); medical fitness confirmation; familiarisation on the specific crane model
Slinger/Signaller	Attaches and detaches loads using the correct lifting accessories; gives signals to the crane operator; ensures the load is secure and balanced before the lift; guides the load to the landing position	CPCS Slinger/Signaller card (A40); trained in the use of the specific lifting accessories being used; trained in standard hand signals and radio communication protocols
Banksman	Manages the movement of vehicles and pedestrians in the vicinity of the crane and lifting zone; maintains exclusion zones; directs crane-related vehicle movements	Trained banksman; high-visibility PPE; radio communication where required; understanding of the lift plan and exclusion zones

The Appointed Person and Crane Supervisor are different roles — do not conflate them

The Appointed Person plans the lift. The Crane Supervisor supervises the execution. On basic lifts, one person may fill both roles if they hold both qualifications. On routine and complex lifts, these should be separate individuals. The Appointed Person may not be on site during the lift (for example, if they planned the lift from the office), but the Crane Supervisor must be present for the full duration of the lifting operation.

4. Key Hazards

The following table sets out the principal hazards associated with crane and lifting operations, who is at risk, and the control measures that should be addressed in the RAMS.

Hazard	Who at risk	Control measures
Crane collapse (overloading, ground failure, structural failure)	Crane operator, lifting team, all persons within the collapse radius, public	Lift plan with rated capacity check; ground bearing assessment; outrigger mats sized for the load; LOLER thorough examination current; PUWER maintenance regime; wind speed monitoring; exclusion zone equal to the crane radius plus the jib length
Load falling (sling failure, accessory failure, load shift)	Slinger/signaller, all persons beneath the load path	LOLER thorough examination for all lifting accessories; pre-use visual inspection of slings and shackles; correct sling angle (never exceed 120 degrees included angle); load weight verified; centre of gravity assessed; tag line to control rotation
Struck by load (swing, snag, unexpected movement)	Slinger/signaller, banksman, adjacent operatives	Exclusion zone beneath load path; tag lines to control load; communication protocol (radio or hand signals); no persons under a suspended load; approach only when load is lowered and stable
Contact with overhead power lines	Crane operator, lifting team, all persons in the vicinity	Overhead line survey before crane positioning; safe clearance distances per GS6 (minimum distances: 1m for up to 33kV, 3m for 33kV to 132kV, 6m for above 132kV); goal posts or physical barriers; DNO consultation and isolation where practicable; briefing to all operatives
Tandem lift failure (two cranes, single load)	Both crane operators, lifting team, all persons in the area	Classified as a complex lift; detailed engineered lift plan; both cranes matched for capacity and speed; single appointed person commanding the operation; dedicated communication channel; rehearsal before live lift; independent check of calculations
Contract lift vs crane hire confusion	All parties — client, contractor, crane hire company	Lift type must be defined in the contract. Contract lift: crane company provides crane, operator, and appointed person and takes full responsibility for planning and execution. Crane hire: hirer provides only the crane and operator; the hiring contractor is responsible for the appointed person, lift plan, and lifting team. Misunderstanding of responsibilities is a frequent root cause of incidents.
LOLER examination lapsed	Crane operator, lifting team, all persons in the area	LOLER thorough examination must be current before the crane or any lifting accessory is used. For cranes: every 12 months minimum (6 months if lifting persons). Examination by a competent person (insurance company engineer or independent inspection body). Report must be on site and available for review. Do not use equipment with an expired examination.
Adverse weather (wind, rain, ice, lightning)	Crane operator, lifting team	Wind speed limits defined in the lift plan (typically 38 mph for mobile cranes; lower for tower cranes and high-profile loads); anemometer on crane; operations ceased when limits reached; ice and rain assessment for load grip and ground conditions; lightning protocol (lower jib, evacuate cab)

5. Lifting Accessories Inspection

LOLER 1998 requires that all lifting accessories undergo a thorough examination by a competent person at least every 6 months. In addition, a visual pre-use inspection must be carried out before each use. The following table sets out the common lifting accessories used in crane operations and the specific inspection points for each.

Accessory	LOLER examination interval	Pre-use inspection points	Reject criteria
Chain slings	Every 6 months	Check for stretched, twisted, or worn links; check safety latches on hooks; verify SWL marking and identification tag	Any link stretched by more than 5% of original pitch; worn links reduced by more than 10% in cross-section; missing or illegible SWL tag; damaged safety latch
Textile slings (flat web and round)	Every 6 months	Check for cuts, abrasion, UV damage, chemical damage, heat damage, exposed core yarns; check labels for SWL and traceability	Any cut or abrasion exposing core yarns; label missing or illegible; signs of chemical or heat exposure (discolouration, stiffness, melting); knots in the sling
Wire rope slings	Every 6 months	Check for broken wires, kinks, corrosion, flattening, bird-caging; check ferrules and thimbles; verify SWL marking	Broken wires exceeding the discard criteria in BS EN 13414; kinks that cannot be straightened; visible corrosion pitting; damaged ferrules; missing SWL tag
Shackles	Every 6 months	Check for distortion, wear on the pin and bow, corrosion; verify SWL marking; check pin security (bolt and split pin or screw pin)	Any visible distortion of the bow or pin; wear reducing cross-section by more than 10%; missing or illegible SWL marking; pin will not seat correctly
Hooks	Every 6 months	Check for distortion of the hook throat (opening); check safety latch operation; verify SWL marking	Throat opening increased by more than 5% from original; safety latch damaged or inoperative; visible cracking; missing SWL marking
Spreader beams and lifting frames	Every 6 months	Check for structural damage, weld cracking, corrosion, distortion; verify SWL marking and identification; check attachment points	Any weld cracking; visible structural distortion; corrosion affecting structural integrity; missing or illegible SWL plate; damaged attachment points

Lifting accessories require thorough examination every 6 months — not 12

A common error is to apply the 12-month LOLER examination interval for the crane itself to the lifting accessories as well. LOLER Schedule 1 specifies that lifting accessories (slings, shackles, hooks, spreader beams) must be thoroughly examined at least every 6 months. This is a shorter interval than the crane because accessories are subject to greater wear and are more likely to be damaged in use. Any accessory without a current 6-month thorough examination report must be removed from service immediately.

6. Common Mistakes

No lift plan in place

LOLER Regulation 8 requires that every lifting operation is properly planned by a competent person. This applies to every lift — including basic lifts. A common misconception is that only complex lifts require a lift plan. In reality, every lift needs a plan; only the level of detail varies with the classification. A lift without a plan is a LOLER breach regardless of how straightforward it appears.

Confusion between contract lift and crane hire responsibilities

On a contract lift, the crane company provides the crane, operator, and appointed person and takes full responsibility for planning and execution. On a crane hire, the hiring contractor provides only the crane and operator; the hiring contractor is responsible for everything else including the appointed person, lift plan, and lifting team. Confusion over which arrangement is in place is one of the most common root causes of lifting incidents. The RAMS must clearly state the contract type and allocate responsibilities accordingly.

Lifting accessories with expired LOLER examinations

Lifting accessories (slings, shackles, hooks, spreader beams) require a thorough examination every 6 months under LOLER. The 12-month interval for the crane itself does not apply to accessories. Accessories with expired examinations must be immediately removed from service. The RAMS must require that all accessories are checked for current examination reports before any lift proceeds.

No ground bearing assessment for outriggers

A mobile crane can exert enormous point loads through its outriggers. If the ground cannot support the load, the outrigger will punch through and the crane will overturn. The lift plan must include a ground bearing assessment, and outrigger mats must be sized to spread the load to within the bearing capacity of the ground. Crane operations on made ground, near excavations, or on suspended slabs require particular attention.

Operating without checking overhead power line clearances

Contact between a crane jib or load and an overhead power line is almost always fatal. The RAMS must identify all overhead lines within the crane operating radius plus the jib length, establish safe clearance distances per GS6, and implement physical controls (goal posts, barriers) or arrange isolation with the distribution network operator (DNO). Visual assessment alone is not sufficient — actual distances must be measured and documented.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Does every lift need a lift plan, even a basic one?▾

Yes. LOLER 1998 Regulation 8(1) requires that every lifting operation is properly planned by a competent person. There is no exemption for basic or routine lifts. For a basic lift, the plan may be a simple documented procedure — it does not need to be a multi-page engineering document. But the plan must exist, it must be prepared by someone competent to assess the risks, and it must be communicated to the lifting team before the operation begins.

What is the difference between a contract lift and a crane hire?▾

On a contract lift, the crane company provides the crane, the operator, and the appointed person. The crane company takes full responsibility for planning the lift, supervising the operation, and ensuring compliance with LOLER and BS 7121. On a crane hire, the crane company provides only the crane and the operator. The hiring contractor is responsible for providing the appointed person, preparing the lift plan, providing the lifting team (slinger/signaller, banksman), and ensuring compliance. The contract type must be clearly defined before the crane arrives on site.

How often must lifting accessories be thoroughly examined under LOLER?▾

Lifting accessories — including slings, shackles, hooks, and spreader beams — must be thoroughly examined at least every 6 months under LOLER 1998 Schedule 1. This is a shorter interval than the 12-month requirement for the crane itself. The examination must be carried out by a competent person (typically an insurance company engineer or an independent inspection body) and the report must be available on site. Accessories with expired examinations must not be used.

Who is the appointed person and what qualifications do they need?▾

The appointed person (AP) is the individual responsible for planning the lifting operation. They select the crane type, calculate the loads, choose the lifting accessories, determine the lifting method, and prepare the lift plan. For basic lifts, the crane operator may also act as the appointed person if they hold the relevant qualification. For routine and complex lifts, the appointed person should be a separate individual with specific experience of the lift type. The standard industry qualification is the CPCS Appointed Person card (A61), but BS 7121 focuses on demonstrated competence rather than a specific card.

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