Lifting plan — prompt sheet

Lifting plan — questions that must be answered

This is NOT a lifting plan and must not be used as one. The lifting plan is the employer's responsibility under § 18-6 and must be produced by someone competent for this particular lift. This sheet is preparation: the questions the plan needs answers to, for use in the briefing and the conversation before the lift. An unanswered item is not a non-conformity — it is a question to take further.

The load

What is being lifted, and where does the weight come from — marking, drawing, weighing?
Is the weight certain, or an estimate? Has that been said plainly?
Is there water, snow, ice, soil or packaging not included in the weight?
Where is the centre of gravity, and is it obvious?
Which attachment points will be used, and are they intended for lifting?
Are there sharp edges, loose parts, or anything that can slide?

Crane and gear

What radius and height are required — along the whole path, not just at the load?
What does the load chart say in that position, in that configuration?
Are hook, block and gear counted as part of the load?
Is the gear right for the load, and is the WLL legible for the hitch used?
Has the sling angle been considered?
Is the equipment within its inspection date and undamaged?

Ground and set-up

What is the crane standing on, and who assessed the bearing capacity?
Has there been excavation, filling or services laid nearby?
Is there a void, culvert or slab beneath?
Are packing and load distribution settled?
Has the set-up been checked as actually rigged?

Surroundings

Are there power lines nearby, and is the distance agreed with the network owner?
Are there other cranes with overlapping areas, and is priority agreed?
Who is under or near the load path — including third parties?
Are roads, pavements, railways or neighbouring property affected?
What is the wind limit for this crane, and who is watching it?
Does the load catch wind because of its surface area?
Have visibility, light and temperature been assessed?

People and roles

Who is the lift supervisor — has it been said out loud?
Who slings, who signals, who drives?
Is everyone trained for their role?
Which channel is used, and is it clear?
What is the stop word, and does everyone know it applies whoever says it?
Where is the exclusion zone, and who keeps it?

When something changes

What stops the lift — wind, visibility, communication, an equipment finding?
Where is the load set down if it must stop part-way?
What applies if communication goes quiet?
What do we do on power failure or technical fault with a load in the air?
Who raises the alarm, and who meets the emergency services?
How do we get the operator down if he falls ill or is injured?

Before the start, and afterwards

Has the plan been talked through with everyone holding a role?
Has anyone been asked whether they are unsure of anything?
Is a trial lift agreed?
Have deviations, changes and near misses been reported afterwards?