Control of the Lifting Operations: The code recommends the appointment of a responsible person as Appointed Person to plan and control the lifting operations.
Note: we provide expert health and safety support packages and competent person support for construction. However, we do not provide a lift planning service, please contact your lift provider. We also help hundreds of clients each year with their SSIP applications (SMAS, CHAS, Constructionline and similar)
The duties of the Appointed person can be summarised as follows:
- Familiarity with the relevant legislation and any project Health and Safety Plan
- Assess the operation to enable planning, selection of the crane and lifting equipment, and the instruction and supervision for the operation to be undertaken safely
- Ensuring that adequate inspection, maintenance and testing of the equipment has been carried out
- Taking responsibility for the organisation and control of the lifting operation
The code also designates three categories of lift – each has a slightly different requirement in terms of the safe system of work.
- basic lift
- standard lift
- complex lift
Crane Hire versus Contract Lifting
BS7121 makes a clear distinction between Crane Hire, where the Hirer has responsibility for the planning and organisation of the lifting operations and Contract Lifting where the main responsibilities of planning, organising and supervising the lifting operation are contracted out to the Crane Owner.
A summary of the respective responsibilities are:
Crane Hire: The Hirer must:
- Plan the lift and operate a safe system of work
- Supply the Appointed Person
- Carry out all work in accordance with BS7121
- Ensure all equipment used is tested and certified and free from any visible defects
Contract Lift: The Crane Operator must:
- Plan the lift and operate a safe system of work
- Supply the Appointed Person
- Carry out all work in accordance with BS7121
- Ensure all equipment used is tested and certified and free from visible defect
Of importance but outside the scope of BS7121 are the different insurance arrangements within Crane Hire and Contract Lifting. Under Crane Hire, the Hirer must ensure the operator and crane under third-party liability and hired in plant policies. With certain exclusions, these are covered under Contract Lift terms.
Planning the Lifting Operation
All lifting operations must be carefully planned so that foreseeable risks have been accounted for and relevant controls put into place.
Planning of the lift should include:
General
- Taking into account the load, its characteristics and the method of lifting
- The selection of a suitable crane
- The selection of suitable lifting equipment
- The position of the load before, during and after the lifting operation
- The site, including space available and proximity hazards
- Environmental conditions e.g. inclement weather
