When this template fits
This RAMS is for lifting contractors and slinger/signallers carrying out mobile crane lifts where a principal contractor or client has asked for a documented lift plan before the crane comes on site. If you are running a crane lift on a construction site, the PC will expect a BS 7121 lift plan signed by an appointed person, and a generic method statement will not be accepted. It gives you the recognised hazards, the lift-categorisation framework and the controls a reviewer expects to see.
What this RAMS includes
- ✓ 9 task-specific hazards scored on a 5×5 matrix (initial → residual)
- ✓ Specific control measures for each hazard, in hierarchy-of-control order
- ✓ A 10-step method statement (sequence of works)
- ✓ PPE, plant/equipment, permits and competence requirements
- ✓ Emergency arrangements and operative briefing / sign-off section
Scope of works
Planned lifting operations using mobile or tower cranes.
Sequence of works
- 1Pre-lift planning: Appointed person prepares a written lift plan including load weights, crane specification, ground conditions, exclusion zones, weather criteria, rigging method, communication protocol and emergency procedure. All key personnel briefed.
- 2Site and crane set-up: Confirm ground-bearing capacity; position crane on hardstanding or engineered matting; fully extend and lock all outriggers; verify spreader plates in place and level. Tower crane erection by competent erection team per manufacturer's instructions.
- 3Pre-use inspection and test: Operator completes documented daily pre-use inspection of crane and all lifting accessories. Confirm current thorough examination certificates available on site. Test rated capacity indicator and safety devices.
- 4Establish exclusion zone: Demarcate and physically barrier the exclusion zone to cover the maximum load fall radius. Deploy banksmen at all entry points. Notify all site personnel via toolbox talk before lifting commences.
- 5Rigging and slinging: Certificated slinger selects and inspects correct accessories for the load; attaches slings at designated lift points in the configuration specified in the lift plan; fits tag lines where required. Confirm load is secure and balanced.
- 6Test lift: Crane operator raises load slowly to no more than 150 mm; pauses to confirm load balance, rigging integrity and ground/crane stability. Signaller and appointed person observe. Proceed only when satisfied; lower and correct if any concern arises.
- 7Controlled lift and travel: Operator lifts load clear, signaller maintains visual contact and uses agreed communication system (radio or standard hand signals). Tag-line handlers guide load clear of obstructions. All personnel remain clear of the load path.
- 8Load placement and unhooking: Guide load to landing position using tag lines; land load safely on prepared, load-bearing surface or into structural connection. Ensure load is stable and secured before slinger approaches to unhook. De-rig accessories safely.
- 9Post-lift housekeeping and crane securing: Return and store all lifting accessories in designated storage; inspect for damage and remove any defective items from service. At end of shift, crane operator secures crane per manufacturer's instructions (hooks parked, slew brake off for tower cranes in storm mode).
- 10Monitoring and review: Appointed person records all lifts, near misses and equipment defects. Review lift plan effectiveness at end of each day or after any significant change in conditions. Update risk assessment if circumstances change.
Hazards, risk rating & controls
Risk = likelihood × severity (1–25). Initial is before controls; residual is with controls applied.
Crane collapse or structural failure
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Competent engineer must assess ground-bearing capacity before siting crane; use spreader plates or engineered matting to distribute outrigger loads on weak or made-up ground.
- › Crane must have a current thorough examination certificate (12 months for non-passenger, 6 months if used for persons). Operator to complete daily pre-use inspection and record defects.
- › Lift plan must include load radius charts; ATI/rated capacity indicator to be operative and tested. Loads must never exceed crane's SWL at the working radius.
Suspended load strike
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › A clearly defined and physically demarcated exclusion zone must be set around the lift area, sized to encompass the maximum possible fall radius of the load plus a safety margin. No unauthorised personnel permitted within zone.
- › A written lift plan must be prepared by a competent person. A qualified appointed person must supervise; only trained and certificated slingers and signallers permitted in the lift zone.
- › Use rope tag lines of adequate length to control load rotation and swing without personnel entering the exclusion zone.
Slinging and rigging failure
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › All lifting accessories must be inspected before each use, bear current thorough examination (6-monthly), be colour-coded to the current period, and be discarded if damaged or out of date.
- › Lift plan to specify sling angles, attachment points and type of hitch. Slingers must be CPCS/NPORS certificated. De-rated capacities at sling angles must be observed.
- › All loads must be securely attached and balanced before full lift; test lift to no more than 150 mm to confirm balance and rigging integrity before proceeding.
Overhead power line contact
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Request DNO to divert or isolate overhead power lines before crane operations where practicable. This is the preferred control.
- › Where lines cannot be isolated, obtain minimum approach distances from the DNO; erect physical goal-post barriers on approach routes and restrict crane slewing arcs to maintain safe distances.
- › Implement a formal permit system for any lift where the crane or load could enter the safety exclusion distance from overhead lines. Briefing of all operatives required.
Fall from height during load attachment or hook approach
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Where possible, design lifts so all slinging and unhooking is carried out at ground level. Use pre-rigged loads and remote hook release systems.
- › Where work at height is unavoidable, provide a suitable working platform with edge protection (scaffold, MEWP, or similar) to BS/EN standards before operatives work at height.
- › Where a collective fall protection system cannot be provided, operatives must wear full-body harness with energy-absorbing lanyard attached to a suitable anchor point. Rescue plan must be in place.
Crane overturning due to outrigger or ground failure
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Structural/geotechnical engineer to confirm ground-bearing capacity at the crane set-up position, accounting for proximity to excavations, basements or services. Position crane on engineered hardstanding wherever possible.
- › Operator to confirm all outriggers are fully extended and locked, and that correctly rated spreader plates are in place and level before any lifting. Supervisor to verify and sign off.
Wind and adverse weather affecting lift
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Anemometer to be provided on tower cranes; site-specific maximum wind speeds for operations to be specified in the lift plan (crane manufacturer limits apply). Lifts to be suspended when limits are exceeded.
- › Lift plan must include explicit weather criteria (wind speed, visibility, lightning) at which operations are suspended. Appointed person has authority to halt lifts. Forecasts to be checked daily.
Manual handling of lifting accessories and rigging equipment
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Use trolleys, porta-carts or small handling hoists to transport heavy spreader beams, chain blocks and rigging sets around site rather than manual carrying.
- › Assess all manual handling tasks associated with rigging. Provide operative training; where loads exceed safe limits, use team lifts or mechanical assistance.
- › Operatives to wear steel-toecap/midsole safety footwear and anti-vibration/impact-resistant gloves when handling rigging equipment.
Public and third-party interface with crane operations
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Erect robust hoarding or Heras fencing with solid panels to prevent public access under or near the crane operating envelope. Signage to warn of overhead crane operations.
- › Obtain over-sailing licences for airspace over neighbouring land before operations commence. Notify adjacent occupiers and, where required, the local authority.
- › Co-ordinate with highways authority; implement traffic management or temporary road closures for lifts over or adjacent to public roads. Deploy trained banksmen at site entrances/exits during lifts.
PPE
- ✓ Safety footwear (EN ISO 20345)
- ✓ Hi-vis clothing
- ✓ Safety gloves (task-appropriate)
- ✓ Hard hat (EN 397) where overhead risk or site rules require
- ✓ Insulated gloves where live work is unavoidable
- ✓ Safety harness and lanyard where fall arrest is the selected control
Competence
- ✓ Site induction completed; CSCS or equivalent where the site requires it
Schemes (CSCS, PASMA, IPAF…) evidence competence; they are not statutory requirements in themselves.
Plant & equipment
- › Mobile crane of suitable capacity and reach
- › Crane outrigger mats and timber packing
- › Slings, chains and shackles within LOLER examination
- › Tag lines for load control
- › Anemometer
- › Exclusion-zone barriers and signage
Permits & legislation
What principal contractors usually check
- ✓ The lift plan is signed by a named appointed person and categorises the lift as basic, intermediate or complex — a generic 'lifts to be planned on site' line gets the RAMS returned.
- ✓ Ground bearing pressure and outrigger packing are addressed, not just assumed adequate.
- ✓ Current LOLER thorough examination reports for the crane and accessories are referenced and available.
- ✓ The document is site-specific — real address, access arrangements and dates, not a generic template
- ✓ Hazards match the actual task and the controls are specific (not “take care” and “use PPE”)
- ✓ Named supervisor and competent person, with operative sign-off space
- ✓ Emergency and rescue arrangements that work for this site
The report builder runs these as pre-submission checks before you download — or run an existing document through the free RAMS pre-submission checker.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an appointed person for every crane lift?
Yes — LOLER requires every lifting operation to be properly planned by a competent person, and on a construction site that planning role is the appointed person under BS 7121. The appointed person decides the lift category, selects the crane and tackle, and signs off the lift plan. For a basic, routine lift the planning can be straightforward, but the appointed-person responsibility still applies. You cannot delegate it to the crane operator simply because the lift looks simple.
What is the difference between a basic, intermediate and complex lift?
BS 7121 categorises lifts by their difficulty and consequences. A basic lift is a routine, low-risk lift that a competent operator and slinger can handle within a standard plan. An intermediate lift needs more detailed planning and usually a crane supervisor on site to control it. A complex lift — tandem lifts, lifts over occupied areas, or non-standard loads — needs a dedicated written lift plan and is outside the scope of this template.
What regulations apply to crane lifting operations?
LOLER 1998 — Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations, PUWER 1998 — Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 are the main ones, alongside Work at Height Regulations 2005, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, section 3. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and CDM 2015 apply to all construction work.
Does a method statement need to be site-specific?
Yes — this is the most common reason documents get sent back. Principal contractors reject generic copy-paste RAMS. Your document should name the site, access arrangements, dates, supervisor and any site-specific hazards. The RamsDocs builder fills these in for you and flags what's missing before you download.
Is this template free?
Yes — everything on RamsDocs is free during early access, including building a site-specific version of this RAMS and downloading the PDF. No card required.