The Definition of Lift Plan

Definition of Lift Plan

A lift plan is a written plan that describes how a crane, hoist or other lifting operation will be carried out safely. It sets out what is being lifted, how much it weighs, which equipment and rigging will be used, where the crane will be set up, the path the load will travel, and who is responsible for each part of the lift.

Lift planning helps prevent dropped loads, crane tip-overs, contact with power lines and workers being struck or crushed. Most organizations use a basic lift plan for routine lifts and a more detailed, engineered plan for critical lifts.

In the United States, OSHA's cranes and derricks in construction standard, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, requires that lifts be planned and that equipment be operated within the manufacturer's limits. ASME B30 standards and many company procedures add more detailed lift planning requirements. In the UK, the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) require every lifting operation to be properly planned by a competent person.

What a Lift Plan Includes

Load information

• Weight of the load, including rigging, hooks, blocks and any attachments.
• Dimensions, center of gravity and lifting points.
• Any special characteristics, such as fragile, flexible or wind-sensitive loads.

Equipment and configuration

• Crane type, capacity, boom length, counterweight and outrigger setup.
• Lift radius at pick-up and set-down, checked against the load chart.
• Percentage of rated capacity being used.
• Rigging gear, its rated capacity and sling angles.

Site conditions

• Ground bearing capacity and outrigger mats or cribbing.
• Overhead hazards, especially power lines and required clearance distances.
• Nearby structures, traffic and pedestrian exclusion zones.
• Weather limits, including maximum wind speed.

People and communication

• Names and roles of the operator, lift director, rigger and signal person.
• Method of communication, such as hand signals or radio.
• Pre-lift meeting and sign-off.
• Emergency and stop-work procedures.

Routine and Critical Lifts

A routine lift is a common, repetitive lift well within the crane's capacity. It may be covered by a standard lift plan or checklist. A critical lift needs a more detailed, often engineered plan. Many companies define critical lifts as those that:

• Use more than 75 to 85 percent of the crane's rated capacity.
• Use two or more cranes together, called a tandem lift.
• Lift people in a personnel platform.
• Take place near power lines or over occupied buildings or live process equipment.
• Involve high-value, hazardous or unusual loads.

Critical lift plans are usually reviewed and approved by an engineer or senior lifting specialist before work begins. A competent person should oversee rigging, and stop work authority should be clear to everyone on the crew.

Example of Lift Plan

A contractor needed to place a 12-ton rooftop air handling unit on a three-story hospital building. The lift supervisor prepared a critical lift plan because the load would pass over an occupied parking lot and the lift would use about 80 percent of the mobile crane's capacity at the required radius.

The plan included the unit's weight and center of gravity, the rigging configuration and capacities, outrigger mat sizes based on ground conditions, a closure plan for the parking lot and a 20 mph wind limit. An engineer reviewed and signed the plan. On lift day, the crew held a pre-lift meeting, confirmed radio communication and barricaded the area. The lift was completed without incident.

Frequently Asked Questions: Lift Plan

When is a lift plan required?

Every lift should be planned. Simple routine lifts may be covered by a standard plan or checklist, while critical lifts require a detailed written plan that is reviewed and approved before work begins.

Who prepares a lift plan?

A competent or qualified person, such as an experienced lift director, crane supervisor or lifting engineer, usually prepares the plan. Critical lift plans are often reviewed by an engineer.

What is a critical lift?

A critical lift is a high-risk lift, such as one near the crane's capacity, a tandem lift, a personnel lift or a lift near power lines or occupied areas. These lifts need more detailed planning and approval.