Lift Plan Checking Service
Independent Appointed Person review of lift plans submitted by subcontractors. Ensure every lifting operation on your site is LOLER compliant before work begins. Fast turnaround from a CPCS A61 qualified professional.
Why Subcontractor Lift Plans Need Checking
As a principal contractor, you are legally responsible for ensuring that all lifting operations on your site are properly planned under LOLER. When subcontractors submit lift plans, you need confidence that those plans are compliant, technically sound, and safe to execute.
The reality is that many subcontractor lift plans contain errors. After reviewing over 1,000 lift plans, the most common problems include incorrect load chart references, missing ground bearing assessments, inadequate rigging specifications, and plans that are generic templates rather than site-specific documents.
An independent lift plan check by a qualified Appointed Person catches these issues before they become problems on site. It protects your workers, demonstrates due diligence, and provides the audit trail that HSE inspectors expect to see.
What We Check in Every Lift Plan
Load Information
- Load weights verified against manufacturer data or calculation
- Centre of gravity correctly identified for asymmetric loads
- Weight of all lifting accessories included in total load
Equipment & Capacity
- Correct load chart used for the specific machine configuration
- Capacity checked at actual working radius, not minimum radius
- Equipment suitable for the operation with adequate safety margin
Ground & Stability
- Ground bearing capacity assessed for operating position
- Outrigger/stabiliser loads calculated and spreading specified
- Proximity to excavations and soft ground considered
Hazards & Safety
- Overhead hazards identified with correct clearance distances
- Exclusion zones defined and appropriate for the operation
- Communication, supervision, and emergency procedures adequate
Rigging & Accessories
- Sling capacities adequate for load weight and angle
- Rigging arrangement suitable for load geometry
- Thorough examination certificates current for all accessories
Documentation & Compliance
- Plan meets LOLER Regulation 8 requirements
- Plan prepared by someone demonstrably competent
- Site-specific rather than generic template
How Our Checking Service Works
Submit
Subcontractor submits their lift plan to you. You forward it to us by email for independent review.
Review
We conduct a thorough technical review against LOLER requirements, checking every element of the plan.
Report
You receive a clear written assessment — approved, approved with comments, or rejected with specific reasons.
Resolve
If issues are found, we work with you and the subcontractor to resolve them before the lift proceeds.
Common Issues We Catch
Wrong load chart configuration
Capacity shown for stabilisers fully deployed when the site only allows partial deployment. Machine appears to have capacity when it actually does not.
No ground bearing assessment
Plan assumes firm ground without any assessment. On construction sites with made-up ground, backfilled trenches, or underground services, this is a serious oversight.
Generic template not site-specific
Same lift plan used for every site with only the project name changed. No reference to actual site conditions, specific hazards, or the particular equipment being used.
Rigging weight not included in total load
Load weight stated but slings, shackles, and other rigging not added. On operations close to capacity, this omission can mean the machine is overloaded.
Missing or expired thorough examination certificates
Lifting accessories referenced in the plan but no current thorough examination documentation provided. A direct breach of LOLER Regulation 9.
How to Engage Our Checking Service
Ad-Hoc Checking
Submit lift plans as and when they arrive. We review each one individually and return our assessment, typically within 24 hours.
Ideal for contractors who receive lift plans occasionally or need a one-off review for a specific project.
Ongoing Contract
A retained service where we review all lift plans submitted to your site for the duration of the project. Fixed monthly fee covering unlimited plan reviews.
Ideal for tier 1 contractors managing multiple subcontractors and high volumes of lift plans across one or more projects.
Need Lift Plans Checked?
Get in touch to discuss your requirements. Whether you need a single plan reviewed or ongoing checking for a major project, we provide fast, thorough, independent assessment.
Based in Warrington, Cheshire • Serving contractors across the UK