CPCS Appointed Person A61
Lorry Loader Lift Plans UK
Professional lorry loader lift plans from a CPCS Appointed Person with over 35 years of construction industry experience. LOLER compliant plans for HIAB, Palfinger, Fassi, Atlas, and all lorry mounted crane operations.
Lorry Loader Lifting Operations
Lorry loaders (also known as lorry mounted cranes, loader cranes, or often generically called "HIABs") are essential for construction deliveries and on-site material handling. While many operations are routine, they still fall under LOLER 1998 and require proper planning. Our complete guide to lorry loader lift plans explains the requirements in detail, and BS 7121-4 sets the standard for safe lorry loader operation.
When Full Lift Plans Are Required
- •Complex or heavy lifts approaching machine capacity
- •Lifts near overhead lines or other obstructions
- •Tandem lifts using multiple cranes
- •Lifts over or near people
- •Confined space deliveries with restricted access
- •When specified by the site principal contractor
When Generic Assessments May Suffice
For routine delivery operations with experienced operators, a generic risk assessment may be appropriate, provided:
- ✓The lift is straightforward and well within capacity
- ✓Ground conditions are suitable
- ✓No overhead or adjacent hazards exist
- ✓The operator is trained and competent (ALLMI/CPCS qualified)
When in doubt, document it. Our lift plan service gives you certainty.
Our Lorry Loader Lift Plan Service
Vehicle & Crane Assessment
- ✓Lorry loader specification verification
- ✓Crane capacity at required configuration
- ✓Stabiliser outreach requirements
- ✓Remote control operation considerations
Load Assessment
- ✓Load weight verification
- ✓Centre of gravity determination
- ✓Rigging arrangement specification
- ✓Lifting accessories requirements
Site Assessment
- ✓Ground bearing capacity
- ✓Stabiliser pad positioning
- ✓Overhead clearances
- ✓Adjacent hazards
- ✓Vehicle positioning
Documentation Package
- ✓Lift plan drawing showing crane position and radii
- ✓Risk assessment
- ✓Method statement
- ✓Lifting accessories schedule
- ✓Pre-lift checklist
Crane Manufacturers We Cover
We prepare lift plans for all knuckle boom crane manufacturers commonly used on UK construction sites:
FREE DOWNLOAD
Free Lorry Loader Lift Plan Template
Drafting your own lift plan? Download our free 17-section lorry loader lift plan template — aligned with BS 7121-4, LOLER 1998 and the ALLMI Code of Practice, with a pre-populated 5×5 risk register that scales from Basic to Complex lifts.
Ground Bearing and Stabiliser Loads
Lorry loaders concentrate significant loads through their stabiliser legs. Proper assessment is essential.
Stabiliser Point Loads
- • Maximum stabiliser reaction force
- • Ground bearing pressure with specified pads
- • Spreader pad sizing requirements
- • Ground preparation needs
Ground Condition Assessment
- • Made ground vs natural ground
- • Proximity to excavations or trenches
- • Underground services
- • Drainage chambers and manholes
- • Slope and gradient
Pad & Mat Requirements
- • Timber mat sizes
- • Steel spreader plate requirements
- • Proprietary pad systems
- • Multiple layer arrangements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all HIAB deliveries need a lift plan?
Not all, but many do. Routine deliveries to prepared areas with competent operators may be covered by generic assessments. Complex lifts, heavy loads, restricted sites, or principal contractor requirements warrant specific lift plans.
Who is responsible for the lift plan - the haulier or the site?
Under LOLER, the employer of the person doing the lifting has primary responsibility. In practice, this is often the haulage company or crane hire provider. However, principal contractors have duties to ensure safe systems of work on their sites and may require lift plans as a condition of delivery.
What qualifications should a lorry loader operator have?
Operators should hold ALLMI or CPCS certification for lorry loader operation. Slinger/signaller duties require appropriate slinger/signaller certification.
Can lorry loaders be used for tandem lifting?
Yes, but tandem lifts with lorry loaders require careful planning. Both machines must be rated for the partial load, and coordination is critical. Specific tandem lift plans are essential.
Do lorry loaders need lift plans?
Yes. Every lifting operation involving a lorry loader (HIAB) must be planned under LOLER 1998. This includes routine deliveries to construction sites where the lorry loader is used to offload bricks, blocks, scaffolding, or steel. The plan can be a generic plan covering routine deliveries, but specific lifts — over a building, into an excavation, near power lines — need a specific plan.
What CPCS card does a lorry loader operator need?
A CPCS A36 (Lorry Loader) card is the standard competence card for lorry loader operations in the UK construction industry. ALLMI also issue a recognised lorry loader operator certificate. The operator must hold the appropriate card for the size and type of crane fitted to the vehicle.
What's the difference between a HIAB and a lorry loader?
HIAB is a brand name (Hiab AB, Sweden) that has become a generic term for any vehicle-mounted articulated crane. The correct technical term is 'lorry loader' or 'vehicle-mounted articulated crane'. Other major manufacturers include Palfinger, Fassi, Effer, and Atlas. Regardless of brand, all are governed by the same LOLER and BS 7121 requirements.
Are HGV-mounted cranes covered by LOLER?
Yes. LOLER 1998 applies to all lifting equipment used at work, including vehicle-mounted cranes operating on construction sites. The lorry loader requires a thorough examination certificate every 12 months for general lifting duties, or every 6 months if used to lift people. The lifting operation itself must be planned by a competent person.
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Available across the UK
We deliver lorry loader lift plans UK-wide. Plans are produced remotely from Warrington; site visits are scheduled where the work requires it. Pick your nearest city or call 07803 808093 to discuss your project.