CPCS Appointed Person A61
Mobile Crane Lift Plans UK
Professional mobile crane lift plans prepared by a CPCS Appointed Person with over 35 years of construction industry experience. LOLER and BS 7121 compliant lift plans for all mobile crane operations, from routine site lifts to complex tandem operations.
Mobile Crane Lift Planning
BS 7121-1 Code of Practice for Safe Use of Cranes identifies three categories of lift:
Basic Lifts
Straightforward lifts within crane capacity with no additional hazards. May be planned by the crane operator with appropriate training and experience.
Intermediate Lifts
Lifts with one or more complicating factors requiring additional planning. Should involve a competent lift planner with knowledge of the specific hazards.
Complex Lifts
Lifts requiring detailed engineering assessment, tandem operations, or unusual methods. Must be planned by an Appointed Person with relevant expertise.
We provide professional lift planning across all categories, ensuring your mobile crane operations are properly documented and safely executed.
Comprehensive Planning Package
Crane Selection Verification
- ✓Capacity assessment at required radius and height
- ✓Configuration specification (main boom, luffing jib, extensions)
- ✓Counterweight requirements
- ✓Ground bearing calculations for outrigger loads
Load Assessment
- ✓Load weight verification including rigging
- ✓Centre of gravity determination
- ✓Lifting point identification
- ✓Rigging arrangement design
Site Assessment
- ✓Ground condition evaluation
- ✓Outrigger pad positioning
- ✓Overhead clearances and obstructions
- ✓Underground services
- ✓Access route assessment
Documentation
- ✓Detailed lift plan drawing (AutoCAD)
- ✓Duty chart extract showing selected configuration
- ✓Risk assessment and method statement
- ✓Lifting accessories schedule and checklists
Mobile Crane Types We Cover
All Terrain Cranes
The most common mobile crane type on UK construction sites. We plan lifts for all manufacturers and capacities:
- • Liebherr
- • Tadano/Demag
- • Grove
- • Terex
Rough Terrain Cranes
Pick-and-carry operations and work on unprepared ground. Our plans address travel with load considerations, ground condition requirements, and reduced capacity when mobile.
Crawler Cranes
For heavy lifts, long-term site presence, or operations requiring superior stability. Including track bearing pressure calculations and assembly/disassembly planning.
Mobile Tower Cranes
Self-erecting and mobile tower crane planning including slewing radius considerations, outrigger loading, and working envelope assessment.
Tandem and Multi-Crane Lifts
Some lifts require multiple cranes working together. These complex operations demand detailed planning.
Tandem Lift Planning
When two cranes share a load:
- Load Distribution - Centre of gravity analysis, load share calculations, sling geometry design
- Crane Selection - Matched capacity at required radii, similar slewing speeds
- Coordination - Communication protocols, synchronised movement procedures
- Additional Safeguards - Enhanced supervision, increased safety factors
Multi-Crane Operations
When multiple cranes work in proximity:
- Clash Analysis - Boom sweep envelopes, load paths, sequencing to avoid conflict
- Coordination - Communication systems, movement priorities, supervisor responsibilities
Contract Lift vs CPA Hire
Understanding the distinction is important for responsibility allocation:
Contract Lift
The crane supplier provides:
- • The crane
- • The operator
- • The Appointed Person/lift planning
- • Full responsibility for the lift
Ideal when you need a complete lifting solution and want single-point accountability.
CPA Hire (Customer Hires Crane)
The crane supplier provides the crane and operator. The customer provides:
- • The Appointed Person/lift planning
- • Slinger/signallers
- • Responsibility for the lifting operation
We provide Appointed Person services and lift planning for CPA hire arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I order a lift plan?
For standard lifts, 48 hours is usually sufficient. Complex lifts, tandem operations, or those requiring crane selection advice should be discussed earlier - ideally at tender stage for major projects.
Can you help with crane selection?
Yes. If you describe your lift requirements, we can advise on appropriate crane type and capacity. We'll optimise the selection for your specific site conditions and lift requirements.
Do you attend site for complex lifts?
Where required, we can provide on-site Appointed Person presence for complex or critical lifts. This includes final briefings, pre-lift checks, and supervision of the lifting operation.
What about crane erection and dismantling?
Crane assembly and disassembly (particularly for large mobile cranes and crawlers) are lifting operations requiring proper planning. We provide lift plans for crane build operations.
Get Your Mobile Crane Lift Plan
Contact us today to discuss your mobile crane lift planning requirements.