RAMS and method statement for lifting operations

Lifting operations go wrong in two main ways: the load falls, or the crane goes over. Both nearly always come back to planning, which is why the law puts a competent person in charge of it. Under LOLER, every lifting operation must be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised, and carried out in a safe manner. A risk assessment and method statement for lifting operations sits alongside the lift plan and shows how the lift will be controlled. This guide sets out what a lifting RAMS should cover on a UK site, whether it is a mobile crane, a telehandler or a tower crane.

What a RAMS for lifting operations needs to cover

Be specific about the lift and the equipment. State what is being lifted and its weight, the lifting equipment and accessories, the lift category from basic to complex, the ground and the environment, and the roles: the appointed person who plans it, the supervisor who controls it, the operator, and the slinger or signaller. A single telehandler lift of a pack of blocks is a different operation from a tandem crane lift of a steel frame, and the document should reflect the real lift.

The main hazards of lifting operations

• The load falling from failure of a sling or accessory, wrong rating, or an insecurely attached load.
• The crane overturning from poor ground, outriggers not set, lifting over radius or overloading.
• Contact with overhead power lines or structures during slewing or travel.
• Striking people in the lifting area or under the load.
• Uncontrolled load swing, especially in wind or with a poorly slung load.
• Exceeding the safe working load or the rated capacity at the working radius.
• Defective or unexamined lifting equipment and accessories.
• Weather, particularly wind acting on the load and the crane.

The control measures a reviewer expects

A lifting reviewer looks first for the lift plan and the appointed person, then for the ground and the capacity.

• A lift plan by a competent appointed person, matched to the lift category.
• Thorough examination reports in date for the crane and every lifting accessory, under LOLER.
• Ground assessment and outrigger spreader mats sized for the loads imposed.
• Rated capacity respected, with the load weight and radius checked against the crane's duty chart.
• An exclusion zone with no one allowed under a suspended load.
• A competent team: appointed person, crane supervisor, operator and slinger or signaller, to CPCS or NPORS.
• Tag lines to control the load, and a clear signalling method.
• Overhead services identified with safe distances maintained, and weather limits set to the crane's wind rating.

The method statement sequence for lifting operations

1. The appointed person produces the lift plan and confirms the lift category.
2. Check the thorough examination reports for the crane and all accessories are in date.
3. Assess and prepare the ground, position the crane and set the outriggers on spreader mats.
4. Establish the exclusion zone and brief the team on the plan and the signals.
5. The slinger attaches and checks the load, confirming the weight and the rating of the accessories.
6. Carry out the lift under the supervisor's control, using tag lines to steady the load.
7. Land and release the load in the set-down area and confirm it is stable.
8. Stand the crane down, clear the area and complete the records.

Where lifting RAMS usually get rejected

• No lift plan, or no competent appointed person named.
• Thorough examination reports for the crane and accessories not referenced.
• Ground conditions and outriggers ignored.
• Load weight and radius not checked against the rated capacity.
• No exclusion zone, or people allowed to work under the load.
• Roles of supervisor, operator and slinger or signaller not defined.

Frequently asked questions

What is a lift plan?

A lift plan is the plan produced by a competent appointed person setting out how a lifting operation will be carried out safely: the load, the equipment, the ground, the roles and the method. Under LOLER every lifting operation must be properly planned before it happens.

Who is the appointed person for a lift?

The appointed person is the competent person who plans the lifting operation and takes overall responsibility for it. The role is distinct from the crane supervisor who controls the lift on the day, the operator who works the crane, and the slinger or signaller who attaches and directs the load.

How often is lifting equipment thoroughly examined?

Under LOLER, lifting equipment used to lift people is thoroughly examined at least every 6 months, and other lifting equipment and accessories at least every 12 months, or in line with an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person.

Is this legal advice?

No. This is a plain-English working summary to support site teams. For the detail see the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, PUWER 1998, and BS 7121, the code of practice for the safe use of cranes.

Related guides: LOLER 1998 explained, RAMS for excavation and groundworks, RAMS for scaffolding, and the how to write a risk assessment guide.