Overview
Lifting operations are among the highest-risk activities on any construction site. This CPD module covers the full spectrum of crane types used in UK construction, including crawler cranes, tower cranes, mobile cranes, compact cranes, telescopic handlers and lorry loaders. It also addresses the critical roles of slinger/signallers in ensuring lifts are carried out safely. All lifting operations in the UK must comply with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), which places specific duties on employers and those involved in planning, supervising and carrying out lifts.
Key Knowledge Areas
Lift Planning
Every lifting operation must be properly planned by a competent person. Routine lifts require a documented generic lift plan, whilst complex or heavy lifts demand a detailed, site-specific plan prepared by an appointed person. The lift plan must consider load weight, radius, ground conditions, wind speed, proximity hazards and the selection of appropriate lifting equipment. No lift should proceed without a clear plan that has been communicated to all personnel involved.
Load Charts and Rated Capacity
Operators must be able to read and interpret load charts for the specific crane being used. Load charts account for boom length, radius, counterweight configuration and ground gradient. Working beyond the rated capacity of a crane is one of the most common causes of crane collapse. Operators must understand the difference between gross and net capacity, and apply appropriate deductions for rigging gear weight.
Signalling and Communication
Slinger/signallers play a vital role in directing crane movements using standard hand signals as defined by BS 7121. Radio communication may supplement hand signals but should not replace them entirely. The signaller must maintain clear line of sight with the crane operator and have authority to stop the lift at any point. All signals must be unambiguous and pre-agreed before the lift commences.
Rigging and Slinging
Correct selection of lifting accessories — slings, shackles, eyebolts, spreader beams — is essential. Slingers must assess sling angles, ensure the load is balanced, and check that all accessories are within their safe working load (SWL) and current examination date. Damaged or out-of-date lifting accessories must be removed from service immediately.
Telescopic Handlers and Lorry Loaders
Telescopic handlers are widely used for material handling on construction sites and require specific competence due to their variable reach and capacity. Lorry loaders (also known as knuckle-boom cranes) demand knowledge of outrigger deployment, load moment indicators and safe operating radii from the vehicle.
Safety Considerations
All lifting equipment must undergo thorough examination by a competent person at intervals specified by LOLER — typically six-monthly for accessories and twelve-monthly for cranes, or in accordance with an examination scheme. Reports of thorough examination must be available on site. Ground conditions must be assessed before positioning any crane, with adequate bearing capacity for outrigger loads. Exclusion zones must be established beneath suspended loads, and no person should stand or walk under a load at any time. Wind speed limits must be observed, and operations suspended when conditions exceed the crane manufacturer’s stated limits.
Exam Tip: LOLER 1998 is a frequent topic in CPCS assessments. Be confident in the requirements for lift planning, thorough examination intervals, and the specific duties of appointed persons, crane supervisors and slinger/signallers. Know the standard hand signals and understand how to read a basic load chart.
