Overview
Effective supervision is fundamental to the safe execution of lifting operations on construction sites. This CPD module focuses on the roles of the appointed person and the crane supervisor — two distinct but complementary positions defined under BS 7121 and required by the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). Both roles demand a thorough understanding of crane capabilities, lift planning principles, regulatory requirements and the ability to make sound judgements under pressure.
Key Knowledge Areas
The Appointed Person
The appointed person is responsible for planning lifting operations and ensuring that all lifts are carried out safely. This includes selecting the appropriate crane for the task, preparing or reviewing lift plans, assessing site conditions and ensuring that all personnel involved in the lift are competent. The appointed person must have sufficient knowledge and experience to plan lifts across the full range of complexity, from routine material handling to complex tandem lifts and lifts near live services or occupied structures.
The Crane Supervisor
The crane supervisor is responsible for the safe execution of lifting operations on site, working within the parameters set by the appointed person’s lift plan. Duties include briefing the crane operator and slinger/signaller team, confirming ground conditions, checking crane setup and outrigger deployment, verifying load weight and ensuring compliance with the lift plan. The crane supervisor must be present during all critical phases of the lift and has the authority to stop operations if conditions change or safety is compromised.
Lift Plan Development
A lift plan must be prepared for every lifting operation. For routine lifts, a generic lift plan may be sufficient, covering standard loads, equipment and procedures. For non-routine or complex lifts, a detailed site-specific lift plan is required. The plan must address: load details (weight, dimensions, centre of gravity), crane selection and configuration, ground bearing capacity, rigging arrangement, communication methods, exclusion zones, environmental conditions (particularly wind limits) and emergency procedures.
Risk Assessment and Method Statements
All lifting operations require a suitable and sufficient risk assessment, identifying hazards and the control measures to be applied. Method statements must describe the step-by-step procedure for the lift, including setup, execution and demobilisation. The appointed person and crane supervisor must ensure these documents are current, site-specific and communicated to all members of the lifting team before work commences.
Thorough Examination
LOLER requires that all lifting equipment undergoes thorough examination by a competent person before first use, after any event that may affect safety, and at regular intervals — typically every 12 months for cranes and every 6 months for lifting accessories. The appointed person and crane supervisor must verify that current reports of thorough examination are available on site and that any defects identified have been rectified before the equipment is used.
Safety Considerations
Supervisors must ensure that exclusion zones are established and maintained, that communication between all members of the lifting team is clear and effective, and that weather conditions are continuously monitored. Any deviation from the lift plan requires the operation to be stopped and the plan reassessed by the appointed person. Near-miss reporting and post-lift reviews are essential components of a robust safety culture. Supervisors should also verify that all crane operators and slinger/signallers hold current, valid CPCS cards for the relevant categories.
Exam Tip: The distinction between the appointed person and the crane supervisor is a key exam topic. Remember that the appointed person plans the lift, whilst the crane supervisor oversees its execution on site. Know the contents of a lift plan, the thorough examination intervals under LOLER, and the circumstances under which a lift must be stopped and reassessed.
