📋 Safe Lifting Planner

Comprehensive planning tool for safe lifting operations

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📋 The Critical Importance of Lift Planning

Proper lift planning is the foundation of safe lifting operations. A comprehensive plan identifies hazards, allocates resources, defines responsibilities, and establishes emergency procedures—preventing incidents before they occur. Never skip planning, regardless of how "routine" a lift may seem.

78%
Of lifting incidents are preventable with proper planning and risk assessment
30min
Average time for comprehensive lift planning - a small investment prevents disasters
6
Essential planning steps - complete all before lifting begins

Lift Planning Cycle

1
Assess Load
Weight, CG, size
2
Survey Site
Ground, clearance
3
Select Equipment
Crane, rigging
4
Assess Risk
Identify hazards
5
Brief Team
Clear roles
6
Final Check
Trial lift
⚠️ Planning is NOT Optional
  • Document Everything: Written plans create accountability and ensure nothing is forgotten
  • Team Communication: Everyone must understand the plan, their role, and emergency procedures
  • Management Sign-Off: High-risk lifts require approval from competent authority before proceeding
  • When in Doubt: Stop, reassess, get expert input—never rush a complex lift
📝

Lift Information

Completion: 0%
0%
🗺️

Step-by-Step Planning Guide

1

Load Assessment

Fully understand what you're lifting and its characteristics:

  • Measure or calculate exact load weight
  • Identify center of gravity location
  • Check load dimensions (L × W × H)
  • Assess load fragility and stability
  • Identify attachment points on load
2

Site Survey

Evaluate the lifting environment and constraints:

  • Check ground conditions and stability
  • Measure overhead clearances
  • Identify obstacles and exclusion zones
  • Check for underground utilities
  • Assess weather conditions forecast
  • Verify access routes for equipment
3

Equipment Selection

Choose appropriate lifting equipment with adequate capacity:

  • Select crane/hoist with sufficient SWL
  • Choose slings with correct rating and type
  • Select shackles and hardware (Grade 80/100)
  • Verify all equipment inspection certificates
  • Calculate sling angles and tensions
  • Prepare spreader beams if needed
4

Risk Assessment

Identify and evaluate all potential hazards:

  • Complete risk assessment matrix (below)
  • Identify personnel at risk
  • Define exclusion zones and barriers
  • Plan emergency response procedures
  • Assign spotters and banksmen
5

Team Briefing

Ensure all team members understand the lift plan:

  • Conduct toolbox talk with all personnel
  • Review lift sequence and responsibilities
  • Establish communication signals
  • Verify PPE requirements
  • Confirm emergency stop procedures
6

Pre-Lift Inspection

Final checks before executing the lift:

  • Inspect all lifting equipment visually
  • Verify load attachment and balance
  • Test lift with minimal height (trial lift)
  • Confirm clear communication working
  • Check exclusion zones are clear
  • Obtain final approval from supervisor
⚠️

Risk Assessment Matrix

Select the likelihood and consequence to assess risk level:

Insignificant
Minor
Moderate
Major
Catastrophic
Almost Certain
Medium
High
High
Extreme
Extreme
Likely
Low
Medium
High
High
Extreme
Possible
Low
Medium
Medium
High
High
Unlikely
Low
Low
Medium
Medium
High
Rare
Low
Low
Low
Medium
Medium
🟢 Low Risk

Action: Manage with existing procedures. Document and monitor.

🟡 Medium Risk

Action: Implement additional control measures. Senior approval required.

🔴 High Risk

Action: Detailed planning required. Management approval mandatory.

⛔ Extreme Risk

Action: DO NOT PROCEED. Redesign lift plan. Executive approval only.

🛡️

Control Measures

🚨

Emergency Procedures

Emergency Contacts
  • Emergency Services:
  • Site Manager:
  • First Aider:
Stop Work Conditions
  • Wind speed exceeds safe limits (typically >20 mph/32 km/h)
  • Equipment malfunction or damage detected
  • Load behavior is unexpected or unstable
  • Communication breakdown between team
  • Personnel enter exclusion zone
  • Any unsafe condition observed
✍️

Approval & Sign-off

✅ Approval Checklist
  • All sections completed comprehensively
  • Risk assessment performed and documented
  • Control measures adequate and in place
  • Team briefed and competent
  • Equipment inspected and certified
  • Emergency procedures established