A lift plan can look straightforward until the accessories are added. Heavier shackles increase the suspended load. A load-specific sling-angle restriction can require longer legs and more headroom. A chain block may help position the load, but it also adds weight and height. These details can change whether the proposed arrangement will work.
A free reference to help you build the complete picture
All Star Safety’s 42-page lifting accessory reference helps Appointed Persons, lift supervisors and trainees find capacities, weights and dimensions, then compare different arrangements. It brings together named manufacturer data, dimension drawings, angle guidance and worked examples in an A4 handout.
Use it when developing a theoretical lift plan, checking an accessory schedule or exploring a different rigging arrangement. The useful question is whether the complete assembly suits the load, attachment points and available space.
We have made every effort to ensure the data is accurate at the date of issue. You must still check it yourself against current manufacturer instructions and the actual equipment before relying on it.
1. Calculate the mass of the whole suspended arrangement
Start with a verified load mass, then list everything suspended below the crane hook: complete sling assemblies, shackles, lifting points, hoists, beams and any other attachments. Establish what is already included in the stated load mass so that each item is counted once.
Worked example: a 10,000 kg load plus 500 kg of accessories gives a physical gross mass of 10,500 kg at the crane hook. In this example, the 500 kg includes every accessory below the hook, and none is already included in the load mass.
Use that complete arrangement when assessing crane capacity, following the crane manufacturer’s load-chart basis and required deductions, including the treatment of the hook block. Keep any planning or booking allowance explicit and separate from the physical mass calculation.
A common trap: shortening a chain sling changes its working length, but it does not remove the weight of chain that remains suspended. Include the complete assembly and retained chain.
2. Check how the sling angle affects headroom
A tighter angle limit can change the rigging you need. For example, a particular tank’s manufacturer may limit the included angle between accessories to 60° or less. That restriction takes precedence over a course convention or the wider angle permitted by a sling’s capacity chart.
Consider two equal, free sling legs connecting points 2.000 m apart at the same elevation. The included angle is the angle between the two legs; each leg is at half that angle from vertical.
Included angle
Free length of each leg
Vertical rise to the upper junction
90°
1.414 m
1.000 m
60°
2.000 m
1.732 m
Idealised geometry, rounded to the nearest millimetre. Fitting offsets and operational clearances are additional.
For the same 2 m spacing, the 60° arrangement requires longer free legs and 732 mm more vertical rise. This compares two different leg lengths; you cannot make that change simply by altering the angle of a fixed-length sling while keeping the attachment spacing unchanged.
Check the assembly’s working load limit for the actual configuration and angle, together with the load’s lifting-point restrictions. A larger sling does not increase the capacity of the lifting eye beneath it.
3. Build hook height from consistent reference points
Map the arrangement from the load’s attachment points to the crane hook bearing point. Add the relevant vertical contributions of the free sling legs, connectors, master link, hoist or other equipment, then allow for the load’s required position and operating clearance.
Read the dimension drawing: an overall dimension may differ from the distance between the bearing points needed in your calculation.
Check what the stated length includes: a complete sling’s effective working length is not automatically the free inclined leg length. Avoid adding end fittings twice.
Distinguish hoist dimensions: a chain block’s height of lift is not its closed headroom.
Recalculate after a substitution: a different shackle, lifting point or hoist can change mass, fit and height even when its headline capacity looks suitable.
Five checks before you finalise the arrangement
Load: confirm mass, centre of gravity, orientation and the manufacturer’s lifting instructions.
Connections: check attachment-point ratings, direction of pull, sling mode and angles, and physical compatibility.
Accessories: record the exact products, complete assembly masses and the dimensions used in your calculation.
Crane and space: assess the planned operating radius and height against the correct crane configuration and load chart, including required deductions and clearances.
Changes: review substitutions and changed site conditions, update the plan and make sure the lifting team understands the agreed arrangement.
These calculations are part of the wider lift plan. Ground conditions, access, the load route, people, weather and supervision also need consideration. HSE’s guidance on planning and organising lifting operations explains how planning, competence and resources should reflect the work and its risks.
What you will find in the download
The reference covers lifting eyes and swivel lifting points; shackles; chain, textile and wire-rope slings; master links; chain blocks; and selected handling attachments. Higher-capacity selections include the corresponding published masses, with manufacturer illustrations showing what the dimensions refer to.
Worked comparisons and an arrangement worksheet help you assess alternative accessories. Manufacturer identities and source links are retained, and historical Q45 information is clearly separated from current product ranges.
The handout labels All Star Safety’s 10%/25% planning allowances and normal 90° included-angle training convention separately from manufacturer limits and statutory requirements. Apply the tighter restriction imposed by the load or any component.
The free All Star Safety reference is formatted for A4 printing.
Check the source before using the figures
Product specifications can change, and equipment with similar names or capacities may have different weights, dimensions and limitations. Verify the exact product and assembly, the working load limit for its mode and angle, total accessory weight, dimensions, compatibility and load-specific restrictions.
Resolve missing, inconsistent or uncertain information before using it in a lift plan. The reference supports competent planning; it does not replace the manufacturer’s instructions, equipment checks or a lift-specific assessment. Please tell us if you identify a discrepancy so we can review and correct it.
RUD VLBG-PLUS instructions — product-specific installation and loading guidance for the identified RUD range. Follow the links in the PDF for other manufacturers.
Put the planning into practice with All Star Safety
Lift planning and consultancy: if you need a lift plan prepared, an independent review of an existing plan or Appointed Person support, our lifting operations consultancy services can help. Get us involved while you are selecting the equipment and arrangement, when there is still time to resolve questions.
Training for your team: our bespoke in-house safety training can be tailored to your working environment. Talk to us about the lifting topics your team needs to strengthen, such as accessory selection, gross-load calculations, hook-height checks and communicating the plan.
Need help preparing or reviewing a lift plan, developing your team’s skills or choosing a lifting NVQ? Get in touch with All Star Safety. Tell us about the load, equipment, site or training need and your proposed timescale, and we can discuss the support you require.
Ordinary ratchet lashing straps must not be used to lift, suspend or lower loads. They are designed to restrain cargo, not to act as lifting accessories.
A new Health and Safety Executive prosecution followed an incident in which a ratchet strap failed while workers were lowering a steel beam weighing more than 100kg. The falling beam struck an employee, causing multiple back fractures, a punctured lung and a broken leg.
The case demonstrates why dismantling work needs a written sequence, suitable lifting equipment, competent planning, temporary-stability controls and an effective exclusion zone. It also reinforces the importance of stopping work when an employee raises a reasonable safety concern.
The incident occurred during the dismantling of an internal steel-frame temporary structure at a hotel in Surrey.
A ratchet strap was being used to lower a steel beam weighing more than 100kg. The strap was not designed for lifting or lowering loads and failed, causing the beam to fall onto an employee.
The worker suffered multiple back fractures, a punctured lung and a broken leg. She underwent an 11-hour operation and spent three months in hospital.
HSE found that the dismantling work had not been properly planned or carried out safely. The director had selected the method and continued with it after the worker questioned whether it was safe.
The company was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £6,949 in costs. The director received a community order requiring 75 hours of unpaid work.
Are Ratchet Straps Suitable for Lifting?
No—not ordinary ratchet lashing straps.
Ratchet straps are generally intended to restrain loads against movement during transport, storage or handling. They are not designed to:
Lift a freely suspended load.
Lower a load under controlled movement.
Support a load above people.
Act as a webbing sling.
Replace a chain block, lever hoist or lifting appliance.
Provide structural support during dismantling.
A lifting accessory should be designed and marked for lifting, have an identifiable safe working load or working load limit, and be compatible with the load, attachment points and proposed configuration.
A lashing strap may look similar to a lifting sling, but appearance is not evidence of suitability.
“A strap capable of restraining a load is not automatically capable of safely lifting it.”
The level of planning should be proportionate to the risk. Lowering a structural steel member weighing more than 100kg from a partially dismantled frame should not be treated as an informal manual-handling activity.
Legal Duty: Record Dismantling Arrangements in Writing
The assessment should consider the structure’s age, construction, previous use, adjacent structures and existing condition.
Where temporary supports are needed, they should be designed by a suitably qualified and experienced person. Bracing and propping must then be installed, checked, maintained and removed in accordance with the design.
A dismantling method should not rely on workers physically holding, balancing or attempting to control a structural component after its fixings have been released.
Industry Good Practice: Separate Lashing and Lifting Equipment
A practical way to prevent misuse is to keep load-restraint equipment physically separate from lifting accessories.
Industry good practice includes:
Storing ratchet lashings and lifting slings in different locations.
Clearly labelling storage areas.
Quarantining unidentified or damaged equipment.
Checking that lifting accessories display an identifiable WLL or SWL.
Matching certificates and thorough-examination records to the equipment.
Completing pre-use checks before every lifting operation.
Preventing workers from supplying unapproved personal equipment.
Training supervisors to recognise the difference between slings and lashings.
Lifting accessories are generally subject to thorough examination at least every six months unless a competent person’s written scheme specifies an alternative interval.
A pre-use check is still required and does not replace the statutory thorough examination.
Keep People Outside the Line of Fire
Workers should not stand beneath a suspended load or within the area into which a component could fall, swing, rotate or slide.
The exclusion zone must reflect the actual failure path—not simply the footprint directly beneath the load.
The lifting plan should consider what would happen if:
A lifting accessory failed.
An attachment point fractured.
The component rotated unexpectedly.
The remaining structure moved.
A connection released suddenly.
The lifting equipment lost power or tension.
Where people must approach to disconnect equipment, the load should first be landed, independently supported or otherwise placed in a stable condition.
Responding to Safety Concerns
A worker questioning whether a method is safe should trigger a pause and review.
Our professional recommendation is that dismantling and non-routine lifting methods include a clear stop-work rule:
“If the equipment, sequence, structural condition or proposed method differs from the written plan, the operation stops until it has been reassessed.”
Supervisors should never interpret a safety concern as disobedience or lack of commitment. People carrying out the task may be the first to identify unexpected movement, unsuitable equipment or an impractical sequence.
Our Professional View
This case was not simply about one strap failing. The strap was the final visible weakness in a wider failure of planning.
A suitable method would have identified the beam weight, lifting points, load path, equipment, support arrangements, dismantling sequence and worker positions before connections were released.
Businesses requiring assistance can use All Star Safety’s health and safety consultancy service for task-specific RAMS reviews, site inspections, temporary-works support and lifting-operation reviews.
Personnel involved in planning and supervising lifting work can demonstrate occupational competence through appropriate Lifting Operations NVQs. Wider project and supervisory competence can also be assessed through Supervisory and Management NVQs.
Remove ordinary ratchet lashing straps from lifting-gear storage.
Check all lifting accessories have identifiable WLL or SWL markings.
Match equipment to its examination records and certification.
Quarantine unidentified, damaged or unsuitable equipment.
Identify the weight and centre of gravity of every component.
Confirm suitable lifting and attachment points.
Prepare a written dismantling sequence.
Assess the changing stability of the remaining structure.
Design temporary supports where required.
Provide a suitable lifting appliance and accessories.
Establish an exclusion zone based on possible load movement.
Prevent anyone standing beneath or beside an unsupported component.
Appoint competent people to plan and supervise the operation.
Stop and reassess work where the method or conditions change.
Treat worker concerns as a reason to review the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a heavy-duty ratchet strap be used to lift a load?
No. A high lashing capacity does not make an ordinary ratchet strap suitable for lifting. Use purpose-designed lifting equipment with an identifiable WLL or SWL.
Can a ratchet strap be used to lower a beam?
No. LOLER defines lifting operations as including the lowering of loads. Equipment used to lower a beam must be suitable for lifting operations and selected through competent planning.
Does thoroughly examining a ratchet strap make it lifting equipment?
No. Thorough examination can assess the condition of suitable lifting equipment. It cannot change a product’s intended purpose or design.
Does every dismantling operation need a written method?
Where work falls within demolition or dismantling under CDM regulation 20, the arrangements must be recorded in writing before the work begins.
What equipment should be used to lower steelwork?
The answer depends on the component weight, structure, attachment points and environment. Suitable options may include a crane, hoist, chain block, lever hoist or another purpose-designed system selected by a competent person.
Who should plan the operation?
The planner must have sufficient theoretical and practical knowledge of the structure, load, lifting equipment and applicable legal requirements. More complex operations require greater specialist competence.
Can workers briefly stand beneath a supported beam?
Workers should not stand beneath suspended or inadequately supported components. Before anyone approaches, the component should be landed or independently secured in a stable condition.
The Importance of Competency in Appointed Person Roles for Lifting Operations
Lifting operations are a high-risk activity within construction and must be planned and managed by competent professionals to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with UK legislation. One of the key roles in this process is the Appointed Person, responsible for planning and overseeing lifting operations in accordance with LOLER 1998 (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) andBS 7121 (Code of Practice for Safe Use of Cranes). Employers must ensure that individuals in this role have the necessary training and qualifications, such as the Level 5 NVQ in Controlling Lifting Operations – Planning Lifts, which demonstrates competence and allows candidates to apply for the CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card.
Why Is an Appointed Person Essential for Safe Lifting Operations?
The Appointed Person plays a critical role in ensuring that all lifting operations are properly planned, supervised, and carried out safely. Their key responsibilities include:
•Planning lifting operations and ensuring compliance with LOLER and BS 7121.
•Conducting risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement control measures.
•Selecting appropriate lifting equipment and ensuring it is properly maintained.
• Coordinating with Crane/Lifting Supervisors, Slinger Signallers, and Plant Operators to ensure smooth execution of lifts.
• Ensuring all personnel involved in lifting operations are trained and competent.
Without a qualified Appointed Person, lifting operations can become unsafe, increasing the risk of serious accidents, injuries, and legal consequences for employers.
Why Employers Should Ensure Appointed Persons Are NVQ Qualified
✔ Legal Compliance – Under LOLER 1998, employers must ensure lifting operations are managed by competent professionals. An NVQ-qualified Appointed Person demonstrates compliance with UK regulations.
✔ Reduced Risk of Accidents – Proper lift planning minimises risks, ensuring that all lifting activities are safe and well-executed.
✔ Workforce Competency Verification – Holding a Level 5 NVQ in Controlling Lifting Operations – Planning Lifts proves that an individual has met industry standards.
✔ Improved Site Efficiency – A competent Appointed Person ensures lifting operations are carried out smoothly and without unnecessary delays.
How All Star Safety Can Help
At All Star Safety, we provide industry-leading NVQ assessments and consultancy services to support lifting operations. Our services include:
Lifting operations are one of the highest risk activities on a construction site, and every lift needs to be properly planned before it happens. The person responsible for that planning is the Appointed Person. Their role is defined in BS 7121, the code of practice for the safe use of cranes, and it is how most construction projects meet the planning duty set out in LOLER 1998. This guide explains what an Appointed Person does, why employers must be able to prove their competence, and the NVQ route that demonstrates it.
What Does an Appointed Person Do?
The Appointed Person has overall control of lifting operations on behalf of the organisation that needs the lift. Their key responsibilities include:
Planning lifting operations. Planning and organising every lift so it can be carried out safely, in line with LOLER 1998 and BS 7121.
Risk assessments and method statements. Identifying the hazards involved in each lift and producing the lift plan and control measures to manage them.
Selecting lifting equipment. Choosing suitable cranes and lifting accessories, and making sure they are properly maintained and examined.
Coordinating the lifting team. Working with crane supervisors, slinger signallers and operators so everyone understands the plan and how the lift will be communicated.
Making sure the team is competent. Checking that everyone involved in the lifting operation is trained and competent for the part they play.
Without a trained and competent Appointed Person, lifting operations can lack the oversight they need. That increases the risk of serious accidents, injuries, regulatory breaches and costly project delays.
How the Appointed Person Fits Into the Lifting Team
The Appointed Person plans the lift, but they rarely carry it out alone. BS 7121 sets out a team of roles, each with a distinct responsibility:
Appointed Person: plans the lifting operation, produces the lift plan and has overall control of the lift on behalf of the organisation.
Crane Supervisor: controls the lifting operation on site and makes sure it is carried out in line with the Appointed Person’s plan.
Slinger Signaller: attaches and detaches loads, and directs the movement of the crane and load using agreed signals or radio.
Crane Operator: operates the crane safely, following the lift plan and the directions given by the slinger signaller.
Why Employers Must Ensure Appointed Person Competence
Under UK law, employers have a duty to make sure lifting operations are managed by competent people. Several pieces of legislation and guidance apply:
LOLER 1998. Requires every lifting operation to be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out safely.
BS 7121. The code of practice for the safe use of cranes. It defines the Appointed Person role and how lifting operations should be planned.
MHSWR 1999. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations require employers to assess risks and use competent people to help them meet their duties.
HASAWA 1974. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act places a general duty on employers to protect the health and safety of their employees and others.
Failing to meet these duties can lead to enforcement action by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Being able to show that your Appointed Person holds a recognised qualification is one of the clearest ways to demonstrate competence.
Proving Competence: The Appointed Person NVQ
The recognised qualification for the role is the Level 5 NVQ in Controlling Lifting Operations – Planning Lifts. It is assessed on real evidence from your own work, so it proves you can do the job rather than just pass a test.
Register and induction. You must be working in a role where you plan lifting operations. After registration, your assessor takes you through the qualification at induction.
Build your evidence. You gather evidence from the lifts you plan on site, such as lift plans and risk assessments, and complete the knowledge tasks. Level 5 qualifications must be completed within 18 months of induction.
Achieve the NVQ and apply for your card. Once you have completed the Level 5 NVQ in Controlling Lifting Operations – Planning Lifts, you can apply for the CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card.
For employers, an NVQ qualified Appointed Person brings clear benefits:
Legal compliance. It demonstrates that lifting operations are planned by a competent person, as LOLER 1998 requires.
Reduced risk of accidents. Proper lift planning minimises hazards and keeps every lift safe and controlled.
Verified competence. The NVQ proves an individual has met the industry standard, not just attended a course.
Improved site efficiency. Well planned lifts run smoothly, without unnecessary delays to the programme.
How All Star Safety Can Help
We provide NVQ assessments and consultancy services to support safe, compliant lifting operations:
Appointed Person NVQ assessment. Helping candidates achieve the Level 5 NVQ in Controlling Lifting Operations – Planning Lifts. View our lifting operations NVQs.
LOLER compliance and lift planning support. Making sure your lifting operations meet legal and safety requirements.
Site safety audits. Reviewing lifting operations on site to identify risks and check your team’s competence.
Health and safety consultancy. Expert guidance on improving lifting safety and competence across your business. Explore our consultancy services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every lifting operation need an Appointed Person?
LOLER 1998 requires every lifting operation to be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out safely. On construction projects, BS 7121 sets out the Appointed Person as the role that takes on that planning responsibility.
Is an Appointed Person the same as a Crane Supervisor?
No. The Appointed Person plans the lift and has overall control. The Crane Supervisor controls the lifting operation on site and makes sure it follows the Appointed Person’s plan.
Which NVQ does an Appointed Person need?
The Level 5 NVQ in Controlling Lifting Operations – Planning Lifts. Completing it allows you to apply for the CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card.
How long does the Appointed Person NVQ take?
It depends on how quickly you can gather evidence from the lifts you plan at work. Level 5 qualifications must be completed within 18 months of your induction.
Talk to Us
For NVQ assessment for your Appointed Persons, or support with lift planning and LOLER compliance, call us on 01473 561 402 or email info@allstarsafety.co.uk.
Lifting operations on construction sites and in industrial settings must be planned, supervised and carried out by people who can demonstrate they are competent to do the job. This is not a matter of best practice alone. It is a legal duty, and the regulations are specific about who can plan a lift, who can supervise it and how equipment must be maintained. This guide covers what UK law requires, how competence is evidenced in practice, and what a compliant lift plan looks like.
Who Counts as a Competent Person in Lifting Operations?
LOLER 1998 repeatedly refers to a competent person but does not define a single qualification. In practice, competence means the right combination of training, knowledge and practical experience for the specific task, and the employer must be able to evidence it if asked. For lifting operations this breaks down into distinct roles, each with its own responsibilities:
Appointed Person
Plans the lift, selects the equipment and produces the lift plan. Normally holds a Level 5 NVQ in Controlling Lifting Operations, Planning Lifts.
Lift Supervisor
Supervises the lift on site, ensures the plan is followed and stops the operation if conditions change.
Crane Operator
Operates the lifting equipment, holding a recognised plant card for that specific category of machine.
Slinger Signaller
Attaches and detaches the load, selects the correct accessories and directs the operator using agreed signals.
Plant Operator
Operates lifting equipment other than cranes, including telehandlers and excavators used for lifting duties.
Competent Examiner
Carries out thorough examinations, and must be sufficiently independent of the operating team to give an objective assessment.
How competence is evidenced
Competence is normally demonstrated through a combination of a formal qualification, recorded practical experience and a recognised competence card such as CPCS, NPORS or CSCS. The card alone is not proof of competence, it is evidence that an assessment has taken place, and employers are expected to satisfy themselves that the individual is suitable for the particular lift.
Our lifting operations NVQs cover slinger signaller, lift supervisor and appointed person roles, and are assessed in the workplace using real work activities rather than exams. Operators also need a recognised plant card, which we deliver through NPORS assessments.
Legal Framework and Standards
LOLER 98
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
LOLER 98 mandates that all lifting operations involving lifting equipment are properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised, and carried out safely. Regulation 8 specifically requires that lifting operations are organised to prevent injury, taking into account the nature of the load, the environment, and the equipment used.
The BS7121 series provides guidance on the safe use of cranes, including selection, maintenance, inspection, and operation. By adhering to BS7121, companies ensure that lifting operations meet industry best practices and reduce the risk of accidents.
BS7121 is not law in itself, but courts and the HSE treat it as the benchmark for what reasonable practice looks like.
MHSWR 1999
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
Under MHSWR, employers must assess all significant risks to health and safety, including those associated with lifting operations. Effective risk assessments identify potential hazards, evaluate the likelihood of accidents, and determine the necessary control measures.
In practice this means a documented risk assessment and method statement for every non-routine lift.
HASAWA 1974
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
The HASAWA sets the foundation for all health and safety regulations in the UK. It requires employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of employees and others affected by their operations. For lifting tasks, this includes using well-maintained equipment, providing proper training, and following established safety procedures.
Failing to meet these duties can lead to enforcement action from the HSE, including improvement and prohibition notices, alongside project delays, invalidated insurance and a materially higher risk of serious injury on site. Where a lift goes wrong and competence cannot be evidenced, the employer is usually the party held responsible.
How LOLER differs from PUWER
The two regulations are often confused. PUWER 1998 covers all work equipment and requires it to be suitable, maintained and used by trained people. LOLER sits on top of that and adds specific duties wherever equipment is used for lifting: the equipment must be strong and stable enough for the load, positioned to minimise risk, and subject to thorough examination at set intervals. If you lift with it, both apply.
Thorough Examination: How Often Is It Required?
One of the most common compliance failures is missing a thorough examination. LOLER sets minimum intervals, and these apply regardless of how new or lightly used the equipment is.
6
Months for lifting accessories such as slings, chains and shackles
6
Months for equipment used to lift people
12
Months for other lifting equipment such as cranes and hoists
Equipment must also be thoroughly examined after installation, after assembly at a new site, and following any event likely to have affected its integrity. Where a written examination scheme drawn up by a competent person specifies different intervals, that scheme takes precedence.
What a Lift Plan Should Contain
Regulation 8 requires lifting operations to be properly planned, but the detail sits in BS7121. A workable lift plan should cover:
The weight, dimensions and centre of gravity of the load
The lifting equipment and accessories selected, with their safe working loads
Ground conditions, outrigger positions and crane configuration
The exclusion zone and how the public and other trades are protected
Named personnel for each role and evidence of their competence
The sequence of operations and communication method
Emergency arrangements if the lift cannot be completed
Routine, repetitive lifts can be covered by a generic plan. Anything complex, tandem lifts, lifts over occupied areas, or lifts near overhead power lines, needs a specific plan produced by an Appointed Person.
How All Star Safety Can Help
At All Star Safety, we provide expert planning, assessment and advice to ensure that lifting operations are conducted safely and in full compliance with LOLER 98, BS7121, MHSWR and HASAWA. Our services include:
NVQ Assessments for Lifting Roles
We assess candidates towards recognised qualifications including the Level 5 NVQ in Controlling Lifting Operations, Planning Lifts, alongside slinger signaller and lift supervisor routes. See our full range of lifting operations NVQs.
Lift Planning Services
We create detailed lift plans that outline the equipment required, the sequence of operations, and the necessary safety measures.
Lifting Operations Risk Assessments
Documented risk assessments and method statements written to satisfy LOLER 98, BS7121 and MHSWR 1999 requirements.
Competency Verification
We help employers confirm their workforce holds the correct CPCS, NPORS or CSCS cards for the roles they are performing, and identify where qualifications are missing or due to expire.
Site Audits and Compliance Checks
Our team can conduct comprehensive audits of your lifting operations and overall site safety, identifying areas for improvement and providing actionable recommendations. See our full range of health and safety consultancy services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the legal requirements for lifting operations in the UK?
Lifting operations are governed principally by LOLER 1998, which requires every lift to be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out safely. PUWER 1998, MHSWR 1999 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 also apply, and BS7121 provides the recognised code of practice for the safe use of cranes.
Who can plan a lifting operation?
Planning must be carried out by a competent person, normally an Appointed Person who holds a relevant qualification such as a Level 5 NVQ in Controlling Lifting Operations. The employer is responsible for satisfying itself that the individual has the necessary training, knowledge and experience for the specific lift.
Does a competence card prove someone is competent?
Not on its own. A CPCS, NPORS or CSCS card is evidence that an assessment has taken place, but competence also depends on relevant practical experience and familiarity with the specific equipment and site conditions. The duty to satisfy itself that a person is competent sits with the employer, not the card scheme.
How often must lifting equipment be thoroughly examined?
Every six months for lifting accessories and for any equipment used to lift people, and every twelve months for other lifting equipment. Examination is also required after installation, after assembly at a new location, and following any event that may have affected the equipment's integrity. A written examination scheme drawn up by a competent person can set different intervals.
Is a lift plan a legal requirement?
LOLER Regulation 8 requires lifting operations to be properly planned, and in practice that means a documented lift plan. Routine and repetitive lifts can be covered by a generic plan, but complex lifts need one prepared specifically for that operation by an Appointed Person.
What qualifications do slinger signallers and lift supervisors need?
Both roles need to demonstrate competence, usually through an NVQ assessed in the workplace alongside a recognised plant or competence card. All Star Safety delivers NVQ assessments for slinger signaller, lift supervisor and appointed person roles across Suffolk, East Anglia and the wider UK.
If you need professional assistance with lift planning, NVQ assessment, site safety audits, or health and safety guidance, contact All Star Safety today. Let us help you achieve compliance, protect your workforce, and ensure smooth, efficient operations.
In the UK, lifting operations on construction sites and in other industries must be carefully planned and executed in line with established regulations and standards. These requirements are designed to protect workers, ensure the safe movement of loads, and maintain compliance with national health and safety laws. Understanding these legal requirements is essential for anyone involved in lift planning and execution.
Legal Framework and Standards
LOLER 98
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
LOLER 98 mandates that all lifting operations involving lifting equipment are properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised, and carried out safely. Regulation 8 specifically requires that lifting operations are organised to prevent injury, taking into account the nature of the load, the environment, and the equipment used.
The BS7121 series provides guidance on the safe use of cranes, including selection, maintenance, inspection, and operation. By adhering to BS7121, companies ensure that lifting operations meet industry best practices and reduce the risk of accidents.
BS7121 is not law in itself, but courts and the HSE treat it as the benchmark for what reasonable practice looks like.
MHSWR 1999
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
Under MHSWR, employers must assess all significant risks to health and safety, including those associated with lifting operations. Effective risk assessments identify potential hazards, evaluate the likelihood of accidents, and determine the necessary control measures.
In practice this means a documented risk assessment and method statement for every non-routine lift.
HASAWA 1974
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
The HASAWA sets the foundation for all health and safety regulations in the UK. It requires employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of employees and others affected by their operations. For lifting tasks, this includes using well-maintained equipment, providing proper training, and following established safety procedures.
How LOLER differs from PUWER
The two regulations are often confused. PUWER 1998 covers all work equipment and requires it to be suitable, maintained and used by trained people. LOLER sits on top of that and adds specific duties wherever equipment is used for lifting: the equipment must be strong and stable enough for the load, positioned to minimise risk, and subject to thorough examination at set intervals. If you lift with it, both apply.
Thorough Examination: How Often Is It Required?
One of the most common compliance failures is missing a thorough examination. LOLER sets minimum intervals, and these apply regardless of how new or lightly used the equipment is.
6
Months for lifting accessories such as slings, chains and shackles
6
Months for equipment used to lift people
12
Months for other lifting equipment such as cranes and hoists
Equipment must also be thoroughly examined after installation, after assembly at a new site, and following any event likely to have affected its integrity. Where a written examination scheme drawn up by a competent person specifies different intervals, that scheme takes precedence.
Who Counts as a Competent Person?
LOLER repeatedly refers to a competent person, but does not define a single qualification. In practice, competence means the right combination of training, knowledge and practical experience for the specific task, and an employer must be able to evidence it. For lifting operations this usually breaks down into distinct roles:
Appointed Person — plans the lift, selects the equipment and produces the lift plan
Lift Supervisor — supervises the lift on site and ensures the plan is followed
Crane Operator — operates the equipment, holding a recognised plant card for that category
Slinger Signaller — attaches and detaches the load and directs the operator
Competent Examiner — carries out thorough examinations independently of the operating team
Demonstrating competence usually means holding a relevant qualification. Our lifting operations NVQs cover slinger signaller, lift supervisor and appointed person roles, and are assessed in the workplace using real work activities rather than exams. Operators also need a recognised plant card, which we deliver through NPORS assessments.
What a Lift Plan Should Contain
Regulation 8 requires lifting operations to be properly planned, but the detail sits in BS7121. A workable lift plan should cover:
The weight, dimensions and centre of gravity of the load
The lifting equipment and accessories selected, with their safe working loads
Ground conditions, outrigger positions and crane configuration
The exclusion zone and how the public and other trades are protected
Named personnel for each role and evidence of their competence
The sequence of operations and communication method
Emergency arrangements if the lift cannot be completed
Routine, repetitive lifts can be covered by a generic plan. Anything complex, tandem lifts, lifts over occupied areas, or lifts near overhead power lines, needs a specific plan produced by an Appointed Person.
How All Star Safety Can Help
At All Star Safety, we provide expert planning and advice to ensure that lifting operations are conducted safely and in full compliance with LOLER 98, BS7121, MHSWR, and HASAWA. Demonstrating competence often means holding a recognised qualification, and we deliver lifting operations NVQs for slingers, lift supervisors and appointed persons. Our services include:
Lift Planning Services
We create detailed lift plans that outline the equipment required, the sequence of operations, and the necessary safety measures.
Competent Health and Safety Advice
As a competent H&S advisor, we offer guidance on all aspects of lifting operations and general workplace safety. See our full range of health and safety consultancy services.
Site Audits and Inspections
Our team can conduct comprehensive audits of your lifting operations and overall site safety. We help identify areas of improvement, ensure legal compliance, and provide actionable recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the legal requirements for lifting operations in the UK?
Lifting operations are governed principally by LOLER 1998, which requires every lift to be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out safely. PUWER 1998, MHSWR 1999 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 also apply, and BS7121 provides the recognised code of practice for the safe use of cranes.
Who can plan a lifting operation?
Planning must be carried out by a competent person, normally an Appointed Person who holds a relevant qualification such as a Level 5 NVQ in Controlling Lifting Operations. The employer is responsible for satisfying itself that the individual has the necessary training, knowledge and experience for the specific lift.
How often must lifting equipment be thoroughly examined?
Every six months for lifting accessories and for any equipment used to lift people, and every twelve months for other lifting equipment. Examination is also required after installation, after assembly at a new location, and following any event that may have affected the equipment's integrity. A written examination scheme drawn up by a competent person can set different intervals.
Is a lift plan a legal requirement?
LOLER Regulation 8 requires lifting operations to be properly planned, and in practice that means a documented lift plan. Routine and repetitive lifts can be covered by a generic plan, but complex lifts need one prepared specifically for that operation by an Appointed Person.
What qualifications do slinger signallers and lift supervisors need?
Both roles need to demonstrate competence, usually through an NVQ assessed in the workplace alongside a recognised plant or competence card. All Star Safety delivers NVQ assessments for slinger signaller, lift supervisor and appointed person roles across Suffolk, East Anglia and the wider UK.
If you need professional assistance with lift planning, site safety audits, or health and safety guidance, contact All Star Safety today. Let us help you achieve compliance, protect your workforce, and ensure smooth, efficient operations.
How assessment works NVQs are assessed through real workplace evidence. Your assessor will agree a plan and may use workplace observation, professional discussion, questions, photographs and work records.
Ready to proceed? For one learner, use Pay Now to book and pay online. For several learners, mixed qualifications or advice, contact us for suitability guidance and a company quote, invoice or purchase order.
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