By Aidan Earp, Managing Director, All Star Safety Ltd
A day at Vertikal Days is always a good reminder of how much this industry keeps moving. There are familiar faces to catch up with, cranes to admire and, every year, something that makes you stop and take a closer look.
On 9 September, I visited Newark Showground with Harriet Blake, our Operations Director, and Lara Noble, our Training & Compliance Coordinator. Vertikal Days 2026 ran on 9–10 September, bringing together the crane, access and lifting equipment industry. We came away with plenty to talk about and a fair amount of literature to work through.
Harriet gets a demonstration in the Liebherr cab
One of the highlights was seeing Harriet in the operator’s seat of the yellow Liebherr LTM 1450, carrying RRC Crane Hire’s livery ahead of its move to the company.
Our friend Andy Claypole, Training Manager – Liebherr Training Services, took the time to demonstrate the controls and show Harriet how the crane operates. This was an introduction and demonstration at the show, rather than a formal training session. It was a great opportunity to see the machine from the operator’s perspective and appreciate the control involved.
Harriet Blake, Operations Director, with Andy Claypole, Training Manager – Liebherr Training Services, during the crane demonstration.
It was also good to catch up with friends from Liebherr whom I have worked with over the years, as well as former colleagues from Quinto Crane and Plant. Those conversations are a big part of why I enjoy coming back.
Small details that could make a big difference
At Lift-Tex, the Extreema Original round sling and Black Belt Sling really caught my attention. I could hardly believe how compact and light the slings were for their stated capacities compared with conventional slings I am used to handling.
These products use high-performance HMPE fibres; Dyneema is one example of that material, distinct from polyester. Lower sling weight can reduce the rigging weight within the overall suspended load and make equipment easier to handle. Of course, the capacity, configuration, protection and suitability still have to be right for the lift.
We also discussed the Inferno heat-resistant sling. Its specialist application was another reminder that choosing a sling involves more than matching the number on its label to the weight of a load.
Two demonstrations deserve their own articles. At Torquer, we looked at SPEAR and Catcher for connecting and releasing a load, and HALO for controlling its orientation. The water-and-pump demonstration behind the load-rotation system was particularly memorable.
We also watched Whitney’s SECATOL remote-controlled concrete skip demonstration. Being able to control the discharge gate remotely opens up an interesting discussion about where people need to stand during a pour.
A familiar face at the concrete skip demonstration
While watching the skip, I bumped into Michael Cuthbertson, Lifting Manager at Sizewell C. I trained Michael at Quinto many years ago when he moved from offshore work back to onshore, so it was lovely to catch up and talk about what we were both seeing. Hopefully we can arrange a longer catch-up next time I am up at Sizewell.
Training, equipment records and better information
Our conversations with CERTEX included its training offer, and it was good to speak with the team at GT Lifting. We also talked to SpanSet about training and its asset management system.
Alongside the lifting equipment, we looked at software for training management and plant hire management. For us, those conversations connect directly to the practical work of keeping competence information and equipment records useful, current and easy to find.
A few of the ideas and products we brought back to look at more closely.
What we brought back
The value of a day like this is being able to see an idea demonstrated, ask questions and discuss where it might fit into real work. Even in a world you know well, there is always more to learn.
Over the coming week, we will take a closer look at Torquer’s SPEAR and HALO systems, followed by Whitney’s SECATOL remote-controlled concrete skip. Both prompted useful questions about equipment selection, people’s positions and the way a lifting operation is planned.
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:
The Role of Appointed Persons in Lifting Operations
Lifting operations are a high-risk activity in construction and require meticulous planning and execution to ensure safety and compliance. One of the key roles in this process is that of the Appointed Person, who is responsible for planning lifting operations in accordance with LOLER 1998 (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) and BS 7121 Code of Practice for Safe Use of Cranes. Ensuring that an Appointed Person is properly trained and competent is essential for legal compliance and safe site operations.
What Does an Appointed Person Do?
The Appointed Person is responsible for:
• Planning and organising all lifting operations to ensure they are carried out safely.
•Conducting risk assessments and developing method statements for lifting tasks.
•Ensuring compliance with LOLER 1998 by selecting appropriate lifting equipment and ensuring proper maintenance.
• Coordinating with crane supervisors, slinger signallers, and lifting teams to ensure clear communication and safety procedures are followed.
Without a trained and competent Appointed Person, lifting operations may lack the necessary oversight, increasing the risk of accidents, regulatory breaches, and costly project delays.
Why Employers Must Ensure Competence in Lifting Operations
Under UK law, employers have a duty to ensure that all lifting operations are carried out safely and by competent personnel. Compliance with LOLER 1998, MHSWR 1999, and HASAWA 1974 is mandatory, and failure to do so can lead to enforcement action by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Ensuring that lifting personnel hold relevant qualifications, such as an NVQ in Controlling Lifting Operations – Planning Lifts, is a key step in demonstrating competence.
How All Star Safety Can Help
At All Star Safety, we offer expert training and assessments to help Appointed Persons and lifting teams gain the skills they need to operate safely and compliantly. Our services include:
✔ NVQ Assessments for Appointed Persons – Helping candidates achieve the qualifications needed for this role.
✔ Lifting Operations Risk Assessments – Ensuring compliance with LOLER and BS 7121.
✔ Site Audits & Compliance Checks – Helping businesses verify the competency of their lifting teams.
✔ Health & Safety Consultancy – Providing expert guidance to support safe lifting operations.
Contact us to see how we can assist you in staying safe and compliant.
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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