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.
Related reading: Lifting operations regulations: legal requirements and competence