Posted By Ross Hunter A colleague of mine recently attended a seminar, where one of the topics discussed was the need for a lift plan when carrying out ALL work with Lorry Loaders (HIABs'). The discussion at this point was lead by an HSE representative. Now, whether this was his personal preference or an HSE preference I am not sure. I am aware of and familiar with BS7121 and in particular Part 4 associated with lorry loaders. However it is not easy to identify where to draw the line with respect to the need or not for a lift plan, if indeed there is a line to draw! Ours is a construction company and lorry loaders are used predominantly to deliver materials and equipment to our sites many, many times a day. This may include the delivery of plant e.g. small cement mixers, scaffold, caged pallets, and other paletted materials. For this we have in place a risk assessment and method statement, albeit generic (as I stated earlier deliveries are made hundreds of times a week to many sites). Our drivers/operators are familiar with these arrangements and are appropriately trained etc. My question is this. Is it really practical to expect a lift plan in place for each of these occasions bearing in mind the need for an appointed person to compile such a document? Also, no appointed person in his right mind is going to sign off a lift plan before visiting the site, making himself familiar with the various loads and various size of lorry loaders available, etc. Just to let you know, we do occasionally use our larger lorry loaders to deliver and stack site cabins, containers and the like. On these occasions yes I agree, and a lift plan is provided to to the nature of the work. I would be interested in your comments.

Posted By RP Lifting plans are really only for the more complex lifting operations using combination lifting gear. To expect a lifting plan for simplified lifts such as you mention would be (not totally) impractical. If your risk assessment and method statement cover general lifting operations than this should do. Operatives should then be expected to identify when the lift is more complex and refer to the supervisor.