Hi,

I have a query regarding what constitutes 'competent' when asked to submit a lifting plan. Our subcontractor delivered a rather large gate to site for us. The PC asked them for a full lifting plan to go with their RAMS. However, the subcontractor did not have the ability to fill this in, and the haulier was only competent to use the HIAB and they didn't know how to fill this in! Can someone please tell me who should be responsible for providing the correctly trained person? There was an Appointed Person on site, employed by the PC, but he was not happy with the failure to produce a satisfactory lifting plan, or the HIAB operators credentials. We 'vet' all our subcontractors and know that they are competent and able to install the gates, however we would have expected them to have the means to deliver large materials. We are fencing contractors and have not come across this before. Who should have been present, and what training should they have?

Thanks for your help in advance!

A very good document Barnard has brought to the fore.

For your problem Charn it is down to the Haulier to ensure the Operator is trained and competent a lot of PCs are asking for CPCS Lorry Loaders now.

Regarding a Lift Plan again down to the haulier but it does not need to be elaborate.

As long as the driver is properly trained in the use of the lifting gear and understands the lift plan then that is enough to get the job done.

Regards Alex

Any PC asking for a full lifting plan in this situation should be politely asked first to provide the ground bearing pressures for the area on which your hiab is to stand and an underground services survey to ensure there are no voids or services that might be damaged. The regulations use the term "properly planned" and this to me is about make the right plan for the particular situation and not about a plan suitable to lift 50 tonne being devloped for gates of 1 tonne. Methinks the site Apponted Person is not as competent as he claims to be.

Bob