Chris, good question and one I have been asked numerous times on site. The answer depends on the type of load and lift. More complex and risky lifting operations will require a lift plan. Simple lifts with say a HAIB are normally executed via a generic lift plan, if at all, but once again if there is anything unusual ie unstable ground, electrical pylons, railway line etc, then a lift plan may be needed.

For MEWPS which are designed to lift people ie a cherry picker or scissor lift, there is normally no need for a lift plan because the work should be covered by a SSoW (Method Statement or similar). Equipment should only be used for what it is designed for and if it is not designed for lifting a load, for example, an excavator without an RCI and check valves, then it should not be used for lifting.

There is no legal requirement for a lift plan. LOLER Reg8 simply states lifting operations should be properly planned by a competent person...which may or may not include a lift plan designed/approved by a competent person.

Good night.

Good morning Ray, I do hope you had a good nights sleep.

Thanks for the response, just as I thought, then John comes along and says he does one every time, thank you. However I think John's 'lift plan' could be part of the method statement?

If you have a number of MEWPS operating in an area I would be expecting a lifting plan of some description that would manage and co-ordinate the activities. If other lifting opeerations such as cranes are in process my preference is to include such items in the overall lifting plan for the site.

Bob