Educational guides on how workplace documents fit together — which document is typically completed before another, what is used alongside it and what follows. Connected to workplace forms, checklists and registers. Informational only — not legal advice; employers remain responsible for required documents and compliance.
What a crane lift plan workflow is
A crane lift plan sets out how a crane lift will be carried out safely — the crane, position, loads, radius, ground and the sequence of moves. The workflow is the chain of documents around it — the siting and ground assessment, the lift plan itself, the exclusion zones, and the sign-off by the appointed person who plans the lift.
This page is an educational overview of how those documents connect. It is not an official lift plan, is not jurisdiction-specific, and using it does not authorise any lift or guarantee compliance — the employer decides what their lifting system must contain.
Why these documents connect
- The ground and siting assessment confirms the crane can be set up safely.
- The lift plan sets the crane, configuration, radius, loads and sequence.
- Exclusion zones keep people clear of the crane and suspended loads.
- Examination records confirm the crane and accessories are fit to use.
- The appointed person signs off the plan before the lift goes ahead.
The typical sequence
In a typical example, a risk assessment and a ground and siting assessment are completed first and are normally required before the lift; the appointed person prepares the lift plan. The crane and accessories are checked against examination records, and the plan is briefed. Any permit is issued and used with the plan.
The lift is carried out under the lift supervisor with exclusion zones in place and within the planned radius and weather limits; the lift pauses if conditions change. On completion, equipment is checked back in and a record is completed afterwards.
Who owns each step
- The employer owns the lifting system and decides who is competent for each role.
- An appointed person plans the lift and signs the plan.
- A competent person assesses the ground and siting.
- A lift supervisor controls the lift on the day.
- The crane operator and slinger or signaller carry out the lift.
Common mistakes
- Siting a crane on ground that has not been assessed for the loads.
- Working beyond the planned radius or load chart.
- No exclusion zone, so people are under or near suspended loads.
- Continuing in wind beyond the crane’s and plan’s limits.
- Using accessories that are not marked or examined.
Records and retention (high level)
The lift plan and assessments are generally kept with examination records and any permit, so the lift can be traced. How long they are retained depends on the employer, the work and the applicable rules.
This page does not state a required period — confirm retention with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
Lift plans and assessments are commonly compiled, signed and stored as PDFs so the team works to one plan and it is kept as a record. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make any document official or guarantee compliance.
Employer notes
- Ensure lifts are planned by a competent appointed person.
- Require a ground and siting assessment before set-up.
- Set the roles and the weather and radius limits for the lift.
- Keep the lift plan, assessments and examination records together.
Worker notes
- Work to the briefed lift plan and within your role.
- Keep people out of the exclusion zone and clear of suspended loads.
- Stay within the planned radius, load and weather limits.
- Stop the lift if ground, wind or visibility change beyond the plan.
Country considerations
Rules for crane lifts, siting and competence vary by country, and the official authority differs. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee of validity.
Confirm current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for safe crane lifts, for ensuring lifts are planned and ground is assessed, and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not authorise any lift and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
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