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 an overhead crane workflow is
An overhead or gantry crane lifts and moves loads along fixed runways inside a building. The workflow is the chain of documents around its use — the lift plan or routine-lifting arrangement, the pre-use checks, the examination records, the slinging, and the exclusion around moving loads.
This page is an educational overview of how those documents connect. It is not an official procedure, is not jurisdiction-specific, and using it does not authorise any lifting or guarantee compliance. Operating an overhead crane requires training and authorisation — the employer must determine what applies.
Why these documents connect
- The lift plan or routine arrangement sets out how lifts are controlled.
- Pre-use checks confirm the crane and controls are safe that day.
- Examination records confirm the crane and accessories are fit to use.
- Correct slinging keeps the load secure and balanced.
- Exclusion keeps people clear of moving and suspended loads.
The typical sequence
In a typical example, a risk assessment and a lifting arrangement are in place first and are normally required before lifting; the crane and accessories are checked against examination records. The operator carries out pre-use checks, and the load is slung correctly.
The lift is carried out within the crane’s capacity, with the load under control and people kept clear; the lift pauses if anything is wrong. On completion, the crane is parked safely and a record is completed afterwards.
Who owns each step
- The employer owns the system and ensures operators are trained and authorised.
- A trained operator carries out checks and operates the crane.
- A slinger or signaller attaches the load and directs the lift.
- A competent person confirms the crane’s examination and inspection.
- A supervisor maintains exclusion around moving loads.
Common mistakes
- Operating without training, authorisation or a pre-use check.
- Exceeding the crane’s safe working load.
- Poor slinging that lets the load swing or slip.
- Carrying loads over people.
- Using accessories that are not marked or examined.
Records and retention (high level)
Pre-use checks, examination records and any lift plan are generally kept so lifts 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
Crane documents are commonly compiled, signed and stored as PDFs and kept as records. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make any document official or guarantee compliance.
Employer notes
- Ensure operators and slingers are trained and authorised.
- Require pre-use checks and keep examination records.
- Set exclusion so loads are not carried over people.
- Keep checks, examinations and any lift plan together.
Worker notes
- Only operate or sling for a crane if you are trained and authorised.
- Do the pre-use check and use marked, in-date accessories.
- Stay within the safe working load and sling loads correctly.
- Never carry or stand under a suspended load.
Country considerations
Rules for overhead cranes, examination 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 use, for ensuring operators are trained and equipment is examined, and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not authorise any lifting 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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