An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.
What a mobile crane permit is
A mobile crane permit is a controlled authorisation for positioning and operating a mobile crane, confirming that the set-up position has adequate ground bearing for the outrigger or track loads, the configuration suits the lift, and surrounding hazards such as overhead lines, excavations and slopes are accounted for. It complements the lift plan with site set-up control.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — the employer decides how mobile crane use is controlled and what the permit must record.
Purpose
- Authorise mobile crane set-up and operation under control.
- Confirm ground bearing and outrigger or track load spreading.
- Account for overhead lines, excavations, slopes and exclusion zones.
- Record that the crane set-up risks were assessed and controlled.
Who completes it
- An authorised issuer working with the appointed person for the lift.
- The crane operator and crew, who accept the conditions.
- A competent person assesses ground and set-up for complex work.
- The employer decides who is competent to plan, set up and operate.
When it is used
- Before a mobile crane is set up and used on site.
- When ground, position or surrounding hazards need control.
- For a stated period, with ground and weather checks kept up.
- Whenever the employer’s system designates crane use as permit-controlled.
Typical fields
- Permit number, crane type, set-up position and validity period.
- Ground bearing assessment and outrigger mat or packing arrangements.
- Configuration, counterweight and rated capacity at radius.
- Surrounding hazards, exclusion zone and overhead-line clearance.
- Issuer, appointed person and operator signatures, and completion sign-off.
- Example fields only — adapt to the crane and the applicable law.
Common mistakes
- Setting up on ground that cannot carry the outrigger loads.
- Outriggers too close to an excavation or unsupported edge.
- Ignoring overhead lines within reach of the boom.
- Operating outside the rated capacity for the configuration.
Document workflow
A mobile crane permit is typically raised under the permit to work system after a risk assessment and a lift plan, and is closely linked to a crane lift permit for the lift itself, a vehicle access permit for getting the crane to position and a work near overhead lines permit where lines are present.
See the related documents below for what is commonly required before, used with and completed after a mobile crane permit.
Retention (high level)
Completed mobile crane permits are usually kept for a period afterwards as a record of how the set-up was controlled, in line with the employer’s obligations and data-protection duties. This page does not state a period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
Mobile crane permits are commonly completed, signed and stored as PDFs alongside the lift plan. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make the permit official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Assess ground bearing and require outrigger mats or packing.
- Keep the crane clear of excavations, slopes and overhead lines.
- Ensure the configuration and capacity suit the planned lift.
- Keep completed permits and the lift plan together as evidence.
Worker notes
- Do not set up or operate a mobile crane without a valid permit.
- Confirm the ground, outriggers and clearances before lifting.
- Stop if ground, weather or clearances fall outside the permit limits.
Country considerations
Rules on lifting operations and crane use 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 mobile crane operations, the competence of the crew, and compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not authorise any work 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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