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Lifting Plan is a detailed document that outlines the procedures and precautions to be taken when lifting
heavy objects. It includes information on the weight of the object, equipment needed, and steps to ensure
safety during the lifting process. Additionally, it may also include details on the location of the lift, potential
hazards, and emergency procedures in case of accidents.
1. Introduction
Lifting operations, whether manual or mechanical, pose significant risks to workers and equipment. A proper
Lifting Plan ensures safe execution, minimizes hazards, and complies with legal and industry standards.
2: Key Components of a Lifting Plan
A lifting plan must include the following elements:
A. Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification
Before lifting operations, conduct a risk assessment to identify:
Potential hazards (load instability, obstructions, high wind).
Work area conditions (uneven ground, power lines, confined space).
Weather conditions (wind, rain, poor visibility).
Communication methods (hand signals, radios).
B. Types of Lifting Operations
Lifting operations are categorized based on complexity:
Routine Lifting – Simple and repetitive lifts using standard equipment.
Non-Routine Lifting – Requires detailed planning due to increased risks.
Critical Lifts – High-risk lifts involving:
Loads over 75% of crane capacity.
Multiple cranes lifting the same load.
Lifting near live electrical lines or sensitive structures.
C. Load Characteristics & Center of Gravity
Understanding load specifications is critical:
Weight – Must not exceed lifting equipment capacity.
Center of Gravity (CoG) – Determines stability and rigging method.
Load Shape & Dimensions – Affects slinging method and clearance.
D. Equipment Selection & Inspection
Proper lifting gear is essential:
Cranes (mobile, tower, overhead).
Hoists & Chain Blocks (manual or powered lifting devices).
Slings (wire rope, chain, synthetic webbing).
Shackles & Hooks (must be properly rated and inspected).
Lifting Beams & Spreader Bars (for load stability).
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Inspection Checklist Before Use
Check crane certificates and load charts.
Inspect slings, shackles, hooks for wear or damage.
Ensure lifting gear is rated for the load.
Verify ground conditions for mobile cranes.
Check for overhead obstructions (power lines, scaffolding).
3: Regulations & Standards for Lifting Operations
Lifting operations must comply with the following:
LOLER 1998 – Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations.
PUWER 1998 – Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.
OSHA 1926 Subpart CC – Safety Standards for Cranes and Derricks in Construction.
BS 7121 – Safe Use of Cranes.
ASME B30 – Safety standards for lifting equipment.
4: Roles and Responsibilities
Lifting Supervisor: Oversees the entire lifting operation.
Rigger: Ensures proper rigging of loads.
Crane Operator: Controls lifting equipment.
Banksman/Slinger: Directs the lift using hand signals or radios.
5: Common Hazards in Lifting Operations
Overloading of lifting equipment.
Incorrect rigging or sling angles.
Poor ground conditions leading to crane instability.
Weather conditions affecting lifting safety.
Lack of proper communication among team members.
Lifting near live power lines risk of electrocution.
6: Safe Lifting Practices
Always inspect lifting equipment before use.
Follow load capacity limits.
Use appropriate PPE (gloves, helmet, safety boots, high-visibility vest).
Ensure exclusion zones are in place to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering.
Never stand under a suspended load.
Stop operations if unsafe conditions arise.
7: Emergency Procedures
If an accident or near-miss occurs, STOP the lift immediately.
Inform the Lifting Supervisor and HSE personnel.
Follow site-specific emergency response procedures.
Report all incidents for future prevention and improvement.
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1. Load Weight Calculation
To determine the weight of a load:
Weight=Volume Material Density
Example:
A steel block with dimensions 2m × 1m × 0.5m
Density of steel = 7850 kg/m³
Volume = 2 × 1 × 0.5 = 1 m³
Weight = 1 × 7850 = 7850 kg
2. Sling Angle Factor (SAF)
When using slings at an angle, the force on each leg increases.
Load per Sling Leg= Load Weight
Number of Sling Legs Sling Angle Factor (SAF)
-
Sling Angle Factor Table
Sling Angle (°) SAF
90° 1.00
60° 1.15
45° 1.41
30° 2.00
Example:
Load weight = 4000 kg
2 slings at 45°
SAF for 45° = 1.41
Load per sling:
40002×1.41 =1418 kg per sling
2×1.41
3. (CoG) Calculation
For an uneven load, use the moment formula:
CoG=∑ (Weight Distance)
∑Weight
Example:
Object 1: 2000 kg at 1.5m
Object 2: 1000 kg at 3.5m
Total weight = 2000 + 1000 = 3000 kg
CoG position:
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(2000×1.5) +(1000×3.5) =3000+3500 =2.17m
3000 3000
The load should be lifted near the 2.17m point to maintain balance.
4. Required Crane Capacity
To determine the minimum crane capacity, use:
Required Capacity = Load Weight Safety Factor Crane
Crane Boom Angle Factor
Safety Factor: Typically, 1.25 - 1.5
Boom Angle Factor: Based on crane load chart
Example:
Load weight = 5000 kg
Safety factor = 1.25
Boom angle factor = 0.8
Required capacity:
5000×1.25 = 7812.5 kg
0.8
A crane with at least 8-ton capacity is needed.
5. Tension in Lifting Ropes
For lifting using two lifting points:
Tension per Rope =Load Weight Distance from Opposite Lift Point
Total Distance Between Points
Example:
Load weight = 6000 kg
Distance between lifting points = 3m
Distance from left sling to CoG = 2m
Left sling tension:
6000×2 =4000 kg
3
Right sling tension:
6000×1 =2000 kg
3
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6.
For large or light loads, wind force is critical:
F=0.613×V2×AF = 0.613 \times V^2 \times AF=0.613×V2×A
where:
FFF = Wind force (N)
VVV = Wind speed (m/s)
AAA = Load surface area (m²)
Example:
Wind speed = 10 m/s
Load surface area = 5 m²
F=0.613×102×5=30.65 NF
If wind force is high, postpone the lift.
8: Conclusion
A well-planned lifting operation prevents accidents and ensures efficiency. Always follow the lifting plan,
adhere to safety guidelines, and report any unsafe conditions.
"Safety in lifting is not just about the equipment—it’s about the people using it!"
A.K. GOSWAMI
HSE LEAD & TRAINER Home: +919989397665
GradIEMA CertIOSH, TSP(BCSP), FIIRSM Mobile: -+966553507105
[Link] Email: ashok.goswami452@[Link]
