Lifting Operations (Cranes & Hoists) RAMS: UK Compliance Requirements, Hazard Controls & Method Statement
Create a professional UK-compliant RAMS for lifting operations in minutes—covering crane/hoist lifts, slinging, signalling, permits and on-site controls aligned to LOLER and BS 7121.
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“The RAMS generator gave us a clear, BS 7121-aligned RAMS with checklists we could brief in ten minutes. Our inspectors praised the documentation and the crew knew exactly what to do.”
5 star ratingMarcus Reid· Appointed Person (AP) – Structural Steel Contractor
What you get
- Lifting operations RAMS combining BS 7121 method steps, rigging sketches and Permit-to-Lift references in one export.
- Ground-bearing and outrigger checklist capturing mat sizes, loadings and Temporary Works approvals.
- Communication and role matrix listing AP, operators, slingers and radio channels for toolbox talks.
- Weather and stop-work trigger log including anemometer readings and contingency plans.
Benefits
- ✓Impress PCs by showing your RAMS already links to LOLER certs, lift categories and temporary works data.
- ✓Brief crews faster with ready-made sections for roles, radios and exclusion zones.
- ✓Reduce paperwork by recording test lifts, wind checks and asset IDs in the same pack you submit.
Risks of manual RAMS
- !Missing mat calculations or LOLER evidence is the top reason lift RAMS get rejected.
- !If radios, signals and exclusion zones aren’t defined you risk uncontrolled movements and collisions.
- !Poor weather planning can force mid-lift stoppages without a safe fallback plan.
Manual drafting
4 hrs
RAMSGen
8 min
Typical manual prep vs RAMSGen automation
A lifting operations risk assessment and method statement for crane, hoist and telehandler lifts. Covers Appointed Person sign-off, slinger/signaller arrangements, exclusion zones, ground-bearing checks, and pick-and-carry hazards. Pre-filled controls align with LOLER 1998, BS 7121 and CDM 2015. Adapt to your specific lift weights, radii and below-the-hook arrangements before exporting to PDF.
Lifting Operations (Cranes & Hoists) RAMS — Key Requirements & Controls
CDM 2015 compliance notice
Under CDM 2015, generic templates are not compliant and cannot be used directly on site. The HSE requires every RAMS to be tailored to your specific project conditions, site layout, and identified hazards. Using an unmodified template without site-specific adjustments exposes you to enforcement notices, project delays, and potential prosecution.
The content below provides a baseline understanding of typical hazards and controls for Lifting Operations (Cranes & Hoists) work. It is not suitable for use on site until you have tailored it to reflect your actual working conditions, project location, and team.
RAMSGen generates a compliant, site-specific Lifting Operations (Cranes & Hoists) RAMS for you in minutes.
Snapshot hazards
- Load drop or lifting gear failure causing injury or damage.
- Crush/struck-by risks at pinch points during landing or slewing.
- Plant instability/overturn due to inadequate ground bearing or setup.
- Contact with overhead powerlines or buried services during lifting/setting down.
- Adverse weather (wind/lightning) affecting crane stability and load control.
Critical controls
- Plan and supervise all lifts by a competent Appointed Person with a written BS 7121 task-specific risk assessment.
- Use certified equipment: in-date LOLER thorough examinations, pre-use checks, correct WLL-rated slings/shackles, and manufacturer instructions followed.
- Establish exclusion zones, physical barriers and traffic management; use trained slinger/signaller and clear radio/hand-signal communications.
- Verify ground bearing capacity; install crane mats/outrigger pads and configure plant as per load charts.
- Monitor weather with anemometer; apply manufacturer wind limits and postpone/suspend lifts when thresholds are exceeded.
Permits & references
- Permit-to-Lift approved by the Principal Contractor/AP.
- Temporary Works Permit/sign-off for crane mats, outrigger pads or grillage.
- Highway/TTRO or pavement licence if works interface with the public highway.
- Permit-to-Work/close-approach agreement for overhead/underground services (e.g., DNO, utility).
- Oversailing/airspace agreement or neighbour consent where applicable.
Implementation walkthrough
- 1
Appointed Person (AP) completes site survey and prepares the risk assessment (drawings, configuration, load data) in line with BS 7121.
- 2
Confirm plant selection and configuration from load charts; verify counterweights, radius, heights and slewing restrictions are achievable.
- 3
Receive and inspect crane/telehandler/hoist and lifting accessories; check LOLER certification, identification tags and pre-use inspections.
- 4
Set out exclusion zones, barriers and signage; implement traffic routes and banksmen; place hand-signal poster and radio protocol at workface.
- 5
Prepare ground: confirm bearing capacity, install crane mats/outrigger pads/levelling, check proximity to basements/voids/services.
- 6
Brief all personnel (toolbox talk): roles (AP, Crane Operator, Slinger/Signaller, Banksman), communication method, emergency arrangements.
- 7
Rig and sling the load: inspect accessories, confirm weight/centre of gravity, attach correctly, fit tag lines and protect sharp edges.
- 8
Conduct a test lift (100–200 mm): verify balance, rigging integrity, brake function and clearances; adjust as needed and re-brief if changed.
- 9
Execute the lift at controlled speed within rated capacities; maintain exclusion zone, continuous comms and wind monitoring; halt if conditions change.
- 10
Land the load on stable dunnage or supports; de-rig, inspect gear, demobilise plant, remove controls, and complete records/close out.
How to create a site-specific Lifting Operations (Cranes & Hoists) RAMS
Transform the generic template above into a compliant, site-specific document by addressing these critical areas:
Site-specific customization checklist
- 1
Exact lift location, radius and slew path marked on drawings and on the ground.
- 2
Crane/hoist model, configuration and capacity chart extract appended to the plan.
- 3
Lift category per BS 7121 (basic/standard/complex) and timing (day/night) with lighting requirements.
- 4
Known proximity hazards: overhead lines with clearances, underground services with scan results and permits.
- 5
Ground information: bearing capacity, voids/basements, drainage covers and service corridors.
- 6
Access/egress routes for deliveries, set-down areas and escort/banksman requirements.
- 7
Public interface controls: hoarding, TTRO, stewards, working hours and noise constraints.
- 8
Load details: weight, dimensions, COG, rigging method, tag-line use and special precautions (e.g., glass, fragile).
- 9
Communication plan: radio channels/call signs, hand-signal locations, contingency if radios fail.
- 10
Emergency arrangements: rescue method, recovery contractor, utility isolation contacts and nearest hospital.
HSE compliance alert
This template supports compliance with UK regulations (LOLER 1998, PUWER 1998) and BS 7121 but does not replace competent planning by an Appointed Person. Always follow manufacturer instructions and site rules. Principal Contractor approval may be required before any lift proceeds.
Why RAMSGen makes this easier
Instead of manually editing Word templates and cross-referencing multiple guidance documents, RAMSGen walks you through each customization step with intelligent prompts. Answer questions about your site, and the platform automatically generates a compliant RAMS that incorporates:
- Project-specific hazards based on your site layout and access constraints
- Emergency plans with routes to the nearest A&E and site-specific assembly points
- Permits, inspections, and quality checkpoints aligned to your schedule
- Branded PDF exports ready for principal contractor submission
Useful articles
Deep dives picked for Lifting Operations (Cranes & Hoists) teams.
Build a site-specific RAMS in minutes
Open this template in RAMSGen, tailor the task, and export a branded RAMS ready for site.