RAMS for Lifting Operations: FREE Template + Generator
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.
Trusted by 100+ UK contractors
“The RAMS generator gave us a clear, BS 7121-aligned lift plan 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
- Lift-plan 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.
Why teams choose RAMSGen
Don't waste time wrangling ad-hoc Word templates. Create a site-specific Lifting Operations (Cranes & Hoists) RAMS from the start.
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
Also searched for
crane lifting RAMS, lifting plan, slinger signaller, Appointed Person AP, LOLER RAMS, BS 7121 lift plan
Generic RAMS template
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 lift plan to BS 7121 and 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 lift plan and 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 lift plan (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
Frequently asked questions
What is a lifting plan and when is it required?
A lifting plan is a written plan produced by a competent Appointed Person that details how a lift will be carried out safely (equipment, configuration, rigging, communications, ground bearing, exclusion zones and emergency measures). Under LOLER, all lifting operations must be properly planned and supervised—so every lift requires a plan, with detail proportionate to the lift’s complexity.
Who is the Appointed Person (AP) in lifting operations and what do they do?
The AP is the competent person responsible for planning and organising the lift, producing the lift plan and risk assessment, selecting equipment/configuration, assigning roles (operator, slinger/signaller), approving controls and supervising arrangements in accordance with BS 7121.
Which documents are legally required under LOLER for lifting operations?
In-date thorough examination reports for cranes/hoists and lifting accessories (typically every 12 months for cranes and 6 months for accessories, or 6 months if lifting persons), maintenance records, pre-use checks, the lift plan and evidence of operator/slinger competence.
What is the wind speed limit for mobile crane lifting?
Always follow the crane manufacturer’s limit stated in the manual/lift plan. Typical thresholds for many mobile cranes are around 9–13 m/s (20–29 mph) for standard loads, but can be lower for large sail-area items. Use an anemometer at height and stop/suspend when limits or gust factors are exceeded.
How do I check ground bearing capacity for a crane?
Use the crane’s outrigger reaction data for the planned configuration and radius, compare with geotechnical information or temporary works design, and install suitable mats/grillage to spread loads. A Temporary Works Coordinator should sign off the arrangement where required.
Do I need a Permit-to-Lift on a construction site?
Most UK principal contractors require a Permit-to-Lift for any crane/hoist lift. Additional permits may be needed where works interface with public roads (TTRO), rail, waterways or near utilities/overhead lines.
What is the difference between basic, standard and complex lifts in BS 7121?
Basic or standard lifts are routine, well-understood lifts using a single crane with predictable loads and conditions. Complex lifts involve higher risk—e.g., tandem/dual crane lifts, restricted headroom, high load sail area, very heavy or critical lifts, or proximity hazards—and require enhanced planning, verification and supervision.
What pre-use checks should be done on slings and shackles?
Verify identification/WLL tags, inspect for wear, cuts, kinks, crushed links, corrosion, heat damage or stitching failure; ensure shackles match pin/size, pins fully engaged and secured. Quarantine and report any defective gear.
How should communication be managed during a lift?
Nominate a single slinger/signaller; agree radio channels/call signs and hand signals; test radios and keep spares; display the signal chart; stop the lift immediately if communications are lost or unclear.
How do I manage lifts near the public or live traffic?
Introduce physical barriers/hoarding, exclusion zones with banksmen, TTRO or pavement closures, dedicated marshals, signage, and time the lift for low footfall. Consider oversailing agreements and additional supervision.
Calculate your RAMS preparation costs
See how much time and money you could save by switching from manual RAMS preparation to RAMSGen's automated workflow.
RAMSGen Cost Calculator
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Monthly volume
4 RAMS
Manually
£960
24 hrs of labour
RAMSGen
£60
2.4 hrs with RAMSGen
You save
£900
21.6 hrs saved
Useful articles
Deep dives picked for Lifting Operations (Cranes & Hoists) teams.
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