How to Plan a Safe and Efficient Lift – Crane Hire/Contract Lifting

How to Plan a Safe and Efficient Lift – Crane Hire/Contract Lifting, updated 8/12/25, 8:56 AM

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When it comes to lifting operations and crane hire, safety and efficiency go hand-in-hand. Whether it’s a small, straightforward lift or a complex project involving heavy machinery, proper planning ensures not only that the job gets done right, but that it’s completed without unnecessary risk or delays

About CraneHire

Steve Pinter Lifting specializes in contract lifts, crane hire, machinery relocation, logistics, and lifting equipment hire across Doncaster, Yorkshire, East Riding, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire. With over 20 years of experience in delivering expert crane hire and contract lifting solutions, we are dedicated to exceptional customer service and maintaining the highest health and safety standards.

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How to Plan a Safe and Efficient Lift – Crane Hire/Contract
Lifting
When it comes to lifting operations, safety and efficiency go hand-in-hand. Whether it’s
a small, straightforward lift or a complex project involving heavy machinery, proper
planning ensures not only that the job gets done right, but that it’s completed without
unnecessary risk or delays.
At Steve Pinter Lifting, we’ve seen first-hand how a well-planned lift can save time,
money, and—most importantly—keep everyone safe. Here’s our guide to planning a lift
from start to finish.

1. Understand the Scope of the Lift
Before any crane is booked or equipment moved, it’s essential to fully understand
what’s being lifted, where it’s going, and the environment it’s in. This means:
• Weight and dimensions of the load.
• Centre of gravity and any balance issues.
• Final placement location and any access restrictions.
• Ground conditions where the crane will be positioned.
The more accurate the initial details, the smoother the operation will run.

2. Conduct a Thorough Risk Assessment
A risk assessment is not a box-ticking exercise—it’s the foundation of safe lifting. Key
factors to consider include:
• Site hazards: Overhead cables, underground services, unstable ground, or
restricted access.
• Weather conditions: Wind speed, rain, and visibility can all affect safety.
• Personnel safety: Who will be in the vicinity during the lift, and how they’ll be
protected.
At Steve Pinter Lifting, we identify potential hazards early and put in place measures to
eliminate or control them before lifting begins.

3. Choose the Right Lifting Method and Equipment
Selecting the right crane and lifting accessories is critical. This depends on:
• Load weight and reach requirements.
• Type of crane (mobile, tower, crawler, etc.).
• Lifting accessories like slings, chains, or spreader beams.
Our team ensures every piece of equipment is fully inspected and certified before use.

4. Develop a Detailed Lift Plan
A lift plan sets out exactly how the operation will be carried out. It should cover:
• Step-by-step sequence of the lift.
• Roles and responsibilities of every team member.
• Communication signals between operators and banksmen.
• Emergency procedures in case something doesn’t go to plan.
For Contract Lifting, Steve Pinter Lifting provides a fully documented lift plan, taking
care of all legal and operational responsibilities for you.

5. Ensure Competent Personnel Are in Place
Even the best plan fails without the right people. All lifting operations require trained,
competent individuals, including:
• Appointed Person – responsible for planning and overseeing the lift.
• Crane Operator – trained and certified to operate the crane safely.
• Slinger/Signaller – ensures the load is attached securely and directs the lift.
We only use highly qualified professionals who meet strict industry standards.

6. Monitor and Adjust During the Lift
Conditions can change quickly. Our team continuously monitors weather, ground
stability, and load balance during the lift. If anything changes, we stop, reassess, and
proceed only when it’s safe.

7. Review After Completion

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A quick post-lift review helps identify what went well and where improvements can be
made. This continuous improvement keeps future lifts even safer and more efficient.

Why Proper Planning Pays Off
By taking the time to prepare thoroughly, you reduce the risk of accidents, avoid costly
delays, and complete the job with confidence. Whether you opt for CPA Crane Hire—
where you handle the planning—or Contract Lifting, where we take care of everything,
the goal is always the same: a safe, efficient, and successful lift.

Need help with your next lifting project?
Contact Steve Pinter Lifting today to discuss your requirements and let us help you lift
with safety and precision.