LiftPlanProUK
Mobile crane lift planning guidance

Mobile Crane Lift Plans

Mobile crane lifts need clear control of crane configuration, setup area, outrigger loading, slew radius, lifting accessories and lift sequencing. The plan must show how the crane will arrive, set up, lift, slew, land the load and leave without relying on assumptions made on the day.

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Standards and Planning Basis

Mobile crane planning should follow LOLER, PUWER and relevant BS 7121 guidance, with duty chart selection aligned to crane model, counterweight, outrigger setup, boom length, radius, ground conditions and any fly jib or special attachment.

Common Loads

  • Steelwork, beams, columns and stair units
  • MEP plant, AHUs, generators and packaged equipment
  • Precast concrete units, drainage components and headwalls
  • Site cabins, containers, welfare units and temporary works items

Planning Considerations

  • Site-condition review: it is good practice for an AP or competent person, such as a company engineer or site manager, to review the proposed crane position, access, ground, proximity hazards and temporary works assumptions before setup
  • OHLE and GS6: survey for overhead services, apply approach distances, use goalposts/barriers and agree isolation or permit controls where required
  • Ground: verify bearing capacity, outrigger mat design, underground services, voids, basements, recent excavations and slopes
  • Temporary works: confirm any crane platform, road plate, outrigger spreader system, grillage or engineered support has been designed and signed off
  • A61/AP control: record lift category, review duty selection, brief the team and stop the lift if site conditions move outside the plan

Key Checks

  • Confirm crane model, duty chart, boom length, counterweight and outrigger setup
  • Use an AP or competent person to review site conditions before setup where practicable
  • Assess outrigger loads, mat size and ground-bearing support
  • Check proximity hazards, oversailing, OHLE, underground services and exclusion zones
  • Record lift category, communication method, supervision and emergency controls

Evidence to Record

  • Crane hire information, duty chart extract and outrigger load data
  • AP or competent-person site-condition review record where used
  • Ground-bearing assessment, mat calculations or TWC/engineer sign-off
  • Lift drawing showing crane position, radius, slew path, landing zone and exclusion area
  • Lift team competence, accessory certificates and briefing record

How LiftPlanProUK Helps

  • Mobile crane plant workflow and OEM chart visibility
  • Load schedule and lift-by-lift utilisation checks
  • Ground-bearing prompts and evidence fields
  • Output suitable for AP review and site briefing
FAQ

Mobile Crane Lift Plans Questions

What information is needed for a mobile crane lift plan?

The plan needs crane configuration, load details, radius, boom length, lifting accessories, outrigger loads, ground-bearing arrangements, site hazards, supervision and lift sequence.

Should someone review mobile crane site conditions before setup?

Yes. It is good practice for the AP or another competent person, such as a company engineer or site manager, to review the crane position, access, ground, proximity hazards and temporary works assumptions before setup.

Can a generic mobile crane lift plan be reused?

Only if it remains suitable for the exact site, load, crane configuration and conditions. Site-specific checks are still required.