New CPA tower crane guidance sharpens tendering and management expectations
The CPA Tower Crane Interest Group has published guidance setting out minimum expectations for tendering, managing and operating tower cranes. We translate the update into practical actions for project teams.
What has changed
The Construction Plant-hire Association published new Tower Crane Interest Group guidance in February 2026 covering tendering, management and operation. Its practical message is that safe delivery begins before crane selection: responsibilities, information, interfaces and site constraints need to be clear at tender stage.
Why it matters on site
Late or incomplete information creates pressure further down the chain. Crane position, duty, foundations, ties, access, oversailing, adjacent cranes and lifting-team responsibilities should be resolved through a controlled process rather than left for the day of the lift.
- Define who supplies load, programme and site information
- Record assumptions and hold points before mobilisation
- Connect the approved plan to daily briefings and change control
Practical action for managers and APs
Use a project-level record to capture the tender brief, site survey, planning decisions and approved documents. If the crane configuration, site layout or work sequence changes, record the change and route it back for competent review.
How LiftPlanProUK supports this
LiftPlanProUK connects project setup, team allocation, lift plans, daily checks and retained evidence in one auditable workflow. It supports the process; competent planning and approval remain essential.
LiftPlanProUK provides planning and management support. Site-specific information must be checked and every lifting operation approved by a competent person.