Lifting Plan Audit Checklist

We understand that the successful control of lifting operations and safe use of lift equipment requires a high level of management commitment, professional competence, and adequate resources. Fundamental to the success of any Lifting Operation is the fact that it must be accepted by managers, those responsible for lifting operations, and employees prior to the commencement. These stakeholders must do all that is reasonably practicable to achieve compliance with statutory duties arising from health and safety legislation, Council guidance, and advice.

*Lift Plan Audit Checklist shall be used by a* competent person to review the Physical Implementation of the Lifting Plan and avoid any Documentation Errors

Lifting of objects generally takes place at construction sites, shipyards, factories, and other industrial situations such as offloading with a forklift truck, containers at a warehouse, or at a
commercial area. Good practice and correct lifting methods can move large objects efficiently, and safely, and reduce manual handling operations. Incorrect lifting methods, however, can lead to major accidents and fatalities. The process of carrying out correct and safe lifting operations involves a range of requirements that must be considered during the planning of any lifting operation.

Planning is an essential component in every lifting operation at all workplaces. In line with the
Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSH Act), reducing risk at source is one of the components of improving workplace and worksite safety. To address risk at the source, there is a need to look at whom and what creates the risks, every effort should then be made to eliminate or minimize such risks to the lowest possible levels.
While the WSH Act imposes a duty on the occupiers, employers, and principals of a workplace, the risks inherent in the planning of all lifting activities are required to be addressed, with mitigating actions identified and implemented. Additionally, accidents are often a result of either poor planning or lack of communication between or among stakeholders, sometimes resulting in the loss of vital information that is fundamental to the safety of the operation. The process to ensure the transfer and communication of all relevant information and documents is therefore recorded in the Lifting Plan. Essentially, No Plan – No Lift!

(Learn More: Lift plan form )

It is essential that a survey be conducted to establish what the load to be lifted is, what all the characteristics are, weight, size, type of lifting lugs, etc., what the ground conditions are, where it has to be lifted from, and to, what the access route is like, etc. The survey must be completed by a competent person(s).

Also Read: Conduct a Proper Safety Audit

Also, Competent Persons shall ensure all configuration of lifting Operation Physically using Liftplan audit checklist below to avoid any missing or mistakes that could occur at paper works and drawings the checklist include the following Main Items:

Lifting team and lifting machine
Drawings /Sketches
Rigging
Operations

Competent Person(s)

Persons who have been appointed or been given the responsibility for planning to lift operations should have sufficient technical, practical, and theoretical training, knowledge, and experience of the work they are likely to safely plan /assess the lift. They shall:

Be capable of identifying the hazards and risks associated with lifting operations within their area of work or the environment where the lifting operation will take place.
Be able to select the correct lifting equipment for the work. Understand the characteristics of the lifting equipment they are selecting and the nature of the work it will be carrying out.
Carry out and document risk assessments (lifting operation) or site surveys; have the ability to communicate their findings to those involved in and affected by the lifting operations.
Be able to create method statements or lifting plans and implement safe systems of work for lifting operations.
Where appropriate seek additional support and expertise including the use of external specialists to assist them with the planning of lifting operations.

( Learn More: Critical lifts ).

Download the Checklist

Lifting Plan Audit checklist.Doc Download

Lifting Plan Audig checklist.PDF Download