Free crane lift plan template

Benefits of using this crane lift plan template

• Overload prevention: documenting load weight, rigging weight and crane capacity at the planned radius ensures the crane is never loaded beyond its rating.
• Regulatory compliance: meet OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1400 and AS 2550 requirements for pre-lift planning and documentation.
• Hazard identification: the planning process forces consideration of overhead power lines, underground services, ground bearing, wind and exclusion zones before the lift.
• Communication clarity: defined roles (crane operator, rigger, dogger, signal person, lift supervisor) and a communication plan reduce misunderstandings during the lift.
• Audit trail: a signed lift plan provides documented evidence for regulatory inspections, insurance claims and incident investigations.
• Repeatability: a standardised template ensures every lift is planned with the same rigour, regardless of the crane operator, rigger or site, reducing variability and human error.

How to use this crane lift plan template

1. Determine the load weight, dimensions and centre of gravity. Include the weight of all rigging equipment in the total suspended load.: Obtain the verified weight of the load from the manufacturer data plate, shipping documentation or by weighing the item. If the weight cannot be confirmed, have it calculated by a qualified engineer. Add the weight of all rigging gear, including slings, shackles, spreader bars, the hook block and headache ball, to arrive at the total suspended load. Identify the centre of gravity and mark the lift points on the load. An incorrect weight or centre of gravity can overload the crane or make the load swing.
2. Select the crane configuration and verify the rated capacity at the planned pick and set radii using the manufacturer load chart.: Choose the crane make and model, boom length, jib extension (if applicable), counterweight configuration and outrigger setup that provides adequate capacity at the planned working radii. Read the manufacturer load chart for the specific configuration and confirm the rated capacity at both the pick radius (where the load is lifted) and the set radius (where the load is placed). The total suspended load must not exceed the rated capacity at either radius. Calculate the percentage of rated capacity; if it exceeds 75 to 80 percent, classify the lift as critical and require engineering review.
3. Assess the ground conditions, outrigger setup, overhead hazards, underground services, wind limits and exclusion zones. Document findings on the lift plan.: Inspect the ground where the crane will be positioned. Confirm the ground bearing capacity can support the outrigger loads, and place mats or pads under each outrigger to distribute the load. Check for overhead power lines. In US construction, 29 CFR 1926.1408 requires the employer to check whether any part of the crane, load line or load could come within 20 feet (6.1 metres) of a power line up to 350 kV and, if so, to have the line de-energised and grounded or keep a set clearance. In Australia, the model WHS Regulations (regulation 166) require that no person, plant or thing comes within an unsafe distance of an overhead or underground electric line, so far as is reasonably practicable. Identify underground services with plans from Before You Dig Australia (BYDA), or through 811 in the United States. Set the maximum wind speed for the crane, and a lower one for loads with a large surface area. Define and barricade the exclusion zone beneath and around the lift path.
4. Define personnel roles, communication methods and the stop-work protocol. Brief all personnel involved in the lift.: Assign the crane operator, rigger(s), dogger (signal person), lift supervisor and any observers. Establish the communication method: radio channels, agreed hand signals, and a clear stop-work authority for any person who identifies a hazard. Conduct a pre-lift briefing (toolbox talk) with all personnel covering the lift sequence, load weight, swing path, set location, exclusion zone boundaries, wind limits and the emergency stop procedure. Confirm every person understands their role before the lift begins.
5. For critical lifts, have the plan reviewed and signed by a qualified engineer before the lift proceeds.: A critical lift, typically any lift exceeding 75 to 80 percent of rated capacity, a tandem lift, a lift over personnel, or a lift near overhead power lines, should have a detailed engineering lift plan reviewed and signed by a qualified structural or mechanical engineer. The engineer verifies the load calculations, crane capacity, rigging design, ground bearing assessment and lift geometry. Do not proceed with a critical lift until the engineer has signed the plan and a copy is available on site. For a lift with more than one crane, in US construction 29 CFR 1926.1432 requires a plan developed by a qualified person and reviewed with all workers involved, and the Safe Work Australia crane guide says a competent person, for example an engineer, should prepare a documented lift plan that identifies the de-rating of each crane, and that the person in control of the lift must hold at least an intermediate rigging high risk work licence.
6. Obtain all required sign-offs. Retain the completed lift plan for the project file.: The lift supervisor, crane operator and site manager sign the completed lift plan before the lift begins. For critical lifts, the engineer sign-off must also be on the plan. File the signed lift plan in the project crane compliance folder and upload a digital copy to MapTrack so the record is linked to the crane asset. Retain lift plans for the life of the project and at least as long as required by your contract, insurance and regulatory obligations. The plan is a key document in any incident investigation involving a crane lift.

In MapTrack, you can digitise safety inspections and compliance forms. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.

Frequently asked questions

Crane Lift Plan Template preview