Free critical lift plan template
Free critical lift plan template (PDF-ready) for AS 2550 planning. Engineering calcs, tandem lifts, dual approvals and risk controls. Download free.
Updated 25 Sept 2026
Critical Lift Plan
AS 2550 Section 8 - Special lifting applications
Checklist
Prepared By (Lift Planner)
Signature
Print name
Date
Engineer Review and Approval
Signature
Print name / Reg no.
Date
Crane Supervisor Approval
Signature
Print name
Date
Site Manager / Principal Contractor Authorisation
Signature
Print name
Date
Crane Operator(s) Acknowledgement
Operator 1 signature
Operator 2 signature
Date
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Short answer
A critical lift plan documents one high-risk crane lift before it happens: load, rigging, crane configuration, radius and capacity, ground bearing, exclusion zones, communications, abort criteria and sign-offs. Lift supervisors prepare a new plan for each critical lift and revise it if conditions change. Regulation 219 of the model WHS Regulations requires plant that lifts or suspends loads to be used within its safe working limits.
Checked against AS 2550 series (Multi-part series. Current parts at check date: AS 2550.1-2011, AS 2550.3:2025, AS 2550.4:2025, AS 2550.5:2016, AS 2550.6-1995, AS 2550.7:2024, AS 2550.9:2024, AS 2550.10:2025, AS 2550.11:2016, AS 2550.13-1997, AS 2550.15:2019, AS 2550.16:2026, AS 2550.19-2007) on by the MapTrack templates team. How we check templates
Key takeaways
- The MapTrack critical lift plan template contains 10 checks.
- Documents a critical lift end to end: load, rigging, crane configuration, ground bearing, exclusion zones, communications and abort criteria, signed before the lift.
- This plan treats lifts near rated capacity, tandem lifts and lifts over live plant as critical, and records the competent or engineering review the site requires.
- Abort criteria are agreed before the lift: wind, visibility, ground movement or load behaviour that stops the lift without debate.
- A tandem lift halves nothing: load share, crane coordination and a single controlling voice are what the plan has to pin down.
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What is a critical lift plan template?
A critical lift plan is a detailed engineering and safety document required for crane lifts that carry elevated risk beyond a standard lifting operation. A lift is commonly classified as critical when it involves any of the following: the load exceeds 80% of the crane rated capacity at the required radius, the lift is a tandem or multi-crane operation, the load is lifted over occupied buildings or public areas, the lift is performed near live power lines or other critical infrastructure, the load is an engineered or non-standard item without certified lifting points, or the lift involves personnel riding on the load or hook block.
The critical lift plan goes well beyond a standard lifting plan. It requires detailed engineering calculations for crane stability, rigging loads, ground bearing pressures and load distribution. It typically needs sign-off from a qualified engineer as well as the crane supervisor, site manager and the principal contractor. A risk assessment specific to the critical lift must be completed and attached to the plan. The plan must include a detailed sequence of operations, step-by-step communication protocols, abort criteria and a contingency plan if the lift cannot be completed as planned. Under Australian WHS legislation, cranes are high-risk plant and critical lifts represent the highest-risk subset of crane operations. Failure to plan a critical lift properly has been a contributing factor in multiple fatal incidents investigated by Australian WHS regulators.
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Benefits of using this critical lift plan template
- Engineering rigour: require formal calculations for crane stability, rigging loads and ground bearing, reducing the risk of overload or structural failure.
- Regulatory compliance: support the planning required by AS 2550.1 Section 2 and the WHS Regulations for special or high-risk lifting operations.
- Dual approvals: mandate sign-off from a qualified engineer and the crane supervisor before the lift proceeds, adding an independent verification layer.
- Tandem lift coordination: provide a structured framework for multi-crane lifts, including load sharing calculations, communication protocols and synchronised sequencing.
- Abort criteria: define clear conditions under which the lift must be stopped, preventing pressure to continue when conditions deteriorate.
- Incident prevention: address the specific risk factors that have contributed to fatal crane incidents in Australia, including overloading, inadequate ground preparation and poor communication.
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What to include in a critical lift plan template
This critical lift plan template covers 12 key areas:
- Critical lift classification: the specific criteria that make this lift critical (over 80% capacity, tandem lift, lift over occupied area, near power lines, etc.).
- Lift identification: plan number, project, site, date, planned sequence start and finish times.
- Load details: description, verified weight, dimensions, centre of gravity, lifting point certification, loose component securing.
- Crane details (per crane for tandem lifts): type, make, model, SWL/WLL at required radius, boom length, configuration, capacity chart reference.
- Engineering calculations: crane stability check, rigging load calculations, sling angle factors, ground bearing pressure analysis, outrigger reaction forces.
- Tandem lift data (if applicable): load share per crane (expressed as percentage and tonnage), maximum out-of-level tolerance, synchronisation method.
- Rigging plan: detailed rigging arrangement drawing, component schedule with tag numbers and WLL, spreader bar design certification if purpose-built.
- Lift sequence: step-by-step procedure from initial hook-on through lift, travel, set-down and unhook, with hold points for verification.
- Risk assessment: specific risk assessment for the critical lift, including hazard identification, consequence analysis and control measures.
- Abort criteria: defined wind speed, load behaviour, ground movement or equipment alarm conditions that require the lift to be stopped immediately.
- Communication plan: radio channels, hand signal conventions, call signs, challenge-and-response protocol for critical steps.
- Approvals: prepared by, engineer review and sign-off, crane supervisor approval, site manager authorisation, principal contractor consent, crane operator acknowledgement.
How to use this critical lift plan template
- Classify the lift and confirm it meets the critical lift threshold.: Review the lift parameters against your critical lift criteria. If the load exceeds 80% of the crane rated capacity at the planned radius, involves tandem cranes, passes over occupied areas, is near live overhead power lines, or uses non-standard lifting points, it must be treated as a critical lift. Document the specific classification criteria on the plan.
- Complete engineering calculations and obtain engineer sign-off.: Calculate crane stability, outrigger reaction forces, ground bearing pressures, rigging loads at the planned sling angles and load distribution for tandem lifts. These calculations must be reviewed and signed by a qualified engineer. For tandem lifts, calculate the load share for each crane and the maximum permissible out-of-level tolerance during the lift.
- Prepare the detailed lift sequence and risk assessment.: Write a step-by-step lift procedure covering hook-on, initial lift-off, travel path, slew, set-down and unhook. Identify hold points where the lift supervisor must verify conditions before proceeding. Complete a risk assessment specific to this lift, addressing each critical hazard and the controls in place.
- Define abort criteria and the contingency plan.: Specify the exact conditions that require the lift to be stopped: wind speed exceeding the limit, load spinning or swinging beyond tolerance, ground settlement observed, crane alarm activation, communication failure, or any person entering the exclusion zone. Document what happens if the lift is aborted mid-sequence, including how the load will be safely lowered or secured.
- Conduct a pre-lift briefing with all personnel.: Hold a formal briefing covering the full lift sequence, roles, communication channels, hand signals, hold points, abort criteria and emergency procedures. Every person with a role in the lift must attend and sign the briefing register. Verify all licences, crane inspections and rigging inspections are current.
- Obtain all required approvals before the lift commences.: The plan must be signed by the preparing engineer, reviewed by the crane supervisor, approved by the site manager and consented to by the principal contractor. Each crane operator must acknowledge the plan. No element of the lift may proceed until all sign-offs are obtained and filed.
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Get the free templateEnter your email above to download the full critical lift plan template as a PDF.Back to download formHow often should you complete this plan?
A critical lift plan is required every time a lift meets any of your critical lift criteria. There is no standing or recurring critical lift plan; each critical lift must have its own dedicated plan because the specific parameters, site conditions and hazards are unique to that operation. If conditions change after the plan is approved (wind, ground conditions, crane availability, load weight revision), the plan must be revised, re-calculated and re-approved before the lift proceeds. Organisations that perform critical lifts regularly should maintain a register of all critical lift plans for audit purposes. In MapTrack, you can flag lifts as critical, link the engineering sign-off documentation to the asset record and set mandatory approval workflows that prevent the lift from being recorded as commenced until all approvals are captured digitally.
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Frequently asked questions
Applicable regulatory standards
This template is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The template alone does not establish compliance.
| Standard | Edition | Clauses this template relies on | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use (AS 2550 series)Australian safe-use series for cranes, hoists and winches; check the part for your crane type. | Multi-part series. Current parts at check date: AS 2550.1-2011, AS 2550.3:2025, AS 2550.4:2025, AS 2550.5:2016, AS 2550.6-1995, AS 2550.7:2024, AS 2550.9:2024, AS 2550.10:2025, AS 2550.11:2016, AS 2550.13-1997, AS 2550.15:2019, AS 2550.16:2026, AS 2550.19-2007 | Whole instrument | Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher |
| Model Work Health and Safety RegulationsUse within safe working limits, and the high risk work licences for crane operators and riggers. | Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011) |
| Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee) |
| Cranes, hoists and winches (AS 1418 series, design)Design series for cranes, hoists and winches, behind the crane's rated capacity chart. | Multi-part series. Current parts at check date: AS 1418.1:2021, AS 1418.2-1997, AS 1418.3:2024, AS 1418.4-2004, AS 1418.5-2013, AS 1418.6-2004, AS 1418.7:2024, AS 1418.8-2008, AS 1418.9:2024, AS/NZS 1418.10:2025, AS 1418.11:2014, AS 1418.12-1991, AS 1418.13-1996, AS 1418.16:2026, AS 1418.17-1996, AS 1418.18:2024 | Whole instrument | Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher |
| Code of practice for safe use of cranes - GeneralUK code of practice for the safe use of cranes; not Australian law. | BS 7121-1:2016 (BSI status: Current, Under Review) | Whole instrument | BSI (British Standards Institution)Sold by the publisher |
| The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998UK only: lifting operations must be planned by a competent person. It does not apply in Australia. | Current revised version as at 2026-10-26 (legislation.gov.uk, no outstanding effects listed) |
| legislation.gov.uk (The National Archives) |
Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use (AS 2550 series)
Edition: Multi-part series. Current parts at check date: AS 2550.1-2011, AS 2550.3:2025, AS 2550.4:2025, AS 2550.5:2016, AS 2550.6-1995, AS 2550.7:2024, AS 2550.9:2024, AS 2550.10:2025, AS 2550.11:2016, AS 2550.13-1997, AS 2550.15:2019, AS 2550.16:2026, AS 2550.19-2007
Australian safe-use series for cranes, hoists and winches; check the part for your crane type.
Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher
Model Work Health and Safety Regulations
Edition: Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011)
Use within safe working limits, and the high risk work licences for crane operators and riggers.
- reg 219: Lifting plant must be designed for the load so far as reasonably practicable, with safeguards for alternatives, suitable lifting attachments, and use within safe working limits.
- Part 4.5: High risk work: licences for each class of high risk work, the exceptions in reg 82, supervision, licence evidence and the licensing process.
- Schedule 3: High risk work licence classes, including scaffolding, rigging, cranes, hoists, forklift trucks and boom-type EWPs.
Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee)
Cranes, hoists and winches (AS 1418 series, design)
Edition: Multi-part series. Current parts at check date: AS 1418.1:2021, AS 1418.2-1997, AS 1418.3:2024, AS 1418.4-2004, AS 1418.5-2013, AS 1418.6-2004, AS 1418.7:2024, AS 1418.8-2008, AS 1418.9:2024, AS/NZS 1418.10:2025, AS 1418.11:2014, AS 1418.12-1991, AS 1418.13-1996, AS 1418.16:2026, AS 1418.17-1996, AS 1418.18:2024
Design series for cranes, hoists and winches, behind the crane's rated capacity chart.
Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher
Code of practice for safe use of cranes - General
Edition: BS 7121-1:2016 (BSI status: Current, Under Review)
UK code of practice for the safe use of cranes; not Australian law.
BSI (British Standards Institution)Sold by the publisher
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
Edition: Current revised version as at 2026-10-26 (legislation.gov.uk, no outstanding effects listed)
UK only: lifting operations must be planned by a competent person. It does not apply in Australia.
- reg 8: Lifting operations must be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out safely.
Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.
Check the current source
Critical lift plan template preview
The numbers behind this critical lift plan template
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<div style="max-width:480px;font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,'Segoe UI',Roboto,sans-serif;border:1px solid #E5E7EB;border-radius:12px;padding:20px;background:#ffffff;">
<p style="font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.05em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#071D49;margin:0;">Free template</p>
<p style="font-size:18px;font-weight:700;color:#071D49;margin:6px 0 0;">Critical lift plan template</p>
<ul style="margin:12px 0 0;padding-left:18px;color:#374151;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;">
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Critical lift classification: the specific criteria that make this lift critical (over 80% capacity, tandem lift, lift over occupied area, near power lines, etc.).</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Lift identification: plan number, project, site, date, planned sequence start and finish times.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Load details: description, verified weight, dimensions, centre of gravity, lifting point certification, loose component securing.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Crane details (per crane for tandem lifts): type, make, model, SWL/WLL at required radius, boom length, configuration, capacity chart reference.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Engineering calculations: crane stability check, rigging load calculations, sling angle factors, ground bearing pressure analysis, outrigger reaction forces.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Tandem lift data (if applicable): load share per crane (expressed as percentage and tonnage), maximum out-of-level tolerance, synchronisation method.</li>
</ul>
<p style="font-size:13px;color:#6B7280;margin:14px 0 0;padding-top:12px;border-top:1px solid #E5E7EB;">Free <a href="https://www.maptrack.com/templates/critical-lift-plan-template" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">Critical lift plan template</a> by MapTrack</p>
</div>Free to reuse, including commercially. This template is published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. Copy it, adapt it, put it on your own site or in your own docs. All we ask is that you credit MapTrack with a link back to this page. The snippet above already includes that credit, so if you use it as-is you’re covered.
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The MapTrack critical lift plan template contains 10 checks.
- Short attribution
- MapTrack Critical lift plan template, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/critical-lift-plan-template
- Reference list
- MapTrack. (2026). Critical lift plan template [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/critical-lift-plan-template
Free to reuse with credit under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. If you’d rather link straight to it, the page is https://www.maptrack.com/templates/critical-lift-plan-template.
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