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Free lifting plan template

Free lifting plan template (PDF) aligned to AS 2550 and BS 7121. Covers load data, rigging, crane selection, exclusion zones and sign-off. Download free.

Updated 25 Sept 2026

Lifting Plan

Crane / hoist lift planning form - AS 2550 / BS 7121

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0 of 12 checks

Ground Conditions

1Ground bearing capacity confirmed for crane and outriggers
2Outrigger pads / mats sized for ground conditions
3Ground level and firm (no recent rain, fill or excavation nearby)
4Underground services identified and marked

Overhead and Adjacent Hazards

5Overhead power lines identified; minimum approach distances confirmed
6Adjacent structures clear of boom swing and load travel path
7No other cranes operating within swing radius

Exclusion Zones and Traffic

8Exclusion zone barricaded and signed
9Pedestrian and vehicle traffic managed during lift
10No personnel under suspended load at any time

Environmental

11Wind speed within limits for this lift
12Visibility adequate (no fog, dust, poor lighting)

Prepared By

Signature

Print name

Date

Reviewed By (Competent Person)

Signature

Print name

Date

Crane Operator Acknowledgement

Signature

Print name

Date

How to use: download the PDF, print or complete digitally on any device.

  • PDF format, ready to print or fill on screen
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Download formats

  • Lifting plan template PDF

    PDF: Print-ready lifting plan: load data, rigging components with WLL, site checks, exclusion zones and sign-off.

  • Lifting plan template XLSX

    XLSX: Editable Excel workbook with the same rigging register and site check sections, ready to fill per lift.

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These templates are free general guides provided as-is. They do not constitute legal, safety or compliance advice. You are responsible for ensuring any form meets your specific workplace obligations, industry standards and applicable regulations.

Don't just download it - use it live. Start a free workspace with this lifting plan template already built, so your crew can run it from a phone.

Jarrod Milford

Jarrod Milford

Co-Founder & Commercial Director

Updated 25 September 2026
Also see:Lifting gear and crane inspections →Compliance and inspections →Best inspection software →MapTrack vs SafetyCulture →

Short answer

A lifting plan template records how one crane or hoist lift will be done: load, crane configuration, rigging, ground conditions, exclusion zones, communication and responsibilities. As site practice, crews and supervisors complete and approve it before each non-routine lift, with detail matched to the risk. Regulation 219 of the model WHS Regulations requires plant that lifts loads to be used within its safe working limits.

Checked against Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011) on by the MapTrack templates team. How we check templates

Key takeaways

  • The MapTrack lifting plan template contains 12 checks across 4 sections. Sections covered: Ground Conditions, Overhead and Adjacent Hazards, Exclusion Zones and Traffic, Environmental.
  • Documents the load, the crane, the rigging, ground conditions and exclusion zones before a lift, and names the competent person who approved it.
  • A standard lifting plan covers routine lifts. A critical lift plan is used when the load is near rated capacity, over people, or shared between two cranes.
  • Sling angle changes the tension in each leg. The wider the angle from vertical, the higher the load on the sling for the same mass.
  • Wind limits come from the crane manufacturer chart for that specific configuration, not from a single site-wide number.

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Used by construction, mining and field service teams

Saunders InternationalMineral ResourcesSupagasHacer GroupMetro TunnelUltrabuilt

What is a lifting plan template?

A lifting plan is a documented safety planning form that details how a specific crane or hoist lift will be carried out safely from start to finish. The plan captures the load weight and dimensions, the crane or lifting equipment to be used, the rigging arrangement, ground conditions, exclusion zones, environmental factors, communication methods and personnel responsibilities. It is prepared before the lift takes place and must be reviewed and approved by a competent person.

Under AS 2550 (Cranes, hoists and winches - safe use), every crane lift that is not a routine repetitive lift must be planned and documented. BS 7121 (Code of practice for safe use of cranes) requires a written lift plan for all lifting operations and places particular emphasis on the appointment of competent persons, load radius calculations and hazard identification. Australian WHS Regulations classify cranes as high-risk plant, which means the planning, execution and supervision of lifts must meet strict legislative requirements. A well-prepared lifting plan reduces the risk of load drops, crane overloads, structural failures and injuries to workers in or near the lift zone. It also provides a documented record of the safety controls applied to each lift, which is essential for audits, insurance and incident investigations.

Learn more about compliance and inspections in MapTrack.

Planning lifts on construction sites? See how construction asset management software keeps the cranes, the lifting gear and the rest of the plant on one register.

Keep every sling, shackle and chain block in one register, with its inspection dates, certificates and quarantine status: lifting equipment inspection software.

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Benefits of using this lifting plan template

  • Structured planning: ensure every lift is assessed for load weight, radius, ground conditions and rigging before work begins.
  • Regulatory compliance: meet AS 2550 and BS 7121 requirements for documented lift planning and demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation.
  • Crane selection confidence: match the crane capacity chart to the actual lift parameters so the crane is never operated beyond its rated capacity.
  • Hazard identification: identify overhead services, underground services, adjacent structures, traffic, weather and other site-specific hazards before the lift.
  • Clear communication: define roles, radio channels, signal conventions and exclusion zones so every person on site knows the plan.
  • Audit-ready records: completed lift plans provide documented evidence for WHS audits, insurance reviews and principal contractor obligations.

Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack

When you digitise lifting equipment plans in MapTrack, you get:

  • Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
  • Email the right people when a form is submitted, with an automation you set up.
  • File every completed form against the asset, location or person it covers.
  • Download any completed form as a PDF, with failed answers listed at the top.
  • Fill in forms offline; they upload when the device is back online.
  • Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
  • Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
  • Electronic signatures.
  • Edit forms later without reprinting.
  • Set who can view, fill in or edit forms with user roles.
  • Upload a paper form (PDF, Word, Excel or a photo) and MapTrack's AI builds a digital version for you to check.
  • Email safety managers when a hazard report is submitted, with an automation you set up.
  • Keep every hazard and incident report against the site it came from, with photos.
  • Turn a hazard report into a corrective-action work order with its own review step.

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What to include in a lifting plan template

This lifting plan template covers 11 key areas:

  • Lift identification: lift plan number, project name, site address, date, planned start time.
  • Load details: description, weight (verified), dimensions, centre of gravity, attachment points.
  • Crane details: crane type, make, model, SWL/WLL, boom length, configuration, capacity chart reference.
  • Rigging plan: sling type, sling angles, shackles, spreader bars, tag lines, rated capacity of each component.
  • Lift geometry: lift radius, boom angle, hook height required, load travel path, set-down point.
  • Ground conditions: bearing capacity, outrigger pad sizes, slope, underground services, recent weather effects.
  • Exclusion zones: barricade layout, minimum distances from overhead power lines, pedestrian and traffic management.
  • Environmental considerations: wind speed limits, visibility, lighting, temperature restrictions.
  • Personnel: crane operator (licence number), dogger/rigger (licence number), lift supervisor, spotter, traffic controller.
  • Communication: radio channel, hand signals, emergency stop procedure.
  • Approvals and sign-off: prepared by, reviewed by competent person, approved by site manager, crane operator acknowledgement.

How to use this lifting plan template

  1. Gather load data and verify the weight.: Obtain the load weight from manufacturer data, weigh dockets or calculation. Never estimate. Record the load dimensions, centre of gravity and any loose or shifting components. If the weight cannot be verified, arrange for the load to be weighed before planning proceeds.
  2. Select the crane and confirm its capacity for the lift.: Determine the maximum lift radius, required hook height and any obstructions. Use the crane capacity chart to confirm the crane can safely lift the load at the required radius and boom configuration. Include a safety margin; typically 80% of the rated capacity is the practical maximum.
  3. Plan the rigging arrangement and calculate sling loads.: Select slings, shackles, spreader bars and other rigging components rated for the load. Calculate the sling angle factor and confirm each component is within its working load limit. Record sling inspection dates and tag numbers.
  4. Assess the site and establish exclusion zones.: Inspect ground conditions where the crane will set up. Confirm outrigger bearing capacity. Identify overhead power lines, underground services, adjacent structures, pedestrian areas and traffic routes. Mark exclusion zones with barricades and signage. Confirm minimum approach distances for power lines per AS 2550 and local regulations.
  5. Brief all personnel on the lift plan.: Conduct a toolbox talk covering the full lift sequence, roles, communication channels, emergency stop procedure and exclusion zones. Every person with a role in the lift must sign on to the plan. Confirm licences for the crane operator, dogger and rigger are current.
  6. Obtain approvals and sign off the plan before the lift.: The lift plan must be reviewed and approved by a competent person. The crane operator must acknowledge the plan. The site manager or principal contractor must authorise the lift. File the signed plan and make a copy available at the crane during the lift.

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

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How often should you complete this plan?

A lifting plan must be completed for every non-routine crane lift before work begins. Routine repetitive lifts (same load, same configuration, same location) may use a standing lift plan, but that plan must still be reviewed at least monthly and after any change in conditions. If the load weight, lift radius, ground conditions, crane configuration or weather change from what was planned, the plan must be revised and re-approved before the lift proceeds. In MapTrack, you can create lift plan templates for recurring lift types and schedule reviews so that standing plans are never used beyond their approved validity period.

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Frequently asked questions

Under AS 2550 and WHS Regulations, a documented lifting plan is required for every crane lift that is not a routine repetitive lift. Even routine lifts should have a standing plan. Best practice is to plan every lift, regardless of perceived simplicity, because conditions on site can change between lifts.

A competent person is someone with the knowledge, training and experience to assess whether the lift plan adequately addresses all hazards. Under AS 2550, this is typically a qualified crane supervisor, rigging supervisor, or engineer with crane lifting experience. The competent person must be independent of the operator performing the lift.

A lifting plan covers standard lifts. A critical lift plan applies to lifts that involve higher risk factors, such as lifts over 80% of crane capacity, tandem lifts, lifts near live power lines, lifts over occupied areas, or lifts involving engineered loads. Critical lift plans require more detailed engineering calculations, additional approvals and often a dedicated lift supervisor.

Sling angle affects the load on each sling leg. As the angle from vertical increases, the load on each sling increases. At 60 degrees from vertical, each sling carries the full load weight. Use a sling angle factor table to calculate the actual load per leg and ensure each sling is rated accordingly. AS 2550 provides guidance on sling angle calculations.

Most crane manufacturers specify a maximum operating wind speed in the crane manual, typically around 40 to 50 km/h for mobile cranes. However, lighter loads with large surface areas (such as panels, cladding or formwork) may need to be suspended at lower wind speeds due to wind loading effects. The lifting plan should specify the wind speed limit for the particular lift, not just the crane general limit.

Yes. This lifting plan template is completely free to download and use, and it downloads as a ready-to-print PDF. No MapTrack account is required. It suits lift supervisors, riggers and site managers planning non-routine crane lifts to AS 2550 and BS 7121, with sections for load data, crane selection, rigging, exclusion zones and competent-person sign-off. If you later want to move off paper, MapTrack turns this into a live digital lift register: prepare and approve plans on a phone or tablet with sign-on for every operator, dogger and rigger, link each lift to the slings, shackles and crane as tracked assets with current inspection and certification dates, get reminders before standing plans or rigging certs expire, and keep a complete timestamped audit trail for WHS audits and principal-contractor reviews. Start free at maptrack.com/free-trial or book a demo.

Often, yes, on a construction site. Under the WHS Regulations, high risk construction work needs a safe work method statement, and Safe Work Australia's list of that work includes work carried out where there is any movement of powered mobile plant, work on or near energised electrical services, and work on, in or adjacent to a road or railway. A mobile crane lift on a live site commonly meets at least one of those. The PCBU must prepare, keep, comply with and review the SWMS and give a copy to the principal contractor. The lifting plan supplies the lift-specific detail the SWMS controls rely on: load, radius, crane capacity and rigging. Keep the two together.

Anything the plan assumed. A different crane or configuration, a heavier or differently rigged load, softer ground or a new set-up position, wind above the planned limit, services found nearby, or a change of crew all invalidate what the plan was signed on, and the lift waits until it has been revised and re-approved. A plan written for one lift does not carry over to the next because the site is the same. Where the lift is high risk construction work, the safe work method statement that sits with it must be reviewed too, so revise the two together and record who did it and when.

A lift plan, also called a lifting plan, sets out how a specific lift will be done before it starts. This one identifies the lift, project, site, date and who prepared it, describes the load (verified weight and its source, dimensions, centre of gravity and attachment points), records the crane (type, make and model, SWL or WLL, boom length and capacity chart reference) and the lift geometry (radius, boom angle, hook height, travel path, set-down point and percentage of crane capacity). It then lists the rigging with WLL, sling angle and inspection due date, and checks ground conditions, overhead and adjacent hazards, exclusion zones and traffic, and environmental conditions.

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.

  • 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)

    Sets the safe working limit duty the plan checks, the crane and rigging licence classes, and the SWMS needed for high risk construction work.

    • 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.
    • reg 299: A SWMS must be prepared before high risk construction work starts, identifying hazards, risks and control measures.

    Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee)

  • Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use, Part 1: General requirements

    Edition: AS 2550.1-2011

    General safe use standard for cranes, hoists and winches, including competency of the people involved in a lift.

    • 1.7: Competency of personnel involved with cranes, hoists and winches.

    Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher

  • Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use, Part 5: Mobile cranes

    Edition: AS 2550.5:2016

    Safe use of mobile cranes; read with AS 2550.1 when the lift uses a mobile crane.

    Standards AustraliaSold 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)

    For lifts in Great Britain: lifting operations must be planned by a competent person, supervised and carried out safely.

    • reg 8: Lifting operations must be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out safely.

    legislation.gov.uk (The National Archives)

  • Code of practice for safe use of cranes - General

    Edition: BS 7121-1:2016 (BSI status: Current, Under Review)

    British code of practice for the safe use of cranes; BSI describes it as guidance on meeting LOLER and PUWER.

    BSI (British Standards Institution)Sold by the publisher

Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.

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Lifting plan template preview

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The numbers behind this lifting plan template

The pages below gather the figures behind this kind of check. Each figure on them carries its source and date, so you can quote it in a toolbox talk, a budget case or a board paper without chasing the original report.

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Run an industry blog, trade association site, or training resource? Drop a preview of this free lifting plan template straight into your page. The snippet is self-contained, needs no scripts, and links readers back to the full free template.

<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;">Lifting 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;">Lift identification: lift plan number, project name, site address, date, planned start time.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Load details: description, weight (verified), dimensions, centre of gravity, attachment points.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Crane details: crane type, make, model, SWL/WLL, boom length, configuration, capacity chart reference.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Rigging plan: sling type, sling angles, shackles, spreader bars, tag lines, rated capacity of each component.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Lift geometry: lift radius, boom angle, hook height required, load travel path, set-down point.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Ground conditions: bearing capacity, outrigger pad sizes, slope, underground services, recent weather effects.</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/lifting-plan-template" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">Lifting 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.

Cite this template

Writing about this topic? You’re welcome to quote this checklist. Here’s the wording to use so your readers can find the original.

The MapTrack lifting plan template contains 12 checks across 4 sections.

Short attribution
MapTrack Lifting plan template, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/lifting-plan-template
Reference list
MapTrack. (2026). Lifting plan template [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/lifting-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/lifting-plan-template.

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