When is a lifting plan legally required in Australia?

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.

Who is a competent person for reviewing a lifting plan?

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.

What is the difference between a lifting plan and a critical lift plan?

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.

How do I determine the correct sling angles for a lift?

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.

What wind speed should stop a crane lift?

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.

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

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 3 May 2026

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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.

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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.
Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
Ability to share forms digitally.
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.
Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
Escalate critical hazards instantly to safety managers via push notification.
Maintain an auditable safety register that satisfies WHS regulator requests.
Correlate incident trends across sites with built-in safety analytics.

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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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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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.

Frequently asked questions

When is a lifting plan legally required in Australia?: 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.
Who is a competent person for reviewing a lifting plan?: 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.
What is the difference between a lifting plan and a critical lift plan?: 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.
How do I determine the correct sling angles for a lift?: 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.
What wind speed should stop a crane lift?: 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.

Applicable regulatory standards

This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:

AS 2550 - Cranes, hoists and winches (safe use)
BS 7121 - Code of practice for safe use of cranes
AS 1418 - Cranes, hoists and winches (design)
WHS Regulations Chapter 5 Part 5.3 - Construction work
WHS Regulations Chapter 5 Part 5.1 - High risk work licences

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