Free lifting plan template
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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.
Commercial Director
Updated 3 May 2026
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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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.
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.
Book a demo to see how MapTrack handles lifting equipment plans.
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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.
In MapTrack, you can digitise safety inspections and compliance forms. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.
Get the free templateEnter your email above to download the full lifting plan template as a PDF.Back to download formHow 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
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
Embed this free template on your website
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:#0E7490;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>Please keep the “by MapTrack” attribution link in the snippet.
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