Course Description
Designed for professionals responsible for planning and supervising high-risk lifting operations, this Critical Lift Planning course delivers the technical skills, regulatory knowledge, and practical tools needed to execute complex lifts safely and efficiently. Covering key standards like LOLER, PUWER, and BS7121, the course blends theory with hands-on exercises in load analysis, crane selection, method statement development, and risk assessment. Ideal for Appointed Persons, Lift Directors, engineers, and site managers seeking compliance, competence, and control in critical lift scenarios.
Why choose this course?
What is Critical Lift Planning?
Critical Lift Planning is the process of preparing, coordinating, and executing lifting operations that involve high levels of risk due to load weight, environmental constraints, or complexity. It requires detailed planning, risk analysis, and expert supervision to ensure the safety and success of the lift. These lifts often exceed standard parameters and must comply with strict regulations and safety guidelines.
What’s in the process?
Comprehensive Planning Strategy: Covers hazard identification, load analysis, center of gravity assessment, rigging selection, ground conditions evaluation, and environmental considerations. Planning includes method statements, risk assessments, contingency planning, and step-by-step lift execution.
Standards and Compliance: Ensures alignment with key legislation and standards such as LOLER, PUWER, BS7121, and site-specific safety protocols. Promotes legal compliance and supports a culture of safety.
Team Coordination and Roles: Defines the responsibilities of the Appointed Person, Lift Supervisor, Crane Operator, and Signalers. Each role is clearly assigned and integrated into the overall plan to ensure accountability and smooth execution.
Technical Calculations and Lift Design: Includes crane configuration, load weight verification, boom length and radius analysis, and use of load charts. The plan considers all variables to select the right equipment and lifting method.
Practical and Scenario-Based Planning: Real-world planning scenarios are used to test the ability to create effective lift plans. These include obstacles, wind influence, restricted access, and communication challenges.
Execution and Monitoring: The lift is carried out under strict supervision with real-time adjustments based on conditions. Observations and post-lift reviews help improve future planning.
Why choose this process?
Risk Reduction and Safety Assurance: Proper planning reduces the risk of accidents, injuries, or equipment failure. It helps prevent costly delays and ensures that lifts are completed safely and efficiently.
Operational Efficiency: A well-planned critical lift minimizes downtime, avoids rework, and ensures resource optimization. It improves communication, teamwork, and timing across all involved parties.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Planning ensures all lifting activities meet legal requirements and industry best practices. It supports audit readiness and legal protection for employers and contractors.
Supports Major Projects: Critical lift planning is essential in high-value industries like construction, oil and gas, petrochemicals, power plants, and offshore platforms where large-scale lifting is common.
Expert-Led Execution: Typically supervised by Appointed Persons or Lift Directors with years of experience, ensuring high-risk lifts are managed by competent professionals.
Repeatable Process: The planning process provides a documented, step-by-step approach that can be adapted for future lifts, making it scalable and consistent across projects.
What’s in it for students?
Skill Mastery: Mastering critical lift planning builds deep technical knowledge and practical problem-solving abilities, preparing professionals for senior-level roles.
Career Growth: Opens doors to positions like Lift Supervisor, Appointed Person, or Lift Director. These roles are in high demand across global industries and command higher salaries.
Global Recognition: Competence in critical lift planning is respected worldwide, especially in regions like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and offshore environments.
Professional Confidence: Practical planning experience gives professionals the confidence to lead high-risk operations and gain respect from peers and supervisors.
Increased Responsibility: Planners are trusted with operational control, safety management, and compliance oversight—building leadership skills and visibility in large organizations.
Lifelong Value: Skills developed in critical lift planning support long-term career development in heavy lifting, construction management, and engineering project roles.Students will be assessed against the learning outcomes using direct observation and written examination.
Successful candidates will be awarded the LEEA Lift Director and Critical Lift Planning Certificate.
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for Appointed Persons, Lift Directors, Crane Supervisors, Engineers, and Safety Officers involved in planning or overseeing lifting operations. It is ideal for professionals in construction, oil & gas, marine, and heavy industry sectors. Prior experience with lifting equipment, especially mobile cranes, is recommended.
What certificate will i receive?
LEEA Accredited - Valid for 5 Years
What can the course lead to?
What is the duration of the course?
This is a 3-day intensive course (approximately 24 hours) combining classroom instruction, practical exercises, and assessments.
What are the entry requirements?
Participants should have prior experience with lifting operations at a supervisor level or above
What does the course cover?
Course Summary
This Critical Lift Planning course equips professionals with the skills to plan, assess, and manage high-risk lifting operations safely and in compliance with international standards. It combines technical theory, practical exercises, and real-world scenarios to ensure safe and effective lift execution.
How is the course assessed?
Course info
- Certificate
- Upon successful completion of the course and assessment, participants will receive a LEEA-accredited Critical Lift Planning certificate, valid for 5 years. This industry-recognized certification confirms competence in planning and managing complex lifting operations in accordance with international safety and compliance standards.
- Duration
This is a 3-day intensive course (approximately 24 hours) combining classroom instruction, practical exercises, and assessments.
- Who is it for
- This course is designed for Appointed Persons, Lift Directors, Crane Supervisors, Engineers, and Safety Officers involved in planning or overseeing lifting operations. It is ideal for professionals in construction, oil & gas, marine, and heavy industry sectors. Prior experience with lifting equipment, especially mobile cranes, is recommended.
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