Lifting operation planning and supervision procedure

1. Scope and application

This procedure applies conditionally where the school carries out or controls lifting operations using work equipment, including fork-lift trucks or other lifting equipment.

Before applying this procedure, the school must determine whether the proposed activity involves a lifting operation using work equipment. Where it does, the requirements in this procedure apply to the planning, supervision and safe conduct of the operation.

2. Responsibilities

The school assigns [competent person role] to fulfil the competent-person function for planning the lifting operations undertaken.

The school assigns [supervising role] to provide appropriate supervision for each lifting operation.

The person fulfilling the competent-person function must have adequate practical and theoretical knowledge and expertise in planning the lifting operations being undertaken.

3. Planning the operation

Every lifting operation must be properly planned by a competent person before it is carried out.

The competent person plans the operation in a manner appropriate to the lifting activity and the work equipment being used. The plan must address how the operation will be carried out safely.

A formal written plan is not required for every individual lifting operation. However, where the operation involves a significant change from standard practice, the competent person must provide additional planning to ensure that the lifting operation is carried out safely.

Where a fork-lift truck is used to lift or lower a load, the lifting operation must also be planned, supervised and carried out safely.

4. Equipment

Equipment used for the lifting operation must have been properly designed, manufactured and tested.

The equipment must also be maintained properly.

5. Supervision and safe conduct

The lifting operation must be appropriately supervised by the person assigned to provide supervision.

The competent person and the supervisor must ensure that the operation follows the plan and is carried out in a safe manner.

Where the operation changes significantly from standard practice, the operation must not proceed under the existing arrangements until the additional planning required for the change has been undertaken.