School Lifting Operations Management Guidance

This guidance is intended for use where the school carries out or arranges lifting operations using lifting equipment. It should be applied to the lifting operations and equipment covered by the school's arrangements.

Planning and competent responsibility

Every lifting operation should be properly planned by a competent person. The person fulfilling this role should have adequate practical and theoretical knowledge and expertise in planning the lifting operations being undertaken.

The school should identify the competent person responsible for planning each operation or category of operation and should define the equipment and lifting activity covered by the arrangement.

A formal written plan is not required for every individual lifting operation. Where an operation involves a significant change from standard practice, the school should provide additional planning to address that change.

Supervision and safe operation

Lifting operations should be appropriately supervised and carried out in a safe manner. The school should set out who provides supervision and how the planned arrangements are followed during the operation.

Where a fork-lift truck is used to lift or lower loads, the operation should be planned, supervised and carried out in a safe manner.

Communication and information

The school should communicate the relevant lifting arrangements, instructions and responsibilities to staff and contractors involved in the operation. Information about the arrangements should be kept with the school's lifting-operation records.

Changes from standard practice

Before proceeding with an operation that differs significantly from standard practice, the competent person should determine what additional planning is required. The operation should not proceed under the ordinary arrangement unless the changed circumstances have been addressed.

Unsafe conditions

Where an unsafe condition is identified, the lifting operation should not continue until the competent person or other responsible person has addressed the condition and confirmed the arrangements for safe operation.