CalmComplianceRisk Assessment template
School Lifting Operations and Load Control Risk Assessment
- Version
- v1
- Updated
- 1 October 2026
- Audience
- Primary and secondary maintained and academy schools in England, excluding independent schools, where the school undertakes, arranges or controls relevant lifting operations.
- Jurisdiction
- england
Activity assessed
Lifting operations involving hoists, lifts, cranes, fork lifts, telehandlers, lifting accessories or similar equipment, including planning, equipment selection, loading, attachment, securing, movement, supervision and completion of the lift.
Assess each hazard and its controls against your site before use. Template ratings require local review.
Hazards and controls
Lifting operations are not properly planned or coordinated, resulting in foreseeable hazards, unsuitable arrangements or an unsafe lift.
- Existing controls
- No existing controls are assumed by this reusable register. Record only controls verified for the specific operation, location, equipment and load.
- Proposed controls
- Ensure each lift is planned before work starts by a competent person. Define the load, lifting method, equipment, accessories, travel or placement route, people involved, environmental conditions, exclusion arrangements, communication method and stop-work criteria. Coordinate the activity with affected school staff, contractors and others under the school's control.
Local assessment and additional controls
Lifting equipment is unsuitable, inadequately designed, defective or otherwise unsafe for the intended operation.
- Existing controls
- No existing controls are assumed by this reusable register. Record verified equipment suitability, condition and supporting records for the specific operation.
- Proposed controls
- Select equipment that is suitable for the intended lift and operating conditions. Confirm that equipment has been properly designed, manufactured and tested where applicable. Remove from use, identify and report equipment that is damaged, defective or unsuitable until its safety has been established.
Local assessment and additional controls
The load, load position or operating conditions exceed the safe working limit or capacity of the lifting equipment or system.
- Existing controls
- No existing controls are assumed by this reusable register. Record verified load information, equipment limits and any operation-specific restrictions.
- Proposed controls
- Establish the load weight, dimensions, centre of gravity and stability before lifting where relevant. Confirm the applicable safe working load or rated capacity for the equipment, accessories and configuration. Do not exceed the lowest applicable limit. Account for factors such as load position, reach, height, radius, attachments and operating conditions where relevant.
Local assessment and additional controls
The load is incorrectly attached, inadequately secured, unstable or liable to shift, detach or fall during lifting or movement.
- Existing controls
- No existing controls are assumed by this reusable register. Record verified attachment, securing and stability arrangements for the specific load.
- Proposed controls
- Use an appropriate attachment and securing method for the load and equipment. Check that connections are compatible, correctly positioned and secure before lifting. Control loose, uneven or unstable loads. Carry out a controlled initial lift or equivalent check where appropriate, and stop the operation if the load shifts, becomes unstable or cannot be safely controlled.
Local assessment and additional controls
Lifting accessories fail or deteriorate because of damage, incorrect use, overloading, incompatibility or exposure to wet, abrasive or corrosive conditions.
- Existing controls
- No existing controls are assumed by this reusable register. Record verified inspection, condition, compatibility and environmental suitability of accessories.
- Proposed controls
- Use accessories that are suitable for the load and lifting method. Check them before use and at required intervals under the applicable arrangements. Protect them from damage, sharp edges and unsuitable environmental conditions. Do not use accessories showing damage, deterioration, illegible identification or other signs that their safe use cannot be established.
Local assessment and additional controls
Ground, surface, weather, visibility, lighting, space or other environmental conditions cause instability, loss of control, equipment deterioration or collision.
- Existing controls
- No existing controls are assumed by this reusable register. Record verified conditions and controls for the actual work area and time of the lift.
- Proposed controls
- Assess the work area and conditions before starting and during the operation where they may change. Confirm that surfaces, access routes, clearances and support conditions are suitable for the equipment and load. Control water, abrasive or corrosive exposure, poor visibility, inadequate lighting, wind and other relevant conditions. Suspend or change the operation if conditions are unsuitable.
Local assessment and additional controls
People are struck, trapped or crushed by moving lifting equipment, parts of machinery, the load or associated vehicles.
- Existing controls
- No existing controls are assumed by this reusable register. Record verified traffic, pedestrian and machinery-movement controls for the specific operation.
- Proposed controls
- Plan and control equipment and load movements. Keep people away from moving equipment and hazardous movement paths. Use suitable barriers, segregation, warning arrangements and communication methods where required. Avoid placing people between moving equipment, fixed objects or the load. Stop movement if a person enters a hazardous area or communication is lost.
Local assessment and additional controls
A load, part of a load or lifting accessory falls during lifting, transfer, positioning or release.
- Existing controls
- No existing controls are assumed by this reusable register. Record verified controls for preventing access beneath or near suspended or raised loads.
- Proposed controls
- Prevent people from entering areas exposed to falling loads. Establish and maintain an appropriate exclusion zone for the lift and load path. Do not allow people to stand beneath suspended loads unless the operation has been specifically assessed and controlled as necessary. Position and release loads in a controlled manner and secure them against movement after placement.
Local assessment and additional controls
People plan, operate, attach, direct or supervise lifting operations without suitable competence, information or training.
- Existing controls
- No existing controls are assumed by this reusable register. Record verified competence, training, authorisation and relevant experience for each role.
- Proposed controls
- Use competent people for planning, operating, attaching, directing and supervising the lift as applicable. Provide information and instruction appropriate to the equipment, load and operation. Confirm that contractors and other persons under the school's control have suitable competence and understand the planned arrangements.
Local assessment and additional controls
The operation is inadequately supervised or communication between people involved in the lift is unclear, interrupted or misunderstood.
- Existing controls
- No existing controls are assumed by this reusable register. Record verified supervision and communication arrangements for the specific operation.
- Proposed controls
- Provide appropriate supervision proportionate to the operation and its risks. Nominate the person responsible for directing the lift where required. Agree signals, communication methods and stop instructions before starting. Ensure communication remains effective throughout the lift and stop the operation when instructions are unclear or communication fails.
Local assessment and additional controls
The exclusion zone is absent, insufficient, poorly controlled or breached by pupils, staff, visitors, contractors or members of the public.
- Existing controls
- No existing controls are assumed by this reusable register. Record verified exclusion-zone arrangements and interfaces with normal school activities.
- Proposed controls
- Define the area affected by the lifting operation, including the load path and potential fall or movement zones. Use suitable physical segregation, access control, signs, attendants or other arrangements appropriate to the operation. Plan the lift to avoid unnecessary interaction with school activities and monitor the zone until the operation is complete and the load is stable.
Local assessment and additional controls
Inspection, maintenance or testing is inadequate, allowing equipment or accessories to remain unsafe or unsuitable for use.
- Existing controls
- No existing controls are assumed by this reusable register. Record verified inspection, maintenance and testing arrangements and any relevant defects or restrictions.
- Proposed controls
- Maintain lifting equipment and accessories appropriately. Complete checks, inspections, maintenance and testing required for the equipment, operation and applicable arrangements. Keep relevant records and act on defects, restrictions and overdue actions. Do not rely on equipment being safe solely because it is available or has been used previously.
Local assessment and additional controls