This course delivers the underpinning knowledge and practical skills required to supervise safe lifting operations in accordance with current legal, industrial, and safety standards. Designed for personnel responsible for directing lifting activities, the program focuses on enforcing lift plans, executing site safety checks, and coordinating with operators and slinger signallers.

Learning outcomes

1. Have a basic understanding of the industry, the dangers of working in the industry and their responsibilities as a crane / lift supervisor
2. Explain the importance of locating and identifying different types of lifting equipment and lifting accessories. Explain their basic construction, uses, applications and functions
3. Demonstrate how to interpret and extract information on all relevant documentation
4. Explain and demonstrate diverse types of communication methods used for lifting purposes
5. Explain procedures for placing non-serviceable items out-of-service
6. Explain the function and use of the RCIs and anti-collision systems and use the information Provided
7. Explain setting up, erection, levelling and dismantling requirements for diverse types of lifting equipment and lifts
8. Set up exclusion zone explaining actions required for emergency actions and identify overhead hazards
9. Identify potential hazards and unsafe lifting practices using different lifting scenarios
10. Explain the importance of checking the security of various types of loads and lifting accessories, explain the procedures ensuring load balance and integrity
11. Supervise the movement of loads to different types of locations using different methods of communication
12. Explain all Environmental considerations and explain how factors such as the external area to the lift zone can affect the planning of the lifting operation
13. Carry out all “out of service” and securing procedures

Course content

Theory

The theoretical module covers the statutory regulations, documentation, and safety procedures critical for supervising lifting operations:

• Legislation & Safety: Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, PUWER, LOLER Regulations, COSHH, Working at Height Regulations, BS 7121 (Parts 1 to 5), ACOP L113, and BS 7212/8460.
• Documentation & Lift Planning: Extracting and verifying data from duty charts, lift plans, method statements, risk assessments, test certificates, and thorough examination records.
• Equipment & Accessory Mechanics: Construction, applications, limitations, de-rating factors, and lifting frame usages across diverse lifting equipment and accessories.
• Safety Devices & Technology: Functions and setup of Rated Capacity Indicators (RCIs) across various configurations (main jib extensions, fly/luffing jibs), anti-collision systems, and anemometers.
• Communication & Site Control: Signal clarification (manual and radio protocol per BS 7121), establishing and policing exclusion zones, managing proximity/overhead hazards (e.g., GS6 power line clearances), environmental considerations (ground pressures, spills, wind limits) and supervising lifting operations.
• Defect Handling: Defect reporting and secure out-of-service quarantine procedures for non-serviceable items.

Practical

The practical component covers the preparation, execution and closing down supervised lifting tasks in a real-world setting;

• Preparation & Setup:
  • Interpret and follow the specific Lift Plan, Risk Assessment, Method Statement, and SSOW.
  • Visually inspect the lifting/landing area and establish an exclusion zone with appropriate signage and segregation.
  • Verify qualifications and test certificates for all equipment, operators, and slinger signallers.
  • Confirm load weights, radii, center of gravity, lifting points, and accessory suitability.
  • Agree on hand signals (BS 7121) and radio communication protocols with the lifting team, including the emergency stop signal.
  • Guide the lifting machine to its designated setup position using agreed signals.
• Supervising the Lifting Operation:
  • Maintain continuous sightlines and communication with the operator and slinger signaller.
  • Ensure accessories are attached correctly and guide lines are tied to the load rather than the accessories.
  • Enforce vertical lifting to prevent ground dragging or side-loading, and take immediate control if erratic load swings occur.
  • Monitor environmental conditions (continuously checking wind speeds via anemometer) and proximity hazards.
  • Demonstrate correct actions during emergency scenarios or exclusion zone breaches.
  • Ensure loads are lowered, landed, and secured under controlled conditions at specified points.
• Shutdown & Debrief Procedures:
  • Guide the lifting equipment to an agreed safe parking area.
  • Ensure slinger signallers remove, lower, and safely store all lifting accessories in a clean, dry, and secure location.
  • Conduct a comprehensive debrief with all personnel involved in the lifting operation.