Terms & Conditions

• Definitions of hire
• Ground conditions
• Weather conditions
• Working in higher risk areas

Definitions of hire

The Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment regulations 1998 (LOLER) state the statutory regulations for lifting operations involving the use of cranes. This is supported by the British Standard code of practice BS7121 and in particular parts 1 & 3.

Both of these documents clearly define the responsibilities of the appointed person in planning lifting operations and the qualifications and duties of all personnel involved in lifting operations involving cranes.

Lifting Operations must:

• Comply fully with BS7121 & LOLER regulations
• Have a qualified and competent Appointed Person
• Have a detailed Method Statement
• Have a detailed Risk Assessment
• Have detailed drawings and lift plan
• Have full and adequate insurance cover

The Appointed Person is responsible for:

• The selection of the correct crane and lifting equipment
• Production of all required documentation
• Management of the lift
• Selection of the lift crew and allocation of duties
• Checking the credentials of the crane hire company and all relevant certification

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Ground conditions

City Lifting will take no responsibility whatsoever for the ground conditions. As the "Hirer" the Client is entirely responsible for ground conditions and should ensure that the ground where cranes are to travel or stand is capable of withstanding the axle & outrigger loads to be imposed.

The above statement applies to both CPA hires and Contract Lifts.

City Lifting will endeavour to advise the client regarding ground conditions and supply suitable plates / mats where required, however, it is the hirers responsibility to obtain accurate data on the ground conditions and advise of any known underground services, voids or vaults as stated in BS7121, Safe Use of Cranes.

City Lifting stock a full range of support equipment and our site inspectors will be happy to advise you on the possible options and confirm expected outrigger loadings.

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Weather conditions

In the event of extreme weather conditions it may sometimes be necessary to suspend the lifting operation until such time as it is safe to proceed.

Although the safe workable wind speed varies from crane to crane, as a guide, the maximum wind speed at which lifting operations can take place is 10 metres per second (22 mph).

In the event that man riding duties are required, the maximum workable wind speed reduces to 7 metres per second (16 mph).

On occasion, local conditions and the safety of personnel may dictate that the Lift Supervisor and Crane Operator have to suspend lifting operations at a lower wind speed than specified above.

Click here for wind speeds.

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Working In higher risk areas

Electricity

Overhead lines and other electrical equipment should always be treated as live unless declared "dead" and "safe" by the relevant power company.

Always work away from any power source where possible and never lift over a power source such as sub stations.

When cranes are working near power lines on steel towers (pylons) there must be a 15 metre safety margin from the furthermost point of the source to the collapsible radius of the boom length being used. This can be reduced to 9 metres for cables on wooden poles.

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Railways

When operating mobile cranes near railways the relevant railway operating company must be informed. Requirements vary between railway operators but generally;

• No over sailing of railway property
• If lifting towards the railway the collapse radius of the boom length used must not be able to reach railway property
• When working away from the railway the crane must have area limitation operational
• The railway usually need six weeks’ notice and a site meeting to review the method statement/lifting plan
• A supervisor will be provided by the railway to monitor the lifting operation

Airports

Any crane working within 6 kms of an airfield & 10 metres above ground level constitutes a risk to aircraft.

It is imperative that proposed crane operations are notified to the relevant airport authority at least one month prior to the operation.

A work permit will be required which will state any specific requirements in relation to the works.

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Hand Signals

CPA standard terms and conditions available on request

Contract Lifting Conditions