Every lift needs a plan, but not every lift needs a thick document. For simple, low-risk jobs, a basic lift plan template gives you a clear, compliant record without slowing the work down. This guide explains what goes into one, when a basic plan is enough, and when you need to step up to something fuller.
If you want the wider picture on planning, standards and responsibilities, start with our guide to lift planning and method statements, then use the template below for straightforward tasks on site.
What a basic lift plan is for
A basic lift plan covers a single, routine lifting operation with a known load and a familiar method. Think of moving a small item with a lorry loader on firm, level ground, well clear of people and services.
Under LOLER and BS 7121, every lift must be planned by a competent person and supervised appropriately. A basic plan is the lightweight version of that duty. It records the key decisions so the team lifts the same way, every time.
It is not a shortcut around safety. It is a right-sized record for work that carries genuinely low risk.
When a basic plan is enough
Use a basic lift plan when all of the following are true:
- The load weight and dimensions are known and well within the equipment's rated capacity.
- The ground is firm, level and clear of underground services.
- The lift is repetitive or routine, using standard equipment.
- There are no people in the exclusion zone during the lift.
- Conditions are good, with no complicating factors like wind, overhead lines or restricted access.
If the job ticks these boxes, a short plan and a competent operator are usually the right level of control.
When to upgrade the plan
Some lifts need more than a basic template. Move up to a full lift plan and, where required, a contract lift when you hit any of these:
- Tandem or multi-crane lifts.
- Lifting people or lifting over occupied areas.
- Blind lifts where the operator cannot see the load.
- Heavy or complex loads near their rated capacity.
- Poor ground, tight access, or work near overhead lines or excavations.
When in doubt, plan up, not down. An Appointed Person should decide the category before work starts.
What to include in a basic lift plan template
Keep it to one page where you can. These are the fields to fill in.
Job and site details
- Project name, site address and date.
- Description of the lifting operation.
- Names and roles of the lift team.
The load
- Item being lifted.
- Weight, including any lifting accessories.
- Dimensions and centre of gravity if relevant.
Equipment
- Crane or lorry loader type and rated capacity.
- Slings, chains or accessories, with their working load limits.
- LOLER inspection status and dates for all equipment.
Method and area
- Lift positions: pick-up and set-down points.
- Radius and outreach in metres.
- Ground conditions and any matting used.
- Exclusion zone and how it is controlled.
People and responsibilities
- Appointed Person or competent person named.
- Crane or loader operator.
- Slinger or signaller, if used.
Checks before lifting
- Weather suitable for the operation.
- Load path clear of people and obstructions.
- Equipment inspected and certificates in date.
A quick word on responsibilities
Even a simple lift needs clear ownership. Someone competent must plan it, someone must supervise it, and everyone on the team must know their part before the load leaves the ground.
Record who did what. If anything changes on the day, stop, reassess and update the plan before you carry on.
Keep it right-sized and compliant
A basic lift plan template does one job well: it makes routine lifts safe, repeatable and easy to evidence. For anything heavier, higher-risk or over people, move to a full plan or a contract lift.
If you're not sure which category your job falls into, we can help you decide and put the right plan in place. Tell us what you need to lift, where and when, and we'll handle the planning so your team can get on with the build.
