Types of Lifting Operations

To assist with the risk assessment process, lifting operations have been divided in
four categories, which are:

1. Routine
2. Simple
3. Complicated
4. Complex

• Lifts that are performed on a regular basis, which involve basic slinging practices e.g. deck operations, material transfers.
• These lift activities by definition are repetitive and as such, the method statements, risk assessments, plans and any supporting procedures should be held on file.
• Carried out by competent personnel e.g. deck Crew/ Crane Opr./Riggers.
• Suitable environmental conditions.
• Load with known and evaluated weight shape and centre of gravity
• Standard rigging arrangements.
• This category of lifting operations is usually implemented using generic lifting plans and risk assessments, each with clearly established criteria and limitations.
• The generic plan is then reviewed at a toolbox talk prior to being implemented by appointed competent personnel.

• Lifts that involve the use of basic hoisting equipment e.g. a crane or manual hoist (suspended from dedicated lifting structures such as pad eyes or runaway beams) directly above the load.
• Only one item Lifting Equipment
• Carried out by competent personnel e.g. Riggers, Deck Crew and others who have training in hoisting & lifting/rigging skills.
• Standard rigging arrangement
• Stable, known weight with adequate lifting points.
• Out-with sensitive, difficult or restricted area
• This category of lifting operations is usually implemented using generic lifting plans and risk assessments, each with clearly established criteria and limitations.
• The generic plan is then reviewed at a toolbox talk prior to being implemented by appointed competent personnel

• Lifting Personnel
• Carried out by competent Riggers/ Crane Opr.
• Extended duration e.g. more than 1 shift
• Use of two or more items of lifting equipment (Tandem lifts)
• Out-with sensitive, difficult or restricted area
• This category of lifting operations require a written method statement in addition to the lifting plan, risk assessment and the approval of COMPANY Site Lifting Coordinator or the COMPANY Lifting Technical Authority (LTA).
• The specific plan is then reviewed at a toolbox talk prior to being implemented by appointed competent personnel.

• If a lifting job involves divers or sub-sea work or the plan indicate the selected route for the load to travel is over live plant or a confined space, it will be classed as complex.
• Unknown or difficult to estimate centre of gravity
• Use of two or more items of lifting equipment (Tandem lifts)
• Environmental conditions liable to affect operations
• Non-standard rigging or equipment
• This category of lift requires a written method statement in addition to the Lifting Plan, risk assessment and the approval of COMPANY Site Lifting Coordinator or the COMPANY Lifting Technical Authority.

Minimum number of people required carrying out the complex or complicated lifts safely shall be risk assessed and established prior to start the lifting operation.