In the machine of the construction industry, every person is a cog that keeps that well-oiled machine moving. Some cogs are bigger than others, but none are any less important than the next.
These cogs make up the hierarchy. This article discusses an important role in lifting operations. The Appointed Person (AP). But what is an Appointed Person in lifting operations?
An Appointed Person in lifting operations oversees the safe execution of all things involved with lifting.
But the role goes much deeper than that. Let’s take a look.
What is an Appointed Person (AP)?
We need to be very specific about this, because the answer can be quite general. The term ‘appointed person’ is used in lots of industries. By and large, in each industry, they are the person designated to be in charge of, or oversee, a certain sector of an area of work.
To give one example, in first aid, an Appointed Person is in charge of first aid arrangements. This could mean storing and looking after the first aid kit, as well as calling an ambulance in an emergency. But is not to be confused with the first aider.
But in terms of lifting operations, this is where we need to be specific about the topic.
Lifting operations
In lifting operations, the Appointed Person (AP) is responsible for the safe operations of all lifting machinery, accessories, personnel, and procedures.
They can work direct for main contractors or subcontractors who are involved with lifting work. They can be hired out to a company to oversee the work. And they can also work as freelancers.
According to Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), any lifting machinery that lifts objects above 250mm has to have yearly LOLER inspections. As well as any other lifting equipment. Which means it will be monitored by the AP. This could be something as small as a shackle, or a pump truck, up to the biggest crane in the world.
So, the AP has a lot of responsibility, because lifting is safety critical work. Year after year, death rates are higher in construction than in any other industry.
Here are some duties for an Appointed Person:
- Choose cranes and lifting accessories.
- Write and amending lift plans.
- Sign people up to the lift plans.
- Make sure all lifting is done as per the lift plans.
- Check the competency of crane drivers prior to them starting work.
- Monitor the competency of lifting personnel throughout the duration of the project.
- Ensure lifting personnel receive a site-specific lifting induction.
- Ensure all lifts are supervised by a lift supervisor.
- Oversee specialist lifts.
- Ensure all crane check books are filled in.
- Liaise with site management.
- Liaise with third party agencies. Ie, network rail and airlines, civil engineers.
- Organise time slots for trades.
- Oversee the erection and taking down of cranes.
- Make sure ground is suitable for mobile or crawler cranes.
- Check certificates of any crane that is brought onto site.
- Keep lifting accessories in date.
- Organise services and repairs of cranes.
- Carry out lifting operations.
Let’s look at these duties in more detail.
1. Choosing cranes and lifting accessories.
For each job that involves lifting, the lead AP is usually the person who decides which size and model of crane to use, as well as the number of cranes.
The way an AP’s calculates what equipment is needed depends on:
- How big the job is.
- The height of the highest lift.
- What the heaviest lift will be.
- Running costs.
- Carbon footprint.
2. Writing and amending lift plans.
A method statement states the safe ways of how work must be undertaken and what equipment is to be used, as per the contractors’ requirements and equipment manufacturer’s specifications. In lifting operations, this is called the ‘lift plan’.
The AP will of draw up a ‘Schedule of Common Lifts’ for generic work that gets done by the main subcontractor. This is part of the lift plan that covers general work that gets done on a day-to-day basis.
They can also draw up specific lift plans for contract lifts or a company’s small lifts if the contractor or company doesn’t have the means to do so.
3. Signing people up to the lift plan.
When a person involved with lifting operations first starts at a particular site, they must carefully read the lift plan, then sign it to say that they’ve read and understood it. It is often the AP’s duty to show the individual the lift plan and make sure they read and sign it.
4. Making sure all lifting is done as per the lift plan.
Throughout the job, if an AP is based on site, it is their responsibility to make sure all lifting operations are carried out within the requirements of the lift plan that has been read and signed.
5. Checking the competency of crane drivers prior to them starting work.
When lifting personnel are new to site, the AP will check they have the relevant qualifications to do their job. The card will be photocopied and kept for records.
Some companies don’t permit ‘Red Card’ operatives to work on their jobs. This is a ‘Trained Operator Card’. It is the qualification you receive when first passing your training before gaining experience and receiving your ‘NVQ Level 2 Blue card’.
6. Monitoring the competency of lifting personnel throughout the duration of the project.
Even if operatives have the credentials that show they’re competent and experienced, the only proof of this is how they perform in the actual work they do.
As with any industry, some people are just not good at their job. They can also pick up bad habits, complacency, and laziness. The AP ensures this doesn’t happen.
7. Ensuring lifting personnel receive a site-specific lifting induction.
This could include showing them access and egress, as well as informing them of emergency procedures, crane rescue planes, crane access codes, key storage areas, etc.
8. Ensure all lifts are supervised by a lift supervisor.
As per LOLER, all lifts within a lifting operation must be supervised by a crane supervisor. The crane supervisor works directly with the crane drivers and slinger/signallers to ensure smooth running and safe lifting operations.
9. Overseeing specialist lifts.
Some lifts don’t come under the Schedule of Common Lifts. These are not ordinary lifts. They’re often called ‘Contract Lifts’, where a company goes in and performs a one-off project.
Although, some out of the ordinary lifts are included in the lift plan. Either way, the AP often oversees the operation to make sure it runs smoothly and safely.
10. Ensuring all crane check books are filled in.
Crane operators have a duty to carry out daily and weekly checks of the cranes they operate. These checks get logged in logbooks. An AP often ensures these logbooks get filled. They can also sign them as the site representative.
11. Liaising with site management.
Site management will inform the AP of any issues they find with regards to lifting.
The AP will also provide site management with technical advice, as well as keep them up to date with programmes of lifting activities and any changes that happen.
12. Liaising with third party agencies.
Construction projects regularly occur next to railway lines. Communication has to be made with Network Rail when cranes are to be used near the lines.
Tower cranes near rail lines have their lifting capacity reduced by 25% to prevent the crane over-lifting and collapsing onto the lines. If such a crane is needed to be at full lifting capacity for any reason, Network Rail should be notified for a permit.
Flight paths also have to be taken into account. If a crane is to be erected and worked 100m Above Ground Level (AGL), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) must be notified.
Similarly, if a crane exceeds 10m AGL or surrounding trees or structures, and is within 6km (3.7mi) an airfield/aerodrome, they must also be notified.
13. Organising time slots for trades.
On busy projects, lots of different companies might need to use the cranes throughout the day. Each day, representatives from each company will attend Daily Activity Briefings (DABs) meetings. They will book which cranes they need for the next day. The AP will approve these bookings and allocate time slots for the companies.
This prevents conflict and confusion.
14. Overseeing the erection and taking down of cranes.
As taking down and putting up of cranes is classed as specialist lifting, the AP has a duty to oversee the smooth and safe running of the project.
They will provide the Risk Assessment Method Statement (RAMS) prior to work commencing, then brief or be present in pre-work briefings. The AP will also organise exclusion zones.
15. Making sure ground is suitable for mobile or crawler cranes.
Ground stability is crucial when using lifting machinery. Unsafe ground can cause cranes to tip over. Sometimes crane mats are put in place for the cranes to travel on.
16. Checking certificates of any crane that is brought onto site.
Any lifting machinery should have certification to prove that it has been inspected and is safe for lifting. The certificates are checked by the AP prior to any lifting being done.
This isn’t just for the obvious cranes. It can be anything from forklifts to grab lorries to HIAB lorries that deliver goods.
17. Keeping lifting accessories in date.
Just like cranes, lifting accessories must be thoroughly inspected as well by an independent inspector. Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will issue the accessory a tag.
This tag must remain attached to the accessory with the expiry date clearly visible, so as not to allow the accessory to become out of date.
18. Organising services and repairs of cranes and equipment.
Cranes and accessories don’t last forever. Like anything else, they break. An AP is often responsible for organising the repairs of the equipment.
They can also book in the services of the cranes. Each crane’s service period is dependent on the manufacturer’s requirements.
19. Carrying out lifting operations.
As long as an AP has a valid slinger/signaller qualification, they’re sometimes required to assist with lifting operations.
How to become an AP.
The two governing bodies that provide qualifications to become an Appoint person are:
- CPCS
- NPORS
Courses can take 5-7 days and can cost £895-£1300.
CPCS
To do a CPCS Appointed Person (A61) course, you need to have enough prior experience with cranes to meet the British Standards 7121 (BS7121) Safe Use of Cranes requirements.
You’ll also need to have completed a health and safety Managers and Professionals (MAP) test less than two years prior to the course. This will need to be re-sat every two years.
If you already possess a Slinger/Signaller (A40) qualification, doing the AP training will automatically give you a Crane Supervisor (A62) qualification.
As with all operators who do CPCS training, this course initially gives you a Trained Operator Card (Red Card) when passing. This leads to the Competent Operator Card (Blue Card) after achieving the Appointed Person Level 5 NVQ.
The Blue Card gets renews every 5 years.
NPORS
The NPORS Red and Blue card system is much the same as with CPCS. Except, NPORS advise you to complete a 1-day NPORS Refresher Course every 3 years.
Click image to get your NVQ
Conclusion
Now you know what an Appointed Person for the lifting industry is, you might think, Who the hell wants all that responsibility? Right? But people do. It’s a natural progression for a lot of people.
Some have enough of climbing tower cranes. Others get tired of driving other cranes. Some people’s bodies start to fail on them, so want a more office-based job where they can still get outside for fresh air and light exercise. Some slinger/signallers and crane supervisors get fed up with being out in the elements all the time. And some just feel that it’s the next step up.
Whatever the reason, this article gives you an insight into what the role entails. If it’s a job that takes your fancy, you can go into it with your eyes open. After all, whatever you choose to do in life, you should do it to the best of your ability.
Best of luck to all.
Appointed Person training
Ready to take the next step in your lifting career? Start building your experience today and consider enrolling in an AP training course. The construction industry needs skilled Appointed Persons, and this could be your opportunity to make a significant impact while advancing your career.
Click below to advance your career
AP hire
Enquire to hire an Appointed Person to look after your lifting operations.
