Level 5 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting …...you routinely prepare risk assessments and method statements for lifting operations. A common misconception is that you must plan lifting

Level 5 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting

Operations ‐ Planning Lifts Candidates Guide to the Qualification

and Evidence Requirements

© IS Training Ltd 2014 no copying without ISTL permission except as permitted by copyright law. V4-01052015 IS Training Ltd is a company registered in England registration number 07275973 VAT registration number 994 4811 75

Level 5 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations – Planning Lifts

Candidate’s Guide to Evidence Requirements

1. Introduction to the Qualification

The Level 5 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations – Planning Lifts is a standalone, nationally recognised vocational qualification for planning lifting operations. It is also a mandatory requirement to convert a red CPCS Trained Operator card, which is endorsed ‘Appointed Person (Lifting Operations)’, to a blue Competent Operator card with the same endorsement. Not everyone undertaking the qualification will hold CPCS cards.

Whilst the qualification is quite high in the table of qualifications, it is fairly straightforward for those who have experience of developing safe systems of work for lifting operations and who are familiar with the requirements of LOLER, PUWER and the code of practice BS7121 (or other industry recognised codes).

This qualification comprises 7 units, all of which are mandatory. They are as follows;

Unit Code Unit Title

QCF210v Developing and Maintaining Good Occupational Working Relationships in the Workplace

QCF728 Evaluating and Selecting Work Methods to Meet Project or Operational Requirements in the Workplace

QCF732 Identifying, Allocating and Planning the Deployment and Use of Plant, Equipment or Machinery in the Workplace

QCF530v2 Planning and Establishing Health, Safety, Welfare and Environmental Systems for Lifting Operations in the Workplace

QCF529v2 Planning Lifting Activities Using Cranes and/or Lifting Equipment in the Workplace

QCF729 Planning the Preparation of the Site for the Project or Operation in the Workplace

QCF702v2 Planning Work Activities and Resources to Meet Work Requirements in the Workplace

Although the unit codes and unit titles may seem a little daunting it is in fact a quite straightforward process if you routinely prepare risk assessments and method statements for lifting operations.

A common misconception is that you must plan lifting operations using mobile cranes in order to achieve this qualification. You can achieve this qualification by planning lifting operations using a variety of lifting equipment including tower cranes, crawler cranes, lorry loader cranes, hoists, overhead cranes, telescopic handlers, masted forklift trucks, excavators, drilling rigs and other lifting equipment covered by LOLER 98. Your evidence can be drawn from planning a range of safe systems of work using a single type of lifting equipment or through planning using different types of lifting equipment.




2. Evidence Requirements

In order to achieve this NVQ you will need to provide sufficient evidence to prove your competence across all the mandatory units in this qualification. The evidence you provide must be your own work which covers your lift planning/approving activities and your lift planning/approving experience. The types of evidence needed will vary according to the type of lifting equipment, the industry and the industrial sector it is being used in. Different companies will also have their own organisational and operational procedures. Evidence could include;

Records of formal and informal meetings where lift planning was the issue;

Records of telephone conversations when you sought information or gave advice about lifting planning activities;

Emails to or from others which show a communication process to seek information or clarification, confirm orders, provide information or suggesting alternative arrangements for lifting operations;

Copies of site visit records which confirm the location for planned lifting activities which might include access and egress for the lifting equipment/transport, site specific hazards, welfare facilities etc;

Copies of risk assessments for lifting operations which take into account the risks and the control measures;

Copies of method statements for lifting operations which contain all the details for the planned lift including load handling devices, people and their competencies, methods of attaching the load for transferring and positioning, proximity hazards, sequence of operations etc;

Copies of drawings which indicate the load dimensions and lifting points or method of slinging, lifting equipment details for positioning purposes etc. Drawing can be hand drawn sketches or computer generated;

Duty charts and/or range charts;

Details of the contract conditions for the lifting equipment to be used (hire/contract lift);

Other legislative, organisational and/or operational details necessary to complete the safe system of work for lifting operations.

Don’t worry if you don’t have access to some of the information shown above. Your assessor will ensure that you are able to identify all the naturally occurring work based evidence for your particular lifting equipment and work activity.

3. Professional Discussion

As this is a planning based qualification it is difficult to assess the whole planning process in a meaningful way through paper based or electronic evidence alone. Therefore, we use professional discussion to determine the underpinning knowledge requirements for this qualification.

This is an audio recorded discussion about what, how and why you plan your lifting operations in certain ways and what the consequences might be if lifting operations aren’t properly planned. We record the discussion in short start/stop segments to ensure that we are able to review all of the professional discussion afterwards rather than disrupting the ‘flow’ of the discussion by trying to take copious notes – although your assessor may still make some notes. THIS IS NOTE A TEST OR A PASS/FAIL INTERVIEW

The professional discussions will be, in part, based on the evidence which you have previously submitted to your assessor and this will be the basis of the questions that will be asked. The questions will be in a ‘tell me’ format and there won’t necessarily be specifically ‘right’ or ‘mode’ answers. Your reply will be based on the circumstances of you planned lifting operations and therefore the answer will be specific to your industry, sector, operation and the specific equipment requirements for each planned lift. The important thing to remember is that it is not a test and there is no pass or fail – you will either meet the national standard for the qualification or you will need to provide additional evidence to reach the standard.

4. Types of Evidence – Communication

Throughout our working day and beyond, we use a variety of communication methods to seek information or advice and to provide details and information to others. We may need to enquire about availability/lead time for lifting equipment or perhaps request plant hire rates amongst other things.




Common methods of communication include face to face discussions, formal and informal meetings, telephone conversations, emails to and from others, letters and faxes etc. Some forms of communication result in tangible evidence such a minutes of meetings, emails, letters and faxes for example.

Where there isn’t any tangible evidence of communication ‐ such as face to face discussions, informal meetings and telephone conversations for example, you could make reference to these in a personal statement (see appendix 1 for an example). In your personal statement you could describe the method of communication, the purpose and content of the communication and the outcome of the communication. An alternative to this is for your assessor to observe you undertaking one or more these activities but this would be difficult to arrange unless the opportunity arose naturally during an assessment visit or during an assessment planning visit.

Remember, whatever form of communication you use as evidence it must be your own and it must relate primarily to a lift planning process which is relevant to this qualification.

5. Types of Evidence – Sources of Information

In order to plan safe lifting operations which meet the minimum requirements of legislation, as well as the organisational and operational requirements of the task, you will need to obtain lift planning information from a variety of sources. This information will form the basis of your safe system of work.

Although this qualification covers a wide range of lifting equipment as mentioned earlier we are going to use examples of a mobile cranes used for lifting loads on a construction sites to illustrate sources of information. This is for brevity purposes only and your assessor will advise you of other sources information which are relevant to your particular circumstance.

The client’s outline – this provides you with details needed in order to start planning the lifting operation. This will include details of the load – weight, size, shape etc. This is good evidence to use as it is the start of the lift planning process and your assessor will be able to discuss your thought process;

Plant specification data, load charts and/or duty charts – these allow you to make your initial assessment of the type of lifting appliance that might be suitable for the lifting operation based on the clients outline information (see appendix 2 for an example);

Site inspection report – this allows you to fine tune your initial plant and equipment selection by identifying access and egress issues for the lifting appliance as well as transport for the load. Height and range issues, proximity hazards, obstacles and other trades/plant working on site will also influence the planning process (see appendix 3 for an example);

Manufacturer’s instructions and/or plant specification guides – you may use these you identify the available duties, rigging procedure, the weight of the appliance including the accessories/equipment on the lifting appliance, its manoeuvrability etc (see appendix 4 for an example);

Information from the plant hire company – this may be an email requesting information and could include the maximum loadings based on their calculations using the planned configuration and the load to be lifted and accessories that will be used (see appendix 5 for an example);

Drawings from the client, lift site, contractor or subcontractor – these may be hand drawn sketches for simple lifting operations or CAD drawings for more complex lifts. The drawings could be of the load dimensions, the slinging configuration, the lifting appliance berthing study, the loading/off‐loading of the load etc (see appendix 6 for an example);

Your own risk assessment of the lifting operation – this allows you to include the necessary control measures into the final safe system of work and will cover PPE, safety equipment, specialist support materials and other equipment etc (see appendix 7 for an example);

Other sources of information can be found through internet searches, specialist trade associations such as the CPA, discussions with colleagues, calls to utility companies etc. This method of sourcing information could also be included in your personal statement (see appendix 1)




6. Types of Evidence – Personnel Selection and Competence Requirements

An important part of the lift planning process is the identification of the personnel requirements and determining their competency. This is often included in the method statement and it’s an area often covered in toolbox talks given prior to the lifting operation (see appendix 8 for an example).

In the UK construction industry the most recognised plant card scheme is the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS). This scheme includes almost all the categories of plant used on construction sites and the operator will hold a card showing which categories of plant they are deemed competent to operate.

Other examples which a lift planner may specify to determine competence may include certificates of specific training for the plant they will be operating or proof of safety harness training if that is specified in the risk assessment as a control measure.

The safe system of work for lifting operations must show personnel to be used, the level of lift supervision and how they will be deemed competent.

7. Types of Evidence – Safe Systems of Work

There are many different ways of producing safe systems for work for lifting operations. Some are based on promoted best practice by trade associations such and the Construction Plant‐hire Association (CPA), others are in‐house templates which are part of an established quality management system.

The type of lifting equipment, the complexity of the operation and the frequency of similar lifting operations in the same work area or site will all influence the finished document. However, the evidence doesn’t have to conform to a particular layout or presented in a particular way but it does need to contain all the elements required to ensure safety is maintained prior to, throughout, and following the lifting operation.

The safe system of work submitted as evidence should include the following as a minimum:

An assessment of risks associated with the operation and the control measures;

Evidence of planning the operation;

A method statement showing the sequence of operations;

Details of the selection, provision and use of suitable lifting equipment, including: o maintenance; o inspection; o examination, and testing if required;

Site preparation, if required, including access and egress from the equipment and transport;

Details of trained and competent personnel who are aware of their statutory responsibilities;

Supervision by properly trained and competent personnel with authority;

Method of ensuring that all test certificates and other documents are available during operations;

Method of preventing unauthorised movement around the lift site at all times during operations;

Consideration for the safety of persons in the danger zone but not involved in the lifting operation.

Remember, your assessor is always available to help, guide and support you throughout the assessment process. If you are unsure of what is required or if you need further clarification then please contact your assessor.

The information shown in the following appendices are based on some of the good practice which IS Training Ltd has collected during the assessment process. However, the information has been altered to remove direct references to individuals and companies. Therefore, the information should not be used for planning purposes. It is provided as examples of evidence and how it may be presented.

The term often used in the following evidence is ‘Appointed Person’. Your industry, sector or organisation may use other titles or descriptions to identify the competent person responsible for planning safe systems of work for lifting operations on behalf of the Employing Organisation.


Candidate Statement Appendix 1

I was asked to liaise with the client’s construction manager regarding the lifting and transportation of 3 large intake trash screens which were being used on the hydro power scheme to prevent large pieces of debris entering the head tunnel and damaging the infrastructure. The client required the job to be carried out as soon as possible.

My first task was to undertake a site inspection, take photographs of the current positions of the trash screens, sketch out the area and look at possible areas where a crane could be setup. Two of the units weighed approximately 4,800kgs. However, the third unit weighed 8,200kgs which ruled out the use of a lorry loader crane which was available on site at all times. The third unit was well in excess of the lorry loaders maximum SWL.

Two of the three units were positioned to the rear of a peat storage area with only a narrow access road through wet and soft ground. This meant that I had to select a crane capable of reaching all the units from an area at the front of the intake zone.

Once I had obtained the weights of all the units from the client I was able to consult some crane duty charts to make an initial crane selection. Although I knew a larger crane was needed for reach purposes I had to ensure that the crane would not be too big due to the additional space requirements for setting up. A crane that was too big would increase the outrigger loadings and lead to larger temporary foundations for the crane set up on.

My initial crane selection was a Liebherr LTM1055 all terrain crane. This crane was large enough to manage the lift associated with the 8,200kgs trash screen. The temporary support for this crane would require peat to be stripped back and type 1 material and spoil from the tunnel compacted to form suitable foundations.

Once I had confirmed the crane size needed for the job I completed a requisition form in order for the buying department to order the crane from a local crane hire company. On this request form I included all of the necessary information I required to plan the lifting operation such as the details of outrigger loadings, the 12 monthly thorough examination report and details of all certified lifting equipment which the crane came with as standard. I also required details of the crane operator and certificates of specific training for that particular crane.

Unfortunately, due to other jobs overrunning the actual date for the crane lift was postponed a number of times. This meant that the crane hire company and the available crane also changed. The only crane the new hire company could supply was a Grove GMK 3055 which was of a similar specification to the Liebherr LTM1055. I amended my notes for the lift plan accordingly.

Once the actual date of the lift was confirmed I sent emails to those concerned, liaised with the client and called the crane supplier in order to ensure everything was in place for the new date. I also had to ensure that the site foreman was kept up to date with the changing information so that the foundation materials for beneath the outrigger pads would be on site and prepared in time.

In addition to the lift plan I completed a site sketch showing the location of the crane for the setup as well as the location of the tractor and trailer for transporting the gates off site. The lifting sequence and methodology was prepared and included the method statement which outlined the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved. A risk assessment was also prepared detailing the control measures required in order to eliminate the risks identified.

The finalised safe system of work was sent to the client for comment and acceptance. When their comments were received I incorporated them into a revised method statement and distributed it accordingly to all concerned. The new plan was clearly marked REVISION 1 – SUPERSEDES REVISION 0.

The lift took place according to plan and I called a team meeting afterwards to discuss the lifting operation and asked for suggestions, comments and feedback which would assist me with future lift planning. Everyone was happy and I thanked them for an excellent job well done.

Michael Eversomme, Appointed Person, Mount Engineering Solutions Ltd


Appendix 2


Site Visit Report ‐ Hydrodale Tunnel Project, Anglesey. Inspection report by Michael Eversomme

The site is located in a rural area of Anglesey with limited access from a single track country road. Crane must have all wheel steer in order to turn off the road and onto site. Additional banksmen will be need during the crane and transport access and egress of site manoeuvres to warn oncoming traffic of vehicles in the road;

Ground conditions on site are soft and the temporary access road is sufficient to handle the crane and transport. Crane and transport must travel slowly along the access road and a banksman to guide them to avoid getting to close to the edges;

Part of the existing fencing will need to be removed in order to site the crane. Site agent to arrange prior to crane arrival;

The lift site is in an open area with no overhead hazards;

Sufficient welfare facilities on site for the crane operator and transport driver;

There is an environmental action plan on site. Therefore the crane operator and transport driver must have access to spill kits and be properly trained in their use;

Site agents name is Tommy and his mobile number is 0780 xxxxxxx

Postcode for the site is AL13 9MR

Site safety inductions are held daily at 7.30am. All operatives must attend induction

Appendix 3


Appendix 4


Michael Eversomme From: Gabbot, Andrew [[email protected]] Sent: 17 May 2011 15:46 To: Eversomme, Michael Cc: Subject: RE: Allowable Bearing Pressures ‐ Crane Outrigger Loadings Michael, 1. 400 kN/m2 (minimum 3 m from edge of PQ) 2. 300 kN/m2 (built on sound layer) 3. 200 kN/m2 (subject to heel test) Of course, this is dependent on the outrigger pad edge being a minimum distance from the top of the closest batter. We also recommend using load spreading mats in general. A situation can be looked at in detail if these values are preclusive. Regards, Andy From: Eversomme, Michael Sent: 17 May 2011 13:12 To: Gabbot, Andrew [[email protected]] Subject: Allowable Bearing Pressures ‐ Crane Outrigger Loadings Andy, I have been requested to design a crane lift at the Tarnmills project. Can you please provide me with the allowable ground bearing pressures for the following; 1. PQ Concrete 2. Crushed concrete crane platform / piling matt (400mm thick( 3. Gravels (if allowable) I will conduct a plate bearing test on the crushed concrete platform or the gravels prior to loading if it has not been undertaken. Regards Michael Eversomme Appointed Person

Appendix 5


Appendix 6


Ian

Copyright

Appendix 7

Site Specific Risk Assessment – Mobile Crane Operations

Site Location: Old Hill Tannery, Gill Farm, Exxeborne Page 1 of 1

RA Produced by: Michael Eversomme, Appointed Person MESL Date: 08/06/2012

Activity & Hazards (Identify hazards associated

with task)

Initial Risk Rating

Control Measures (Identify measures to eliminate, reduce or control hazard or those

that are requested by others)

Residual Risk Rating

H M L H M LAccess

Unsuitable access or base

Plan crane arrival and work areas. Ensure access route and standing areas are free of obstruction and soft ground. Crane Supervisor to ensure adequate safe area for rigging and derigging to take place. Check operational area for overhead or adjacent structures. Ensure crane standing area will withstand imposed loading.

Restricted lifting or operational area

Check that the Slinger/Signaller and crane operator can see or communicate with each other. Crane co‐ordination may be required if other lifting operations are taking place. Ensure loads to be lifted are in the correct position and can be lifted and sited safely. No loads to be lifted over public areas. Lifting operations will not be carried out during adverse weather conditions.

Incorrect use of Crane and Lifting Operation

Overloading of crane and lifting equipment

Ensure that all safe load indicators are working correctly. Make sure there is adequate safe slewing area for the crane’s body. Does access need to be restricted? Check that the crane and its lifting accessories are in good condition and fit for the job. Ensure loads to be lifted are secure contained, or wrapped and the landing areas are clear and adequate for the loads. Remove any defective equipment immediately and ensure replacements are in good condition and certificated before being used. All lifting operations will be controlled by a competent people with CPCS cards.

Failure of equipment

All lifting equipment will be inspected prior to each working day or when the equipment has been abused or misused. All lifting equipment is subject to regular thorough examination, frequent inspection, maintenance and testing if deemed necessary by a competent person. Records of all of the above will be kept and readily available when required.

Lack of correct PPE

In order to avoid confusion on site the Slinger/Signaller and Banksman will wear distinctive high viz jackets or vests. Head protection should be of a distinctive colour and is a mandatory requirement. Hand protection should be of good quality and afford maximum dexterity. Foot protection is mandatory. Communication equipment will be of the best quality and maintained to the highest standards.

General

Slips, trips and falls The work area must be kept clear of debris and unnecessary items and equipment. Safety boots with sufficient ankle support must be worn to prevent twisted ankles – rigger boots must not be worn.

Working at height There is no requirement for personnel to work at height on this project. Ladders, ‘hop ups’ etc must not be used.

Falling into excavations or voids

Excavations and voids must be barriered off to ensure falls into them cannot occur. Crane Supervisor to ensure all excavations and voids are protected prior to starting the lift and throughout.

COSHH Appropriate gloves and light eye protection must be worn when refuelling or lubricating plant, machinery and accessories.

All persons undertaking activities indicated on this Risk Assessment Form must be made fully aware of its contents


Appendix 8

Competence and Training Requirements for Lifting Operations Personnel

Site Location: Old Hill Tannery, Gill Farm, Exxeborne Page: 1 of 1

RA Produced by: Michael Eversomme, Appointed Person MESL Date: 08/06/2012

Role in Lift Team Name CPCS Category Card

Number Expiry Date

Additional Training Certificate Requirements

Appointed Person Michael Eversomme A61 AP 44xxx62 Jan‐2013 N/A

Crane Supervisor Andrew Jones A62 CLOS 92xxx01 Aug‐2014 N/A

Crane Operator Peter Thompson A60 Mobile Cranes 64xxx59 June‐2013 GMK3055 Specific Training

Slinger/Signaller 1 Phil Anderson A40 Slinger/Signaller 89xxx72 May‐2015 N/A

Slinger/Signaller 2 Mark Warner A40 Slinger/Signaller 77xxx64 Dec‐2012 N/A

I confirm that I have read and understood the Risk Assessment and Method Statement for this lifting operation and I am aware of my role and responsibilities.

Print Name Signature Employer Date

1. Michael Eversomme Michael Eversomme Mount Engineering 08/06/2012

2. Andrew Jones Andrew Jones Mount Engineering 08/06/2012

3. Peter Thompson Peter Thompson Southern Central Crane Supplies 08/06/2012

4. Phil Anderson Phil Anderson Mount Engineering 08/06/2012

5. Mark Warner Mark Warner Southern Central Crane Supplies 08/06/2012

Notes: All of the above undertook the site specific induction on the first morning followed by a toolbox talk delivered by the Crane Supervisor Andrew Jones which covered the risk assessment and method statement.

All CPCS cards and training certificates must be checked and recorded before the lifting operation begins. All lifting operations personnel must sign this form before the lifting operation begins to confirm that they have seen, read and understood the risk assessment and method statement.


Documents

Level 5 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting …...you routinely prepare risk assessments and method statements for lifting operations. A common misconception is that you must plan lifting