What this is
What is a lifting operations permit?
What is a lifting operations permit?
Authorisation for a lifting operation, recording the lift plan, the equipment and its certification, the accessories and their capacity, ground and area conditions, the exclusion zone, and the people involved and their roles.
Why does the lift plan matter more than the equipment?
Because crane capacity is not a single number. It varies with radius, boom configuration, outrigger extension and quadrant of operation, and the capacity chart figure at maximum radius can be a small fraction of the headline rating. Most overload incidents involve equipment operating outside the configuration assumed when the lift was conceived.
Scope
When is a lifting operations permit required?
This authorises a lifting operation. Equipment examination and operator competence sit separately.
Use this template when
- Lifting operations requiring planning beyond routine repetitive lifts
- Mobile crane, lorry loader and mobile elevating work platform operations
- Lifts near structures, services, public areas or occupied buildings
- Tandem lifts, blind lifts and lifts where the load cannot be seen throughout
- Lifting people, which carries additional requirements throughout
Do not use it for
- Thorough examination records for lifting equipment and accessories
- Operator and slinger competence records, which are certification rather than authorisation
- Routine repetitive lifts covered by a generic lift plan
- Overhead crane operation within its designed envelope on a fixed installation
- The permit for adjacent work such as excavation or work at height
Compliance mapping
Which ASME B30 requirements does this satisfy?
Lifting operations are governed by equipment standards and, in some jurisdictions, by prescriptive planning and examination duties.
| Clause | Requirement | Where it lands |
|---|---|---|
| 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC | Cranes and derricks in construction, including assembly, operation, inspection and operator qualification | Gate 2 Equipment |
| 29 CFR 1926.1417 | Operation requirements including load charts, and prohibition on exceeding manufacturer limits | Gate 1 Lift plan |
| 29 CFR 1926.1402 | Ground conditions adequate to support the equipment, with the controlling entity responsible | Gate 3 Area and people |
| ASME B30 series | Safety standards for cranes, hoists, slings and rigging hardware | Gate 2 Equipment |
| LOLER 1998 reg.8 | Lifting operations planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out safely (GB) | Gate 1 Lift plan |
| LOLER 1998 reg.9 | Thorough examination at statutory intervals, more frequently for equipment lifting persons | Gate 2 Equipment |
| 29 CFR 1926.1425 | Keeping clear of the load, and prohibitions on personnel beneath suspended loads | Gate 3 Area and people |
| 29 CFR 1926.1408 | Power line safety, with defined clearance distances by voltage | Gate 3 Area and people |
What it does not cover
- Thorough examination records for lifting equipment and accessories.
- Operator and slinger competence records, which certify rather than authorise.
- Generic lift plans covering routine repetitive operations.
- Fixed overhead crane operation within its designed envelope.
- Adjacent work permits for excavation, height or hot work.
How to complete it
How to complete a lifting operations permit, step by step
Establish both numbers, assess the ground, and define the zone by where the load could go.
Weigh it, or obtain a documented weight, or calculate it from dimensions and material with the assumptions recorded. Add attachments, contents, entrained water, mud and ice. A drawing weight for an item that has been modified, or a dry weight for something that has stood outside, is the estimate that appears in the incident report afterwards.
Radius, boom length, jib configuration, outrigger extension, quadrant of operation and whether the machine is on tyres or fully deployed. The chart figure at maximum radius is a small fraction of the headline rating, and the capacity available where the load is being placed is the one that governs.
Outrigger loads concentrate the machine and load weight onto small areas and can substantially exceed the weight being lifted. Underground services, drains, basements, backfilled excavations and recently laid surfaces are all failure routes. Where the ground is uncertain, mats spread the load and the calculation should be recorded.
Not the intended path but the area affected by a dropped load, a swinging load, or an overturn including the boom's reach. That zone frequently includes areas people expect to occupy, which is why defining it early is what makes the lift schedulable rather than a source of argument on the day.
What auditors find
Most common lifting operations permit findings
Lifting findings concentrate on the two numbers and on the ground.
| Finding | Clause | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Load weight estimated rather than established. | 1926.1417 | Weigh, document or calculate with assumptions recorded, including contents and attachments. |
| Capacity taken from the headline rating rather than the chart at working radius. | 1926.1417 | Capacity varies with radius, configuration and quadrant. |
| Ground conditions not assessed for outrigger loading. | 1926.1402 | Outrigger loads concentrate and can exceed the load being lifted. |
| Sling angle not accounted for in accessory capacity. | ASME B30.9 | Angle reduces leg capacity substantially; a four-leg sling is not four times a single leg. |
| Exclusion zone drawn around the intended path only. | 1926.1425 | Define by where the load could go, including overturn reach. |
| Power line clearance distances not established. | 1926.1408 | Clearance is prescribed by voltage and is a common contact mechanism. |
| Thorough examination or inspection certification out of date. | LOLER reg.9 | Intervals are statutory and shorter for equipment lifting persons. |
| Blind lift with no agreed communication method. | 1926.1419 | Signal person and communication method defined before the lift begins. |
| Lift plan not revised when conditions or configuration changed on the day. | LOLER reg.8 | A plan describing a different configuration authorises nothing. |
| Accessories used without inspection before the lift. | ASME B30.9 | Slings and hardware are inspected before use as well as periodically. |
Case in point
Case in point: the weight on the drawing
A vessel was to be lifted from a plant area during a shutdown. The lift plan used the weight shown on the original fabrication drawing, and the crane was selected with what appeared to be a comfortable margin at the working radius.
The vessel had been modified twice since fabrication, gaining an insulation jacket, a heavier access platform and additional nozzles. It had also stood outdoors and retained residue and rainwater that had not been drained. The actual lifted weight was materially higher than the drawing figure.
The margin that existed on the plan did not exist on the day. Nothing about the crane, the rigging or the operator was inadequate; the number they were all working from described an item that no longer existed.
The template
The template, field by field
The form exactly as it installs. Every field, option, score and conditional rule is editable, and the links to other templates come with it.
8 sections
- Reference
- SAF-055
- Archetype
- Permit
- Record ID
- PTW-2026-000
- Scoring
- Go or no go
- Direction
- n/a
- Singleton
- No
- Basis
- ASME B30, OSHA 1926 Subpart CC
- Links
- Links Asset, Lifting Gear
- Tags
- Permit, Lifting
- Sections
- 8
- Fields
- 77
- Follow up fields
- 13
- Repeating sections
- 0
- Links out
- 9
Permit
9 fieldsPermit ID*
Auto sequence. Format PTW-2026-00000.
The record's own ID. Other templates point at this value.
Status*
Drives who this goes to next.
- Planned2 pts
- In progress2 pts
- Complete3 pts
- Deferred0 pts
- Open0 pts
- Closed3 pts
- Overdue0 pts
Valid From*
Valid To*
One shift maximum. A new permit is raised for the next shift.
Before You Start
The load only has to fall once. Lift plans exist because the failure mode is instant and fatal.
Site*
Site ID*
Format SITE-000.
Links to FDN-001 Site ID
Area*
The area within the site.
Exact Location
Drop a pin for anything hard to find.
The work
12 fieldsWork Description*
Work Order ID
Links to MNT-002 Work Order ID
Number Of Workers*
Asset
Asset ID
Format AST-0000.
Links to FDN-002 Asset ID
Risk Assessment
Risk ID
Format RSK-2026-00000.
Links to FDN-012 Risk ID
Contractor Involved*
Contractor
Vendor ID
Format VEN-0000.
Links to FDN-005 Vendor ID
Induction Verified
- Yes2 pts
- No0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Method Statement Received
- Pass2 pts
- Partial1 pt
- Fail0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Gate 1 Lift plan
8 fieldsLift Category*
Routine, non routine or complex. Complex lifts need an appointed person.
- Routine3 pts
- Non routine2 pts
- Complex1 pt
Lift Plan Attached
Appointed Person
Load Weight Kg*
Load Weight Verified*
Estimated weights are the most common cause of overload.
- Weighed or from data plate3 pts
- Calculated2 pts
- Estimated0 pts
Centre Of Gravity Known*
- Pass2 pts
- Partial1 pt
- Fail0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Lift Radius Metres
Percent Of Rated Capacity*
Gate 2 Equipment
7 fieldsLifting Equipment*
Asset ID*
Format AST-0000.
Links to FDN-002 Asset ID
Equipment Certificate Current*
- Yes2 pts
- No0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Lifting Gear Inspected*
- Pass2 pts
- Partial1 pt
- Fail0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Gear Inspection ID
Links to SAF-037 Inspection ID
Sling Angle Within Limits*
Sling angle multiplies the load on each leg. This is the calculation people get wrong.
- Pass2 pts
- Partial1 pt
- Fail0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Edge Protection On Slings*
- Pass2 pts
- Partial1 pt
- Fail0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Gate 3 Area and people
11 fieldsGround Conditions Assessed*
- Pass2 pts
- Partial1 pt
- Fail0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Outriggers Deployed On Mats*
- Pass2 pts
- Partial1 pt
- Fail0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Overhead Clearance Confirmed*
- Yes2 pts
- No0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Exclusion Zone Established*
- Pass2 pts
- Partial1 pt
- Fail0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Nobody Under The Load*
- Pass2 pts
- Partial1 pt
- Fail0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Wind Within Limits*
- Pass2 pts
- Partial1 pt
- Fail0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Slinger Signaller*
Person ID*
Format PER-0000.
Links to FDN-003 Person ID
Slinger Qualified*
- Pass2 pts
- Partial1 pt
- Fail0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Signals Agreed Before Lifting*
- Pass2 pts
- Partial1 pt
- Fail0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Tag Lines Fitted*
- Pass2 pts
- Partial1 pt
- Fail0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Food safety controls
7 fieldsWork In Or Above A Food Area*
Meat and dairy areas need protection before, during and after the work.
Product Removed Or Covered
- Yes3 pts
- Partly1 pt
- No0 pts
Area Screened Off
- Yes3 pts
- Partly1 pt
- No0 pts
Tool And Part Accountability Agreed
Every tool and fastener taken in must be accounted for before release.
- Pass2 pts
- Partial1 pt
- Fail0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Food Grade Materials Only
- Yes3 pts
- No0 pts
Post Work Sanitation Required
Sanitation Record ID
Links to QUA-030 Inspection ID
Authorisation
11 fieldsNo Gate, No Start
Every gate above must pass before work begins. There is no partial permit. If anything is unresolved, the permit is not issued.
All Gates Passed*
- Yes2 pts
- No, entry refused0 pts
Reason Not Issued
Issued By*
Issuer Authorised For This Permit*
- Pass2 pts
- Partial1 pt
- Fail0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Issuer Signature*
Issue Time*
Accepted By*
Acceptor Signature*
Toolbox Talk Held With Crew*
- Pass2 pts
- Partial1 pt
- Fail0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Talk Record ID
Links to TRN-009 Talk ID
Closure
12 fieldsWork Complete*
- Yes3 pts
- No0 pts
Work Suspended
All Persons Accounted For*
- Pass2 pts
- Partial1 pt
- Fail0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Tools And Equipment Removed*
- Yes2 pts
- No0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Area Left Safe*
- Pass2 pts
- Partial1 pt
- Fail0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Guards And Controls Restored*
- Yes3 pts
- No0 pts
Load Landed And Secure*
- Pass2 pts
- Partial1 pt
- Fail0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Gear Returned And Inspected*
- Pass2 pts
- Partial1 pt
- Fail0 pts
- N/Aexcluded from denominator
Permit Cancelled Time*
Cancelled By*
Closure Signature*
Area Owner Signature*
SAF-055 · record IDs look like PTW-2026-000 · Links Asset, Lifting Gear
Open in KnowellaRun it with agents
From a document you fill in to a programme that runs itself
The permit authorises a specific lift. What fails is a weight taken from a drawing and a capacity taken from the headline.
Requires established load weight and configured capacity as gates, and holds the exclusion zone against other work in the area.
Tracks thorough examination and inspection status for equipment and accessories, with shorter intervals where people are lifted.
Verifies operator, slinger and signaller competence for the specific equipment, and coordinates with the lifting contractor's plan.
Flags interacting work in the exclusion zone so lifts and adjacent activities are scheduled rather than discovered.
This template lives in KnowSafe — safety and compliance. Incidents, hazards, permits, inspections and the critical controls behind them.
Meet KnowSafe→Glossary
Lifting Operations Permit definitions and key terms
- Lift plan
- The documented plan for a lifting operation covering load, equipment, configuration, ground, area and roles.
- Working radius
- The horizontal distance from the centre of rotation to the load, which determines available capacity.
- Capacity chart
- The manufacturer's table of permitted loads by radius, boom length and configuration.
- Outrigger loading
- The concentrated force transmitted to the ground through outrigger pads, frequently exceeding the load lifted.
- Sling angle
- The angle between sling legs and the vertical, which reduces the capacity of each leg as it increases.
- Exclusion zone
- The area kept clear, defined by where the load could go rather than by its intended path.
- Thorough examination
- The statutory examination of lifting equipment and accessories at prescribed intervals.
- Blind lift
- A lift where the operator cannot see the load throughout, requiring a signal person and agreed communication.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about lifting operations permit
What are the two numbers that matter most?+
The actual weight of the load and the actual capacity of the equipment in the configuration and at the radius being used. Both are routinely approximated, and both approximations tend in the same direction: the load is heavier than assumed and the capacity is lower than the headline rating. The margin that exists on the plan then does not exist on the day.
Why is crane capacity not a single number?+
Because it varies with working radius, boom length, jib configuration, outrigger extension and the quadrant of operation. The capacity at maximum radius can be a small fraction of the headline rating, and the figure that governs is the one on the chart for where the load is actually being placed, not where the crane is standing.
Why do ground conditions matter so much?+
Because outrigger pads concentrate the combined weight of machine and load onto small areas, and the resulting pressure can substantially exceed the load being lifted. Backfilled excavations, drains, basements, buried services and recently laid surfaces are all routes to an outrigger sinking, which is one of the more common overturn mechanisms.
How should the exclusion zone be defined?+
By where the load could go, not where it is intended to go. That includes the swing path, the area a dropped load would reach, and the area affected by an overturn including the boom's reach. Defining it early makes the lift schedulable, because the zone frequently covers areas that other people expect to be using.
What is most often wrong with rigging?+
Capacity treated as additive across sling legs. Sling angle reduces the capacity of each leg substantially as the angle from vertical increases, so a four-leg sling at a wide angle carries considerably less than four times a single leg. Accessories also require inspection before use as well as periodic thorough examination.
Keep going
Related templates and programmes
Industries this is written for
Programmes this belongs to
Used together in Permit to Work
Contractor Permit Compliance Check
Checks that a contractor working under permit is doing what the permit says, at the work point
Hot Work Permit
Controls welding, cutting, grinding and any work that makes sparks or heat
Confined Space Entry Permit
Controls entry into tanks, pits, silos and other confined spaces
Energy Isolation Permit
Controls work where machinery must be shut down and locked out
Working at Height Permit
Controls work above the height set by local rules where fall protection is needed
Excavation Permit
Controls digging and trenching, including checks for buried services
More in Permits
Hot Work Permit
Controls welding, cutting, grinding and any work that makes sparks or heat
Confined Space Entry Permit
Controls entry into tanks, pits, silos and other confined spaces
Energy Isolation Permit
Controls work where machinery must be shut down and locked out
Working at Height Permit
Controls work above the height set by local rules where fall protection is needed
Excavation Permit
Controls digging and trenching, including checks for buried services
Electrical Work Permit
Controls work on or near live electrical equipment where it cannot be de-energised
Written and reviewed by
Siddarth Singh
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Knowella
Certified Safety Professional and industrial and systems engineer with more than a decade inside food supply chain, freight and manufacturing operations. This page was written against the current text of the standards it cites, not against secondary summaries of them.
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Board of Certified Safety Professionals
- MBA, University of Chicago Booth School of Business
- MS and BS, The Ohio State University, Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Six Sigma Black Belt
Sources and last review. Reviewed 16 August 2026 against:
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, cranes and derricks in construction, OSHA
- ASME B30 series, safety standards for cableways, cranes, hoists, slings and rigging
- Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, regulations 8 and 9 (GB)
- 29 CFR 1926.1408, power line safety, OSHA
- 29 CFR 1910.179 and 1910.184, overhead cranes and slings, OSHA
This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Confirm requirements with your jurisdiction’s regulator.