Distinguish a lift plan from a method statement in crane work.

• A. A lift plan is specific to a lifting operation detailing loads, routes, and hazards; a method statement describes how work will be performed to ensure safety changes.
• B. A lift plan is about daily maintenance; method statement is about training.
• C. They are identical.
• D. A method statement applies only to electrical work.

Answer: (A)

In crane work, the lift plan is the detailed, operation-specific plan for a lifting task. It lists the exact loads, their weights and dimensions, center of gravity, rigging methods (slings, hooks, lifting beams), crane setup, travel routes, ground and environmental conditions, exclusion zones, and the required signaling and communication arrangements. It also sets out the sequence of steps for that lift and the controls needed to keep the lift safe, such as wind limits, load monitoring, and contingency measures. This focuses on what will be done with the crane and how the lift will be executed safely.

A method statement, on the other hand, describes how the work will be performed to ensure overall safety. It covers the approach, sequence of tasks, responsibilities, risk assessments, control measures, and emergency procedures for the job or activity. It’s broader in scope and can apply to the whole piece of work or to other trades, not just the lifting operation.

So the lift plan is the specific plan for the lifting operation itself, detailing loads, routes, and hazards, while the method statement explains the safe method of performing the work more generally. The other options mix up maintenance, training, or claim they’re identical, which isn’t accurate, and the idea that a method statement applies only to electrical work is not correct.