Who approves a lift plan and what information does it contain?

• A. A crane operator approves; plan includes only rigging details.
• B. A competent person or supervisor approves; plan includes scope, hazards, rigging, weather, and emergency procedures.
• C. The client approves; plan includes only cost.
• D. The safety officer approves; plan includes only PPE.

Answer: (B)

A lift plan is approved by a competent person or supervisor who has the authority and knowledge to assess risks and authorize the lift. The plan should lay out the work scope, the hazards identified, and the controls to manage those hazards, along with the rigging plan and equipment details, any weather or site condition considerations, clear communication and signaling procedures, and emergency or contingency procedures. This combination ensures everyone knows what is being moved, how it will be moved, what could go wrong, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Relying on the crane operator to approve misses the risk assessment role, and having the client or a safety officer approve alone would not ensure the practical, on-site feasibility and risk controls are fully addressed. A plan that only covers cost, only PPE, or only rigging details is incomplete because it leaves out how the lift will be managed safely in its full context.