Rigging and Lifting Plan Review
Review a critical lift plan before the crane moves. This template checks load data, rigging, crane setup, and exclusion-zone controls so you can catch lift-stopping deficiencies early.
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Overview
This Rigging and Lifting Plan Review template is for pre-lift verification of critical crane and rigging operations. It walks the reviewer through the items that most often determine whether a lift is safe to proceed: approved lift plan availability, verified load weight, center of gravity, pick points, rigging selection, sling angles, crane setup, ground bearing capacity, weather limits, and exclusion-zone controls.
Use it before planned lifts where a mistake could lead to dropped loads, equipment damage, struck-by exposure, or instability. It is especially useful when the load is unusual, the rigging arrangement is non-routine, the crane is operating near capacity, the ground is soft or uneven, or the lift path passes near personnel or structures. The template is also a good fit when multiple people need to confirm the same plan before work starts.
Do not use it as a substitute for a qualified lift plan, operator certification, or site-specific engineering review. It is not meant for routine handoffs with no lifting hazard, and it should not be used to approve a lift when the load weight, ground conditions, or equipment capacity are still unknown. If the lift changes after review, the plan should be reopened and rechecked before continuing.
Standards & compliance context
- This template supports OSHA general industry and construction expectations for planning, competent oversight, and safe crane and rigging operations.
- It aligns with recognized rigging and lifting practices used in ANSI/ASSP safety programs, including verification of equipment condition and load control.
- For crane setup and exclusion zones, it helps document the kind of hazard control expected under industry crane guidance and site safety rules.
- Where the worksite has fire-life-safety or access constraints, the review can be paired with NFPA-based site controls and emergency access requirements.
- If the lift is part of a broader quality or maintenance process, the review can also support ISO 9001-style document control and corrective action tracking.
General regulatory context for orientation only — verify current requirements with counsel or the relevant agency before relying on this template for compliance.
What's inside this template
Lift Plan and Load Verification
This section matters because the lift cannot be safe if the load, pick points, or landing area are wrong before rigging starts.
- Lift plan is approved and available at the worksite
- Load weight is verified against current documentation
- Center of gravity is identified and marked on the lift plan
- Load dimensions and pick points are confirmed
- Lift path and landing area are identified
Rigging Selection and Condition
This section matters because the rigging arrangement must match the load and remain within capacity at the planned sling angles.
- Rigging type and configuration match the lift plan
- Rigging capacity is adequate for the load and sling angles
- Slings, shackles, hooks, and hardware are free of visible damage
- Hook safety latches and connection points are secure
- Qualified rigger has reviewed the rigging arrangement
Crane Setup and Ground Bearing Capacity
This section matters because crane stability depends on verified setup conditions, not just operator experience.
- Ground bearing capacity has been verified for crane setup and outrigger loading
- Outrigger pads or mats are installed and sized per the lift plan
- Crane setup area is level and free of obstructions
- Boom length, radius, and capacity chart are confirmed for the planned lift
- Weather and wind conditions are within the lift plan limits
Exclusion Zone and Communication Controls
This section matters because even a well-planned lift can fail if people enter the drop zone or the crew is not using one clear communication method.
- Exclusion zone is established and clearly marked
- Unauthorized personnel are kept outside the lift area
- Signal person, rigger, and operator roles are assigned and understood
- Primary communication method is confirmed before the lift
- Pre-lift briefing completed with all involved personnel
How to use this template
- 1. Attach the current lift plan, load documentation, crane chart, and any site drawings so the reviewer can compare the paper plan to the actual lift conditions.
- 2. Confirm the load weight, center of gravity, pick points, lift path, and landing area against current documentation and field markings before any rigging is connected.
- 3. Verify that the rigging type, sling angles, shackles, hooks, and hardware match the planned configuration and are free of visible damage or missing safety features.
- 4. Check crane setup conditions, including ground bearing capacity, outrigger pad sizing, boom radius, and weather limits, and stop the lift if any limit is exceeded.
- 5. Establish the exclusion zone, assign the signal person, rigger, and operator roles, and complete the pre-lift briefing so everyone uses the same communication method.
- 6. Record deficiencies, corrective actions, and final approval only after the lift plan matches field conditions and all critical items are confirmed.
Best practices
- Verify load weight from current documentation, not from memory or an old shipping tag.
- Mark the center of gravity on the lift plan and on the load when practical so the rigging crew can see the intended balance point.
- Photograph rigging hardware, crane setup, and ground conditions at the time of review so the record reflects the actual field condition.
- Treat sling angle changes as a capacity issue, not just a rigging preference, because angle reduction can quickly reduce usable capacity.
- Confirm that outrigger pads or mats are sized for the planned load and soil condition before the crane is positioned.
- Keep the exclusion zone large enough to cover load swing, rigging travel, and landing movements, not just the footprint of the crane.
- Stop and re-review the plan if wind, visibility, ground conditions, or the load configuration changes after approval.
- Use one primary communication method for the lift and make sure the signal person, rigger, and operator all understand who has control.
What this template typically catches
Issues teams running this template most often surface in practice:
Common use cases
Frequently asked questions
What does this rigging and lifting plan review template cover?
It covers the pre-lift checks that should be confirmed before a critical lift starts: load verification, center of gravity, rigging selection, crane setup, ground bearing capacity, and exclusion-zone controls. It is designed to document whether the lift plan matches the actual field conditions and equipment in use. The template is meant for planned lifts, not for routine material moves with no special hazards.
When should this template be used?
Use it before any lift where the load is heavy, awkward, high-risk, or outside normal routine handling. It is especially useful when the lift involves uncertain load weight, multiple pick points, limited set-down space, soft ground, or changing weather. If conditions change after the review, the plan should be rechecked before the lift proceeds.
Who should complete the review?
A competent person or qualified supervisor should lead the review, with input from the qualified rigger, crane operator, and signal person as needed. The people signing off should understand the lift plan, the equipment limits, and the site conditions. If the lift is complex, the review should be part of a formal pre-lift briefing rather than a paper-only signoff.
Does this template align with OSHA or other safety standards?
Yes, it supports the kind of planning and verification expected under OSHA general industry and construction requirements for lifting operations, along with recognized industry practices for rigging and crane setup. It also fits the documentation approach used in ANSI/ASSP safety programs and related crane and rigging guidance. For fire or building access constraints, it can be paired with site rules under NFPA-based emergency and access controls.
What are the most common mistakes this review helps catch?
Common misses include using an outdated load weight, not marking the center of gravity, selecting rigging that does not match sling angles, and setting the crane on ground that has not been verified for bearing capacity. Teams also miss damaged hardware, unsecured hook latches, and exclusion zones that are not actually enforced. This template helps turn those issues into visible deficiencies before the lift begins.
Can I customize this for different lift types or sites?
Yes, and you should. You can add fields for tandem lifts, pick-and-carry moves, confined-area lifts, rooftop lifts, or lifts near energized equipment or overhead obstructions. Many teams also add site-specific approval fields, weather thresholds, or a required photo attachment for the load and rigging setup.
How often should a lift plan review be completed?
It should be completed before each planned critical lift, and again whenever the plan, load, equipment, or site conditions change. If the lift is repeated under identical conditions, some organizations still require a fresh review at the start of the shift or job phase. The key is that the review reflects the actual lift being performed, not a generic prior approval.
How does this compare with an ad-hoc pre-lift check?
An ad-hoc check usually relies on memory and verbal confirmation, which makes it easier to miss load data, rigging limits, or ground issues. This template creates a consistent record of what was verified, who reviewed it, and what was found. That makes it easier to stop an unsafe lift, brief the crew, and document corrective action.
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