Crane Method Statement Overview
What Is a Crane Method Statement?
A crane lifting Method Statement is a practical document explaining how a specific lifting operation is intended to be carried out.
It brings together the technical and operational information the lift team needs to follow the agreed method of work. Depending on the operation, this can include the lift classification, load details, crane configuration, lifting tackle, personnel responsibilities, communication arrangements and lifting sequence.
The Risk Assessment, on the other hand, identifies hazards and establishes how those risks should be controlled – both resources should be used together.
What Is the Purpose of a Method Statement?
In short, the Method Statement explains what the lift team needs to do. It turns the lifting plan and identified control measures into practical instructions for the people carrying out the work.
It often includes information on:
- Where the crane will be positioned
- Which lifting equipment will be used
- How instructions will be communicated
- The order in which the operation should be completed
The Method Statement can also distinguish between the crane hire company and client responsibilities, depending on the agreed scope.
Who Is Responsible for the Crane Method Statement?
Responsibility for a crane hire Method Statement depends on the type of crane hire arrangement. For a managed Contract Lift, Ainscough can assume the agreed responsibilities for planning, organising, supervising and carrying out the lifting operation.
Under CPA Crane Hire, the customer retains responsibility for planning and managing the lifting operation, including the Method Statement, Risk Assessment, lift planning and relevant competent personnel.
What Is Included in Our Crane Method Statement?
The level of detail required will vary between lifting operations; a straightforward lift may need less detailed instruction than a complex heavy crane project.
Scope of Work and Lift Classification
The Method Statement starts by defining the work it covers. This may include the purpose and location of the lifting operation, whether a single or multiple cranes are required and the relevant lift classification.
Load Details
The Method Statement can record important information about the load, including:
- Description
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Relevant lifting points or arrangements
- Other variables that affect how the load will be handled
These details inform the crane configuration, lifting tackle and methodology required for the lift.
Crane Selection and Configuration
The Method Statement can identify the crane or cranes selected for the lifting operation and how they will be configured. For complex projects, this may include equipment from a heavy crane fleet.
Depending on the crane and project, this may include boom configuration, counterweight, hook block, operating radius, crane capacity and other setup information.
The configuration should reflect the planned lifting duties and site conditions rather than simply identifying which crane will attend site.
Lifting Tackle and Equipment
The Method Statement can also specify the lifting tackle and supporting equipment required for the operation.
This may include:
- Slings
- Shackles
- Lifting beams
- Chain blocks
- Tag lines
- Push-pull poles
- Radios
- Other specialist equipment
For more complex operations, lifting tackle drawings may also be included to show exactly how equipment should be arranged for a particular load.
Site Access, Crane Positioning and Working Areas
The lifting method needs to reflect the physical conditions of the site. The Method Statement covers access routes, crane positioning, work-area obstructions and relevant interfaces with nearby structures, traffic or other site activity.
It can also provide practical details around working areas and segregation. For example, the Risk Assessment may identify the need for an exclusion zone, while the Method Statement can explain where that zone is and how it will be managed.
Ground Loading and Temporary Works
Ground conditions form an important part of lifting operations, but responsibility must be clearly defined.
Ainscough can provide relevant crane loading information within the agreed scope, such as outrigger or track loading data. This information can then be used by the client or Temporary Works Engineer when assessing or designing the supporting ground and temporary works arrangements.
Lift Team and Responsibilities
The Method Statement identifies the people and roles required for the lifting operation. The Appointed Person should be named within the Method Statement, while other roles can include:
- Lift Supervisor
- Slinger/Signaller
- Crane Operator
The people selected should have the competence and experience appropriate to the planned lifting operation.
Communication Arrangements
Clear communication is essential during a lifting operation. The Method Statement can also specify how instructions should be communicated between members of the lift team and who is authorised to direct the crane operator.
Depending on the operation, this may involve agreed hand signals, radios or other communication methods.
The Lifting Sequence
One of the most important parts of the Method Statement is the planned sequence of work, which should be broken down into clear steps.
This sequence can include:
- Crane setup
- Positioning the lift team
- Connecting lifting tackle
- Taking the initial load
- Lifting clear
- Slewing or travelling where applicable
- Controlling the load
- Lowering it into position
- Confirming it is secure
- Removing the lifting tackle
More complex operations may require detailed step-by-step instructions assigning specific actions to the Lift Supervisor, Slinger/Signaller and crane operator.
Weather, Site Changes and Variations
Weather and changing site conditions can affect whether the planned method can go ahead.
The Method Statement can identify relevant operating limits and explain how conditions should be monitored. Wind is particularly important because maximum permitted wind speeds depend on the crane, configuration and lifting operation.
If circumstances change and the approved safe system of work can no longer be followed, the lifting operation should not simply continue under a different method. Method Statements should include a variation process, which can mean stopping the operation or agreeing on revised methodology.
Risk Assessments vs Method Statements
In many cases, the risk assessment informs the method statement. Here are the key differences between the two:
| Category | Risk Assessment | Method Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Identifies hazards and assesses the risks | Explains how the lifting operation will be carried out |
| Focus | What could go wrong and what needs to be controlled | What the lift team needs to do in practice |
| Content | Site hazards, people at risk, environmental conditions and control measures | Load details, crane configuration, lifting tackle, personnel and communication |
| Role in Planning | Helps establish the controls needed for the lift | Turns the agreed plan and controls into practical instructions |
Planning Safe Lifting Operations With Ainscough
For a managed Contract Lift, Ainscough can assume the agreed responsibilities for planning, organising, supervising and carrying out the lifting operation. Depending on the agreed scope, this can also include Risk Assessment and Method Statement development, technical documentation and coordinated on-site delivery. At Ainscough, our Make the Safe Choice approach is reflected in the way lifting operations are planned, documented and carried out.
Where our team is responsible for the lifting operation, work is carried out with reference to applicable BS 7121 guidance and relevant LOLER requirements. To explore our wider crane hire services or discuss what support you need for your project, just contact our team and we can help identify a suitable crane hire or managed lifting solution.