Lifting Over Live Traffic

Lifting operations over live traffic routes create extreme hazards from dropped loads striking vehicles and occupants.
LOLER 1998 requires all lifting operations to be planned and carried out to avoid danger to persons.
The preferred control is to close the road during the lift — this eliminates the risk entirely.
Where road closure is not possible, traffic must be stopped during each lift cycle using stop-go control.
The lift plan must specifically address the risk to road users and define the traffic management measures.
Wind conditions are critical — gusts can swing a suspended load into the path of passing vehicles.
The crane must be positioned so the load path minimises or eliminates time spent over the live carriageway.
Communication between the crane operator, lift supervisor, and traffic management team must be continuous.
Night lifts may be preferred to reduce the number of road users exposed during the operation.
Highways authority approval is required before any lifting operation takes place over a public road.

Fatal consequences	A load dropped onto a moving vehicle causes catastrophic injury or death to the vehicle occupants.
Public exposure	Road users have no control over the lifting operation — the duty to protect them is absolute.
Legal requirement	LOLER 1998 and the Highways Act require lifts over roads to be planned and authorised with traffic controls.

Do

Don't

Close the road during the lift as the preferred and safest option
Stop traffic using controlled stop-go marshals if full closure is not possible
Obtain highways authority approval before lifting over any public road
Prepare a lift plan that specifically addresses the risk to road users below
Monitor wind speed continuously and halt lifts if conditions threaten load control
Position the crane to minimise the load path over the live carriageway
Maintain continuous communication between the crane, lift supervisor, and traffic team
Consider night lifts to reduce the number of road users exposed during the operation
Brief the entire team including traffic marshals on the lift plan and abort procedure
Use taglines to control the load and prevent it swinging over traffic lanes

DON'T lift loads over live traffic without road closure or stop-go traffic control
DON'T proceed without highways authority approval for lifts over public roads
DON'T lift in wind conditions that could swing the load into the traffic path
DON'T allow traffic to pass beneath a suspended load at any time during the lift
DON'T rely on traffic lights alone — use manned stop-go control for each lift cycle
DON'T position the crane where the load must travel the maximum distance over the road
DON'T lift without taglines to control load swing and rotation
DON'T skip the lift plan review addressing road user protection measures
DON'T assume road users will see and avoid the crane — protect them with active controls
DON'T continue a lift if the traffic management team reports any control breakdown

See also: Lifting Operations Awareness (LOLER) | Lift Plan Requirements

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