Excavator Lifting Operations

Excavators are frequently used as lifting machines on construction sites to handle pipes, chambers, and materials.
LOLER 1998 applies to all lifting operations using excavators — the same duties apply as for cranes.
A written lift plan is required for every planned lifting operation, no matter how light the load appears.
The excavator must be fitted with a certified lifting eye or purpose-designed quick-hitch lifting point.
Lifting capacity varies with boom radius — the machine's rated capacity reduces significantly at full reach.
The operator must hold a valid CPCS or NPORS card with the A59 lifting operations endorsement.
All lifting accessories including chains, slings, and shackles must have current LOLER thorough examination certificates.
The ground conditions must support the machine at its maximum loaded operating weight without risk of sinking.
Excavator lifting is classified as a higher-risk activity and requires an appointed person to plan each lift.
Unplanned or improvised lifts using buckets without proper lifting points are prohibited under LOLER.

Prevent dropped loads	A load falling from an excavator bucket or improvised lifting point can crush and kill anyone underneath instantly.
Machine stability	Exceeding the rated lifting capacity at a given radius causes the excavator to tip, endangering the operator and ground workers.
Legal requirement	LOLER 1998 requires a lift plan, competent appointed person, and thorough examination of all lifting accessories.
Accessory failure	Using uncertified or damaged slings causes unexpected failure under load — accessories must be examined every six months.

Do

Don't

Prepare a written lift plan for every lifting operation before work begins.
Confirm the excavator has a certified lifting eye or approved quick-hitch point.
Check the load chart to verify the machine can lift the load at the required radius.
Inspect all slings, chains, and shackles and confirm thorough examination certificates are valid.
Ensure the operator holds a current CPCS or NPORS card with lifting endorsement.
Position the machine on firm, level ground and deploy outriggers where fitted.
Appoint a slinger signaller to attach the load and guide the operator throughout.
Establish an exclusion zone beneath and around the lift area before commencing.
Use tag lines to control the load and prevent it spinning or swinging during the lift.
Record each lift in the site lifting operations log with date, load weight, and operator.

DON'T carry out any lift without a written lift plan agreed by the appointed person.
DON'T lift loads using the excavator bucket teeth, bucket edge, or quick-hitch body.
DON'T exceed the rated lifting capacity shown on the machine's load chart at any radius.
DON'T use lifting accessories that are damaged, corroded, or past their examination date.
DON'T slew the machine with a suspended load over areas where people are working.
DON'T allow anyone to stand or walk under a suspended load at any time.
DON'T carry out lifting operations in wind speeds exceeding the lift plan limits.
DON'T drag loads sideways using the excavator — this creates uncontrolled lateral forces.
DON'T use an excavator for personnel lifting unless using an approved man-riding basket.
DON'T leave a load suspended when the operator leaves the cab for any reason.

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

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