Course Description

The LEEA Approved Appointed Person for Lifting Operations training program is an advanced competency-based course designed for personnel responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, and managing lifting operations in accordance with international lifting standards and industry best practices. The course is aligned with the guidance of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), relevant provisions of BS 7121, LOLER, PUWER, and recognized industry standards used in construction, oil & gas, petrochemical, manufacturing, ports, logistics, offshore, and infrastructure sectors.
The Appointed Person (AP) plays a critical role in ensuring that lifting operations are properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out safely. Participants will develop the knowledge and practical skills necessary to select suitable lifting equipment, assess lifting risks, prepare lifting plans, determine crane capacities, calculate load weights, identify ground-bearing requirements, manage lifting teams, and ensure compliance with legal and safety requirements.
The course combines classroom instruction, engineering calculations, case studies, lifting plan development, practical exercises, and scenario-based assessments. Upon completion, participants will be able to undertake the responsibilities of an Appointed Person and manage complex lifting operations with confidence and competence.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the duties and legal responsibilities of an Appointed Person. 
  • Interpret international standards governing lifting operations. 
  • Plan lifting operations safely and efficiently. 
  • Conduct risk assessments for lifting activities. 
  • Select appropriate cranes and lifting equipment. 
  • Calculate load weights and determine centers of gravity. 
  • Develop lifting plans and method statements. 
  • Assess crane capacities and load charts. 
  • Evaluate ground conditions and outrigger requirements. 
  • Select suitable lifting accessories and rigging arrangements. 
  • Manage lifting teams and communication systems. 
  • Identify hazards and implement control measures. 
  • Conduct pre-lift inspections and lift briefings. 
  • Investigate lifting incidents and failures. 
  • Ensure compliance with LEEA, BS 7121, LOLER, and industry best practices.

Audience

This course is suitable for:

  • Appointed Persons
  • Lifting Supervisors
  • Crane Supervisors
  • Crane Coordinators
  • Rigging Supervisors
  • Construction Managers
  • Site Managers
  • Project Engineers
  • Mechanical Engineers
  • Maintenance Supervisors
  • Offshore Supervisors
  • Logistics Coordinators
  • HSE Professionals
  • Plant Managers
  • Heavy Lift Specialists
  • Operations Supervisors

Prerequisites

Recommended

  • Minimum 4 years of experience in lifting operations, rigging, crane operations, or construction activities.
  • Basic understanding of lifting equipment and lifting terminology.
  • Familiarity with workplace safety requirements.

Preferred

  • Previous certification as:
    • Banksman/Slinger
    • Rigger
    • Lifting Supervisor
    • Crane Operator

Mandatory

  • Ability to understand engineering calculations and lifting plans.
  • Good literacy and numeracy skills.

Course Content

Fundamentals of Lifting Operations and Appointed Person Responsibilities

Module 1: Introduction to Lifting Operations

  • Principles of safe lifting
  • Types of lifting operations
  • Industry regulations and standards
  • Roles and responsibilities within lifting teams
  • Consequences of lifting failures

Module 2: Duties of the Appointed Person

  • Legal responsibilities
  • Planning and management responsibilities
  • Competency requirements
  • Delegation and supervision
  • Communication and coordination

Module 3: Legislation and Standards

  • LEEA guidance documents
  • BS 7121 Code of Practice
  • LOLER requirements
  • PUWER requirements
  • International lifting standards
  • Company lifting procedures

Module 4: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

  • Lifting hazards
  • Risk assessment methodology
  • Hierarchy of controls
  • Safe systems of work
  • Permit-to-work considerations

Lifting Equipment and Engineering Fundamentals

Module 5: Cranes and Lifting Equipment

  • Mobile cranes
  • Crawler cranes
  • Tower cranes
  • Overhead cranes
  • Offshore cranes
  • Specialized lifting equipment

Module 6: Lifting Accessories

  • Wire rope slings
  • Chain slings
  • Synthetic slings
  • Shackles
  • Hooks
  • Spreader beams
  • Lifting frames

Module 7: Load Characteristics

  • Load weight determination
  • Center of gravity calculations
  • Load stability
  • Dynamic loading effects
  • Wind loading considerations

Module 8: Crane Load Charts

  • Understanding load charts
  • Radius calculations
  • Boom configurations
  • Capacity limitations
  • Operational restrictions

Lift Planning and Operational Controls

Module 9: Lift Planning Fundamentals

  • Lift categories
  • Routine lifts
  • Non-routine lifts
  • Critical lifts
  • Complex lifting operations

Module 10: Developing Lift Plans

  • Lift plan structure
  • Method statements
  • Site surveys
  • Equipment selection
  • Personnel requirements

Module 11: Ground Conditions and Crane Stability

  • Ground-bearing pressures
  • Outrigger loads
  • Matting requirements
  • Soil assessment
  • Stability calculations

Module 12: Communication and Coordination

  • Lift briefings
  • Signaling systems
  • Radio communication
  • Team coordination
  • Emergency communication

Complex and Critical Lifting Operations

Module 13: Critical Lift Planning

  • Defining critical lifts
  • Additional controls
  • Engineering reviews
  • Management approvals
  • Monitoring requirements

Module 14: Heavy and Specialized Lifts

  • Tandem lifting
  • Tailing operations
  • Modular construction lifts
  • Offshore lifting operations
  • Restricted access lifts

Module 15: Environmental and Operational Challenges

  • Wind limitations
  • Weather conditions
  • Night lifting
  • Congested sites
  • Hazardous areas

Module 16: Incident Investigation and Lessons Learned

  • Causes of lifting incidents
  • Equipment failures
  • Human factors
  • Root cause analysis
  • Corrective actions

Workshop

  • Critical lift planning exercise
  • Incident investigation case study

Practical Applications and Competency Assessment

Module 17: Inspection and Pre-Lift Checks

  • Equipment certification
  • Inspection requirements
  • Defect identification
  • Documentation review
  • Pre-lift meetings

Module 18: Lift Execution Monitoring

  • Monitoring lift activities
  • Control measures verification
  • Emergency response readiness
  • Operational oversight

Module 19: Auditing and Continuous Improvement

  • Lifting audits
  • Performance monitoring
  • Competency assurance
  • Continuous improvement

 Examination Structure

Continuous Assessment – 40%

  • Practical Exercises (15%)
  • Lifting Plan Development (10%)
  • Risk Assessment Workshop (10%)
  • Class Participation (5%)

Final Assessment – 60%

Part A – Written Examination

  • 60 Multiple Choice Questions
  • Duration: 120 Minutes
  • Weight: 30%

Part B – Lifting Plan Assignment

  • Preparation of a Detailed Lift Plan
  • Weight: 15%

Part C – Practical Scenario Assessment

  • Lift Planning and Risk Control Exercise
  • Weight: 15%

Passing Requirements

  • Minimum Overall Score: 70%
  • Demonstrated competency in practical exercises
  • Minimum Attendance: 90%

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