Appointed Person versus Crane Supervisor?

Which course should you attend? 

Both the CPCS Appointed Person and CPCS Crane Supervisor roles are crucial in ensuring safe and efficient crane operations on construction sites.

These roles involve different levels of responsibility and expertise.

The type of person that is suitable for the Appointed Person has questioning mind that does not take anything for granted. They need to have the Imagination to visualise the operation and the desire to continue improving knowledge. They must have an ability to communicate, accepting information from others and providing information to others.

Ainscough Training Services is one of the largest independent providers of these training courses and can give you tailored individual advice on which course is most suitable for you.

Regulation 8 of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 Require that “every lifting operation (the raising lowering or suspension of a load) MUST be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out safely.” Therefore The Appointed Person is responsible for the planning of the lifting operation:

• From when the crane arrives at the site entrance, for its passage through the site to the “setting up” position, for the crane set up itself, for the lift, for the crane dismantling and for its egress from the site.
• Complying with all relevant Acts and Regulations, Approved Codes Of Practice and for producing the necessary risk assessments and method statements
• Taking total responsibility for the lifting operation from conception to completion. He or she can delegate designated tasks to suitable competent personnel, but cannot delegate responsibility.

The Appointed Person therefore takes responsibility for;

• The planning of the operation;
• The selection, provision and use of a suitable crane(s) and work equipment
• Any necessary preparation of a site and erection and dismantling of the crane(s);
• Maintenance, examination and where necessary testing of the crane(s) and equipment;
• The provision of properly trained and competent personnel who have been made aware of their relevant responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 [5];
• Adequate supervision by properly trained and competent personnel having the necessary authority;
• Ensuring that all necessary reports of thorough examination and other documents are available;
• Preventing unauthorized movement or use at all times;
• The safety of persons not involved in the installation or lifting operation
• Ensuring that the safe system of work is communicated to all parties concerned.

Main duties include

Selection of Crane(s), Lifting Gear & Equipment

• Risk Assessment
• Planning (Safe System of Work)
• Checking the competencies of the personnel
• Instruction, Supervision & Consultation
• Ensuring that Inspection & Maintenance where required has been carried out
• Reporting procedures
• Organisation and Control
• Stopping the Job if Unsafe

The CPCS Appointed Person and the CPCS Crane Supervisor  are classed as separate categories. If you have the required training and certification or card for each category you could plan the lift and then supervise the lift.

However the Appointed Person can provide the lift plan and if certified and deemed competent as a Crane Supervisor they can supervise the lift.

CPCS Crane Supervisor

The CPCS Crane Supervisor role is more focused on the operational aspects of crane lifting. The Crane Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the crane and its operator during lifting operations.

The type of person suitable for this role must be competent and suitably trained, sufficient experience to carry out the duties, medically fit, capable of giving clear instructions, capable of assessing danger and have sufficient authority to stop a lifting operation if they consider it too dangerous.

If you are unsure which job role is best for you, Ainscough Training Services are a national company based in the North West, who can give you the help and advice you need.

Some of the responsibilities of the Crane Supervisor include:

• Supervision: Monitoring the crane operator’s actions and ensuring that the lifting operation is carried out safely and according to the plan.
• Communication: Maintaining effective communication with the crane operator, signallers, and other relevant personnel to ensure smooth coordination.
• Safety: Identifying and addressing any potential safety concerns during the lifting operation.
• Risk Management: Assisting the Appointed Person in implementing risk mitigation strategies and adhering to safety protocols.
• Site Management: Coordinating with the site manager and other stakeholders to ensure that the lifting operation integrates smoothly with other site activities.

Choosing the Most Appropriate Course:

Both roles are critical for safe crane operations, and the choice of which course to attend depends on your career goals and current expertise. If you are looking to take on a more strategic and planning-oriented role, the CPCS Appointed Person course would be suitable. If you are more interested in the operational aspects and on-site supervision, the CPCS Crane Supervisor course would be more appropriate.

For specific advice on which course to attend with Ainscough Training Services, I recommend reaching out to our training advisors. They can provide you with tailored guidance based on your background, experience, and career aspirations.

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