Who Can Operate A Crane?
Cranes have multiple uses across many sectors, including the construction and logistics industries.
Cranes are used at ports to lift and load storage containers, at construction sites to haul building materials, and even at recycling facilities to raise and transport skips.
Only a trained appointed person should operate this heavy-lifting machinery for both healthy and safety and insurance reasons.
This article explores what an appointed person is, what qualifications they must have, and the options available to smaller businesses that don’t have an appointed person in their ranks.
What is an appointed person, and what do they do?
The mobile cranes used in bridge construction or soaring tower cranes operating on large city projects are controlled by approved operators.
Such a person is known as an appointed person – a technician with the qualifications and know-how to operate a crane.
These individuals have many crucial roles on-site including:
- Selecting the right crane type for the lifting operation.
- Overseeing and carefully planning the organisation of the lifting process.
- Ensuring that personnel are briefed adequately and are working together to do so in sequence.
- Ensuring that documentation required by the CPA is delivered and completed correctly.
What certification do appointed persons need?
An appointed person must have received the following licences to become a certified and competent crane operator.
A Class 2 LGV licence
As well as a standard driving licence, appointed persons must obtain an LGV Class 2 licence from the DVLA that allows them to operate cranes weighing between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes.
A Category C licence will enable a qualified operator to handle much heavier machinery that weighs over 7.5 tonnes.
CPCS Cards
A CPCS card is the most important licence a crane operator must have.
CPCS stands for The Construction Plant Competence Scheme, which provides crane drivers with a specific appointed person licence.
This card proves that the driver has completed the CPCS practical and theory tests, and the health, environment and safety tests set by the CPCS.
Is it necessary for firms to employ a full-time appointed person?
It’s more efficient for larger companies that require frequent use of cranes to employ highly competent appointed persons permanently.
Not all companies have the luxury of being able to employ a full-time appointed person or may not require their services every day.
In those cases, firms hire a licensed professional from a reputable hire firm: this is CPA Contract Lifting.
CPA Contract Lifting – what does it involve?
CPA Contract lifting is a service provided by most plant hire companies where a crane is supplied alongside an appointed person to operate it.
The designated operator will be trusted and experienced, working alongside site managers to plan and perform the lifting process and take care of the legalities mentioned earlier.
CPA stands for the Construction Plant Hire Association, the leading trade association for plant hire.
BJW Cranes follow the hire and contract conditions, legal obligations for crane hire and contract lifting, and safety regulations set out by the CPA.
Only licensed appointed persons should operate a crane
If you’re planning to employ a crane operator to work for your firm permanently, it’s imperative that you check the candidates’ licences and certifications.
An unqualified appointed person could cause danger to life and property, costly damages, and claims. Not to mention damaging your company’s reputation as a competent firm.
Opting to use BJW Cranes CPA Contract lifting service will save you the hassle of appointing an operator yourself as we will provide a highly experienced and knowledgeable CPCS-appointed person.
Contact BJW Cranes for trusted CPA Contract Lifting
BJW Cranes offer the most competitive rates around for trusted and competent CPA contract lifting.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch by filling in our online enquiry form, or call 01352 733 984 for a free, no-obligation quote.