What Every Contractor Should Know About Lift Plans
A lift plan is one of the most important tools on any job that involves a crane. It guides the operator, riggers, and ground crew through each step of the lift. Because of this, a good lift plan keeps the job safe and predictable. A weak one does the opposite. It creates delays, confusion, and unnecessary risk. Contractors across Northern Arizona rely on strong planning to keep work moving.
D&O Crane builds and reviews lift plans that follow OSHA guidelines, meet MSHA requirements, and are carried out by NCCCO certified operators. When you understand what goes into a lift plan, you can prepare your site, your crew, and your schedule with confidence.
1. A lift plan defines the load
Every lift starts with the load. The weight, shape, and center of gravity need to be known before the crane arrives. Many delays come from missing or incorrect weight information. HVAC units, steel bundles, tanks, spa tubs, and telecom gear all have listed weights, but the numbers vary by model. When you confirm the exact value, the lift plan becomes accurate.
Our crane rental team helps contractors match the equipment to the load, which prevents rework and jobsite surprises.
2. It includes radius, height, and crane position
Radius is one of the most important details in the plan. As the distance from the crane to the load increases, the lifting capacity drops. Height also matters because a taller lift often requires more boom. When the boom extends farther out, capacity changes again. Good planning ties all three pieces together.
A correct radius and height measurement prevents last minute adjustments. These changes often cause delays, so early planning is essential.
3. It reviews ground conditions and outrigger needs
No crane can work safely without solid ground support. The lift plan documents soil conditions, outrigger pad size, slope, and access. Because Northern Arizona jobs often sit on rock, clay, or loose dirt, ground changes can affect stability. A lift plan accounts for these conditions and keeps the crane inside its safe limits.
If the site needs added support, our training and inspections team can help identify the right steps. This protects crews and prevents setup problems.
4. It shows the landing point and final positioning
A strong lift plan does not stop at the pick. It also explains where the load will be placed. Tight access, roof pitch, nearby structures, and drop zones all affect this part of the job. The plan should show the landing point and the path the load will follow.
When this step is done early, the lift becomes smoother. When it is ignored, the crew may need to stop, move materials, or reset the rigging.
5. It covers rigging and signaling
Rigging is a key part of every lift. The plan includes sling type, sling angle, hardware, hitch method, and inspection checks. These details matter because they protect the load and the crew. The plan also names the signalperson and explains how communication will work during the lift.
Safe rigging and clear signals keep the operator and crew aligned. This reduces risk and keeps the job on schedule.
6. It sets jobsite roles and responsibilities
A lift plan clarifies who does what. The operator, rigger, signalperson, and site supervisor each have tasks that support the lift. When roles are clear, the crew knows what to expect. When roles are not clear, the lift slows down and safety suffers.
Strong planning also helps new or mixed crews work without confusion, which is common on large or fast-moving projects.
7. It prevents delays and protects the budget
Most jobsite delays come from missing information. A lift plan solves this problem by collecting the critical details before the crane arrives. The plan helps crews stage material, prepare the landing area, confirm access, and remove obstacles. With these steps in place, the lift becomes predictable.
D&O Crane works with contractors to create lift plans that follow OSHA and MSHA rules and use NCCCO certified operators. When the planning is strong, the crew stays productive, and the work stays on track.
Get started with D&O Crane
D&O Crane has supported contractors across Northern Arizona for more than 30 years. We help plan and complete safe lifts for construction, HVAC, steel, solar, utility, and millwright work. Our crews show up prepared, communicate clearly, and guide each step of the lift.
If you need help building a lift plan for your next project, reach out today.