Lifting Operations Roles Explained: Who Plans, Supervises and Signals?

Lifting is one of the highest-risk activities on any site. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) say every lift must be planned by a competent person, properly supervised and carried out safely.

BS 7121, the code of practice for cranes, splits that work into clear roles. That way, no single person has to plan the lift, watch the load and guide the crane all at once.

• Planning: deciding how the lift will be done safely.
• Supervising: making sure the plan is followed on the day.
• Slinging and signalling: rigging the load and guiding the operator.
• Operating: driving the crane itself.

The Appointed Person: Who Plans the Lift

The appointed person is in overall control of the lifting operation. They assess each lift, choose the right crane and lifting accessories, and write the lift plan and method statement.

They also check ground conditions, nearby hazards and weather limits before anything leaves the ground. Crucially, they have the authority to stop a lift that is not safe.

Training for this role

Most appointed persons are experienced supervisors, engineers or site managers. The usual routes are the CPCS A61 Appointed Person course or the NPORS appointed person training.

The Crane Supervisor: Who Runs the Lift on the Day

Once the plan is written, the crane supervisor makes sure it happens exactly as agreed. They brief the team, check everyone knows their part and control the lift from start to finish.

If conditions change, such as rising wind or an obstruction in the load path, the supervisor stops the job. They refer any change back to the appointed person rather than rewriting the plan themselves.

Training for this role

Supervisors usually come up through slinging and signalling. Look at the CPCS A62 Crane Supervisor course or NPORS lift supervisor training.

The Slinger Signaller: Who Rigs the Load and Guides the Crane

The slinger signaller is the hands-on member of the team. They pick and inspect slings, chains and shackles, attach the load correctly and check it is balanced before it is lifted.

They then guide the crane operator using agreed hand signals or radio. Only one signaller should be in control of a lift at any time, so the operator never gets mixed messages.

Training for this role

This is the most common way into lifting work. Start with the CPCS A40 Slinger Signaller course or the NPORS slinger signaller course.

How the Lifting Operations Roles Work Together

On a well-run site, a typical lift follows the same order every time:

1. The appointed person plans the lift and signs off the lift plan.
2. The crane supervisor briefs the team using that plan.
3. The slinger rigs the load and checks it.
4. The operator lifts on the signaller’s instructions.
5. The supervisor confirms the lift is complete and the area is safe.

On smaller jobs, one competent person can sometimes cover more than one role. Even then, the duties stay separate on paper, so everyone knows who is responsible for what.

Which Role Should You Train For?

• New to lifting? Start as a slinger signaller and build site experience.
• Already leading lifts? Crane supervisor training is the natural next step.
• Planning lifts or managing sites? The appointed person course gives you the authority to control lifting operations.

Most people start on a red trained operator card and move to a blue competent operator card once they complete the matching NVQ.

Final Thoughts on Lifting Operations Roles

Lifting operations roles are split for one reason: to keep people safe. The appointed person plans, the crane supervisor controls the lift on the day, and the slinger signaller rigs the load and guides the crane.

Knowing the difference helps you pick the right course first time. If you are still unsure which one fits, speak to the Coteca team and we will point you to the right training.