The Appointed Person (AP): Roles, Responsibilities & Competency

In the world of lifting operations, the Appointed Person (AP) is the cornerstone of safety. Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and BS 7121, every lifting operation must be planned by a competent person — and that person is the Appointed Person.

What Is an Appointed Person?

An Appointed Person is a competent individual formally appointed by an employer to plan and supervise lifting operations. The AP is not just a title; it carries legal responsibility under LOLER Regulation 8, which states:

"Every lifting operation must be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out in a safe manner."

The AP is that competent person.

Key Responsibilities of the AP

1. Planning the Lift

The AP is responsible for producing a lifting plan that includes:

• Load weight, dimensions, and centre of gravity
• Crane selection and configuration
• Rigging selection (slings, shackles, spreader beams)
• Ground bearing assessment and matting plan
• Environmental limits (wind, visibility, temperature)
• Step-by-step method statement
• Risk assessment and control measures

2. Selecting Equipment

The AP selects all lifting equipment and accessories, ensuring:

• Equipment is suitable for the load and environment
• Working Load Limits (WLL) are adequate with safety margins
• Equipment has valid LOLER thorough examination certificates
• Accessories are correctly rated for sling angles and configurations

3. Assessing the Site

Before any lift, the AP must assess:

• Ground conditions: bearing capacity, slopes, underground services
• Access routes: crane travel paths, setup positions
• Overhead hazards: power lines, structures, other cranes
• Underground hazards: basements, drains, utility tunnels
• Environmental factors: wind exposure, proximity to public areas

4. Briefing the Team

The AP briefs the entire lifting team:

• Crane operator: lift sequence, capacity limits, signals
• Slinger/signaller: rigging attachment, load guidance
• Banksman/supervisor: overall coordination, exclusion zones
• Ground crew: tag line handlers, area control

5. Supervising the Lift

For complex or critical lifts, the AP may directly supervise the operation. For routine lifts, the AP may delegate supervision to a trained lift supervisor while retaining overall responsibility.

Competency Requirements

What Makes Someone Competent?

Under LOLER, "competence" means having the knowledge, experience, and training to carry out the task safely. For an AP, this typically includes:

1. Formal training: Completion of an accredited Appointed Person course (e.g., CPCS, NPORS, LANTRA)
2. Experience: Significant practical experience in lifting operations
3. Knowledge of standards: BS 7121, LOLER, PUWER, MHAS
4. Engineering knowledge: Load calculations, crane capacity charts, rigging mathematics
5. Decision-making ability: Authority to stop a lift if conditions are unsafe

AP Certification Path

The typical path to becoming a certified AP:

1. Foundation: Work as a slinger/signaller or crane operator (1–3 years)
2. Training: Complete a CPCS or NPORS Appointed Person (A61) course
3. Assessment: Pass theory and practical assessments
4. CPD: Maintain competence through continuing professional development
5. Renewal: Re-certify every 2–5 years depending on scheme

Legal Framework

LOLER 1998 (Regulation 8)

LOLER requires every lifting operation to be:

• Properly planned by a competent person
• Appropriately supervised
• Carried out safely

The AP fulfills the "properly planned" requirement.

BS 7121 Code of Practice

BS 7121 is the British Standard for the safe use of cranes. It provides detailed guidance on:

• Part 1: General
• Part 2: Inspection, testing and examination
• Part 3: Mobile cranes
• Part 4: Lorry loaders
• Part 5: Tower cranes

The AP must be thoroughly familiar with the relevant parts.

PUWER 1998

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations complement LOLER, covering the suitability, maintenance, and inspection of all work equipment — including lifting accessories.

AP vs. Crane Supervisor vs. Crane Operator

Role	Responsibility
Appointed Person (AP)	Plans the lift, selects equipment, produces the lifting plan
Crane Supervisor	Supervises the lift on site, ensures plan is followed
Crane Operator	Operates the crane, executes the lift safely
Slinger/Signaller	Attaches rigging, guides the load, signals the operator

The AP may also act as crane supervisor for smaller operations, but for complex lifts these roles are typically separate.

Critical Lifts vs. Routine Lifts

The AP classifies lifts as routine or critical:

Routine Lifts

• Pre-planned, repetitive operations
• Load within 75% of crane capacity
• Standard rigging configurations
• Normal environmental conditions

Critical Lifts (Require Enhanced Planning)

• Load exceeds 75% of crane capacity
• Multiple cranes (tandem lifts)
• Lifting over occupied areas or live processes
• Unusual loads (large sail area, complex CG)
• Extreme environmental conditions
• Lifting persons

Critical lifts require:

• Enhanced risk assessment
• Additional review by a second AP or engineer
• Method statement review and sign-off
• Enhanced supervision and exclusion zones

Common AP Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underestimating the load — always verify actual weight, not estimates
2. Ignoring dynamic effects — wind, crane movement, sudden stops add load
3. Overlooking ground conditions — soft ground causes outrigger failure
4. Excessive sling angles — angles > 60° from vertical double the tension
5. Inadequate briefing — the team must understand the plan before lifting
6. Skipping pre-lift inspection — check equipment, rigging, and ground before every lift

Tools for the Appointed Person

Modern APs use digital tools to streamline planning. The SkillJet Crane Lifting Plan Calculator automates load calculations, crane utilization, sling tension, and outrigger mat sizing — producing a compliant PDF lifting plan with QR verification in minutes.

Conclusion

The Appointed Person is the linchpin of safe lifting operations. With proper training, experience, and tools, the AP ensures every lift is planned, supervised, and executed to the highest safety standards. If you're pursuing an AP career, invest in accredited training, gain practical experience, and never stop learning — the lives you protect depend on your competence.