An "Appointed Person" in lifting operations refers to an individual who has been officially designated to be responsible for planning and overseeing lifting operations. The qualifications and responsibilities of this person are often defined in country-specific legislation that transposes the relevant EU directives. This ensures that the appointed person is competent to manage the risks associated with lifting activities, aligning with both EU standards and national regulations.
Article 3.2.5 of the European Directive 2009/104/EC concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the use of work equipment reads as follows:
“all lifting operations must be properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out in such a way as to protect the safety of workers.”
European Directives are legal acts of the European Union (EU) that set out certain goals that all EU countries must achieve. However, it is up to the individual member states to create their own national laws (country-specific legislation) to implement these directives. This process allows for flexibility and adaptation to local contexts, but the end goal remains compliance with EU objectives.
Compare L.O.L.E.R. regulation 8 article 8.1. in the UK; Arbeidsomstandighedenbesluit Article 7.18a paragraph 8 and 9 in the Netherlands; Betriebssicherheitsverordnung Anhang 2 Article 4.2.3 in Germany and Codex boek IV titel 4 Arbeidsmiddelen voor het hijsen of heffen van lasten Art. IV.4-16 in Belgium to name some examples.
In summary, European Directives set the framework for safety and operational standards, while country-specific legislation provides the detailed implementation, including the role and responsibilities of the Appointed Person for lifting operations.
In this guideline, we look into the definition of the Appointed Person for lifting operations, explain what this individual does, his duties and responsibilities, how to become Appointed Person, what training is required and outline some other common roles involved in lifting operations.
The Appointed Person Lifting Operations course information with training dates and subscription form can be downloaded here!
Lifting is an activity during which the load is lifted in a controlled and guided manner, normally spoken from the bottom of the load, e.g. by means of a Fork Lift Truck, screw jack, rack jack, hydraulic jack, toe jack, lifting bag, etc.
Rigging is the act of moving a load horizontally, vertically or at other angles and possibly through different floor levels, while using the appropriate lifting and hoisting equipment. It also involves erecting and dismantling cranes and hoists.
Hoisting is an activity during which the load is suspended and hangs freely, e.g. by means of one or more crane, chain hoist, lever hoist, hoisting portal, beam clamp, winch, floating sheer leg, strand jack hoisting system, etc.
Transport of heavy and oversized objects by means of specialised transport equipment such as Self Propelled Modular Transporters (so-called SPMT), conventional modular and multi axle transporters, skidding techniques, heavy industrial roller sets and roller skates based on endless chain techniques.