CPA Crane Hire, governed by the Construction Plant Hire Association (CPA) in the UK, refers to a specific type of crane rental agreement where the hirer (customer) takes on the majority of the responsibility for the planning, supervision, and execution of the lifting operation. This differs significantly from a "Contract Lift," where the crane hire company assumes most of these responsibilities.
Here are the basic principles of CPA Crane Hire Only:
- 1. Primary Responsibility Lies with the Hirer:
Planning the Lift:
The customer is fully responsible for planning the entire lifting operation, including assessing risks, creating a detailed method statement, and ensuring a safe system of work.
Appointed Person:
The hirer must provide a competent "Appointed Person" who has the necessary knowledge, experience, and authority to plan and oversee the lifting operation. This person is critical for ensuring safety and compliance.
Personnel:
The customer is responsible for providing qualified and competent personnel for the lift, including:
Crane Supervisor:
To oversee the lifting operation on site.
Slinger/Signaller:
To attach and detach loads and guide the crane operator.
Site Conditions:
The hirer is responsible for ensuring the site conditions are suitable for the crane and the lift, including ground bearing capacity, access, and any potential obstructions or hazards.
Suitability of Equipment:
While the crane company provides a maintained and certified crane, it is the hirer's responsibility to ensure the crane is of a suitable type and capacity for the specific lift.
Compliance:
The hirer must ensure all work is carried out in accordance with relevant health and safety regulations, particularly:
LOLER 1998 (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations): These regulations place duties on people and companies who own, operate, or have control over lifting equipment.
BS 7121 (Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Cranes): This British Standard provides guidance on safe crane operations.
- Crane Hire Company's Responsibilities:
Provide Crane:
The crane hire company provides a mobile crane that is properly maintained, inspected, tested, and certified.
Provide Operator:
They supply a qualified and competent crane operator who will work to the hirer's instructions and the established safe system of work.
Technical Information:
The crane owner has a duty to provide, upon request, technical information about the crane (e.g., outrigger loadings, duty charts) to assist the hirer with their planning.
- Insurance is Crucial and Primarily the Hirer's Responsibility:
Under standard CPA terms, the hirer must provide comprehensive insurance cover for:
Loss or damage to the crane while it is on site and under the hirer's control.
Loss or damage to the goods being lifted.
Continuing hire charges if the crane is "off the road" for repairs following damage.
Public liability, including injury to the operator (while under the hirer's supervision), injury to other parties, and damage to their property arising from the crane operations.
The hirer is responsible for preparing and providing all necessary documentation, including:
Method Statements:
Detailed step-by-step procedures for the lifting operation.
Risk Assessments:
Identification of hazards and control measures.
In summary, CPA Crane Hire is a cost-effective option for customers who possess the in-house expertise, competent personnel, and necessary insurance to plan, supervise, and execute the lifting operation themselves. It places significant responsibility on the hirer for safety and compliance. If a customer lacks this expertise, a CPA Contract Lift is usually the more suitable option, as the crane hire company takes on a much greater level of responsibility, including providing the Appointed Person, planning the lift, supervising, and often arranging insurance.
