What is the importance of a lift plan sign-off and who should approve it?

• A. It is optional and may be skipped
• B. It is only required for lifts over a certain weight
• C. It ensures the plan is reviewed and understood by the competent person; approved by a qualified supervisor or site safety officer, with signatures from involved parties
• D. It requires the client’s written authorization

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that a lift plan sign-off formalizes safety review and accountability before a crane lift. The plan should be examined by a competent person—someone who has the knowledge to identify hazards, validate rigging, load calculations, ground and weather conditions, and other controls. It must also be approved by a qualified supervisor or site safety officer who has the authority to authorize the lift and enforce safety requirements. The signatures from the people involved (such as the operator, rigger, signal person, and supervisor or SSO) confirm that each party understands the plan and agrees to follow it. This sign-off helps prevent miscommunication, ensures everyone knows their responsibilities, and demonstrates that essential safety measures have been checked before lifting begins. It’s not optional, it isn’t limited to lifts above a certain weight, and it isn’t solely about obtaining the client’s written permission.