Contract Lifting vs. Crane Hire

Cadman Cranes offers two types of mobile crane hire to clientele all over the UK: CPA Crane Hire and CPA Contract Lifting. We will always advise on the best option for your project based on your requirements and experience.

All crane hire companies work to the terms and conditions of the CPA (Construction Plant Hire Association) and in accordance with BS7121 (“The Safe Use of Cranes”).

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What type of crane hire do you require?

We can be either a dependable extension of your team with our CPA Crane Hire option or your trusted lifting partner with our complete Contract Lift service.

If an individual or organisation does not have expertise in lifting operations, it is essential they opt for a contract lifting solution. Learn about what’s involved in contract lifting and our contract lifting services further down the page!

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Your trusted lifting partner

Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) is the leading membership and representative body for construction plant-hire in the UK. As the principle point of contact for all issues relating to use of construction plant, CPA are linked with governing bodies and organisations across construction, utilities and public services organisations. They have developed best practice guidance on Health, Safety, Welfare & Environment for all plant hire, including mobile crane hire.

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What does CPA stand for?

Need some help?

If you are unsure about the type of crane hire you require, click here to download our easy crane hire flow chart and decide whether you require CPA crane hire or a CPA contract lift.

Alternatively, keep on reading for a complete overview of what we offer or contact us directly to speak to an expert.

What is CPA Crane Hire? (Crane Hired by the Customer – Your Responsibility!)

CPA Crane Hire involves the hire of a mobile crane, along with a competent operator. The overall responsibility for the safety of the lift operation lies with the customer, who is required to plan and execute the lift, including the selection of the crane, the skilled personnel on site, and arranging for any necessary permits and insurance coverage.

The customer is responsible for specifying the necessary lifting equipment, such as slings, chains and shackles to be supplied with the crane. For customers who require additional support and expertise in planning and executing a lift safely and efficiently, a CPA Contract Lift may be a more suitable option.

Benefits of CPA Crane Hire:

  • Flexibility
  • Ideal for customers who have the necessary expertise and resources to plan and execute a lift themselves.
  • Low-cost solution

The customer must:

  • Carry out all work in accordance with BS7121 and LOLER 1998
  • Supply the “Appointed Person”
  • Plan the lift and operate a safe system of work
  • Provide all Method Statements and Risk Assessments
  • Ensure that the crane hired is of a suitable type and capacity
  • Check the credentials of the crane hire company and
  • certification supplied

The crane company has a duty to:

  • Provide a crane that is properly maintained, inspected, and thoroughly examined
  • Provide a competent driver

What is a CPA Contract Lift? (Carried out by the Crane Company – Our Responsibility!)

CPA Contract Lift involves the hire of the mobile crane, along with a team of experienced professionals, who are responsible for planning, supervising, and executing the lift. This includes carrying out a site survey, preparing a risk assessment, and ensuring that all safety regulations are met. On the day of the lift, a lift supervisor and a competent slinger and signaller will attend site to ensure the efficient and safe completion of the project.

In a CPA Contract Lift, the crane hire company takes full responsibility for the lift and provides all necessary insurance coverage. If you are dealing with a complex or high-risk lifting operation, and you don’t have the necessary expertise in-house, the CPA Contract Lift would be the only option available.

Benefits of CPA Contract Lift:

  • No risk involved
  • Expertise and support
  • Customisation
  • Cost control – no surprises!

The customer should specify:

  • That all work is to be undertaken in accordance with BS7121 and LOLER 1998
  • That the crane company is to supply the “appointed person”
  • What information and/or services will be provided to the crane company by the customer
  • Accurate information relating to both the items to be lifted and for the ground conditions

The crane company is responsible for:

  • Supplying the “Appointed Person”
  • Planning the lift, and operation of a safe system of work (via method statement/risk assessment)
  • Organisation, and supervision of the lifting operation
  • Providing a crane that is properly maintained, tested, and certificated
Insurance Considerations

CPA Crane Hire

The customer is responsible for:

 

  • Loss or damage to the crane
  • Loss of hire charges while crane is out of action
  • Damage to goods on the hook
  • Public Liability (loss or damage to property/ injury to persons)

CPA Contract Lift

The Crane Company is liable for:

 

  • Loss/damage to the crane
  • Loss of hire charges
  • Damage to property
  • Injury to persons when caused solely by the crane company’s negligence in the performance of the contract

Why choose Cadman Cranes for a CPA Contract Lift?

  1. Reduce your risk

We are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of safety, service, and satisfaction. Through our contract lifting services, completely hand over all responsibility to us and feel confident that the lift will be competently handled as well as being fully risk and liability compliant.

  1. Gain expertise

As your trusted lifting partner, you will have the full support of our highly skilled crane specialists and operators who have a wealth of expertise and experience in all aspects of lifting operations, including crane selection, operator training, and risk management. We will ensure that your operation is carried out safely and efficiently.

  1. Forget the admin

Leave the lift arrangements to us. We’ll carry out all the necessary planning, site and risk assessments, and arrange for permits and insurance coverage, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your project.

  1. Reduce your carbon footprint

We’re on target to achieve our goal of net zero carbon (for our own operations) by 2025. Whether you’re arranging crane hire or a full contract lift, by working with a responsible crane hire provider, you’re directly reducing your CO2 output and helping us all work towards a cleaner future.

Case Study

After hiring cranes using CPA Crane Hire for many years, a reputable and well-established local manufacturer of acoustic containers recently decided to change their lifting strategy.

Ultimately, this decision meant that they could reallocate important resources to their core business activities and let competent lifting experts deal with all lifting responsibilities.

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Speak to an expert about Crane Hire or Contract Lifting

If you are still unsure about what type of crane hire you require, please telephone or email our experienced team directly.

Emergency contacts

(Out of hours)

Matt Waddingham:

Nick Leather: