Training Module: Standard Operating
Procedure (SOP) for Lifting Operations
Aligned with DOLE Department Order 1415 – Construction Equipment Safety Guidelines
I. Purpose
This SOP module is designed to:
- Prevent accidents and injuries during lifting operations (manual and crane-assisted).
- Provide clear guidelines for workers, riggers, signalmen, and crane operators.
- Ensure compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) and DOLE
Department Order 1415 on construction equipment safety.
II. Scope
This SOP applies to:
- Manual lifting operations performed by construction workers.
- Crane and lifting equipment operations including mobile cranes, tower cranes, hoists, side-
boom tractors, and rigging equipment.
- All construction sites under the jurisdiction of the Department of Labor and Employment
(DOLE) Philippines.
III. References
- DOLE Department Order No. 1415 – Guidelines on Construction Equipment Safety.
- OSHS Rule 1413 – Materials Handling and Storage.
- Manufacturer’s Operation and Maintenance Manuals.
- Philippine Electrical Code – Clearance requirements for cranes near power lines.
IV. Key Definitions
- Critical Lift – Any lift that exceeds 85% of the crane’s rated capacity, or involves hazardous
conditions such as lifting near power lines, tandem lifts, or over occupied areas.
- Rigger – Certified worker responsible for attaching and detaching loads safely.
- Signalman – A trained worker who communicates with the crane operator through
standard hand signals or two-way radio.
- Safe Working Load (SWL) – Maximum load that lifting equipment is designed to carry
safely.
V. Roles and Responsibilities
Employer / Contractor: Provide only DOLE-certified crane operators and riggers. Ensure
equipment is inspected, tested, and with valid certification stickers. Develop and approve a
Critical Lift Plan for non-routine or hazardous lifts.
Site Safety Officer: Conduct pre-lift safety meetings (toolbox talks). Enforce barricading and
signage at lifting areas. Stop operations when unsafe conditions are observed.
Crane Operator: Operate only if licensed and authorized for the specific crane type. Refuse
unsafe lifts (final authority on crane safety). Perform daily inspection before starting
operations.
Rigger: Inspect and select appropriate slings, shackles, and hooks. Attach loads correctly
and ensure secure rigging. Coordinate with the signalman and crane operator.
Signalman: Provide clear, standardized hand signals. Maintain direct line-of-sight with the
operator (or use radio if not possible). Stop the lift immediately if unsafe conditions arise.
Workers (Manual Lifting): Follow proper body mechanics in lifting. Ask for help or use
mechanical aids for heavy/bulky loads. Avoid unsafe shortcuts like twisting, jerking, or
overreaching.
VI. General Safety Precautions
- Never exceed the SWL of cranes or rigging equipment.
- Barricade lifting zones and post “Danger: Overhead Lifting in Progress” signs.
- Do not allow unauthorized persons inside lifting areas.
- Suspend lifting operations during:
- Winds greater than 32 km/h (20 mph) for cranes.
- Poor visibility, thunderstorms, or heavy rains.
- Maintain minimum clearance from power lines:
- Up to 50 kV → 3 meters (10 ft).
- 50–200 kV → 4.5 meters (15 ft).
- Over 200 kV → 6–7.5 meters.
- Always use PPE: hard hat, gloves, safety shoes, reflective vest, fall protection (if required).
VII. Standard Operating Procedure (A. Manual Lifting)
Preparation: Assess the weight; if more than 25 kg, ask for help or use lifting aids. Inspect
the load for sharp edges, leaks, or instability. Plan the path.
Lifting Technique: Stand close to the object with feet shoulder-width apart. Squat down by
bending knees, not the waist. Keep back straight, chest forward, head up. Grip the load
firmly. Lift slowly using legs.
Carrying: Keep load close to the body at waist level. Walk slowly, turn by moving feet, not
twisting waist.
Lowering: Bend knees, not back. Place load gently on stable surface. Release grip carefully.
VII. Standard Operating Procedure (B. Crane Lifting)
Pre-Lift Inspection: Verify crane has valid DOLE inspection certificate. Operator checks
brakes, outriggers, cables, hook, load indicators. Ensure outrigger mats are placed.
Rigging: Certified riggers attach loads. Inspect rigging gear. Hooks must have safety latches.
Use tag lines.
Test Lift: Lift 15–20 cm, hold for 3 seconds.
Load Movement: Signalman gives standardized signals. Crane moves load slowly. Never
swing load over workers. Maintain 2 ft tail swing clearance.
Load Placement: Lower load slowly. Workers stay clear until stable. Remove rigging only
when load is at rest.
Post-Operation: Secure crane. Retract boom. Record operation in logbook.
VIII. Standard Crane Hand Signals
Hand signals must be clear, visible, and standardized. Only the designated signalman shall
give signals to the crane operator.
Basic Signals:
- Hoist (Lift Up): Arm extended vertically, forefinger pointing up, hand circles.
- Lower: Arm down, finger pointing down, hand circles.
- Stop: Arm extended to side, palm down, swing arm horizontally.
- Emergency Stop: Both arms extended, palms down, swing arms.
- Swing: Arm extended outward, pointing direction.
- Boom Up: Arm horizontal, thumb up, flex fingers.
- Boom Down: Arm horizontal, thumb down, flex fingers.
- Move Slowly: One hand raised palm out, other moves slowly toward it.
- Raise Boom/Lower Load: One arm horizontal, thumb up; other hand lowers finger.
- Lower Boom/Raise Load: One arm horizontal, thumb down; other hand lifts finger.
Figure: Standard Crane Hand Signals (DOLE/ANSI Standardized)
