For any large-scale building, logistics, or infrastructure project, the movement of significant weight demands the use of specialist machinery. Companies in this specialist hire industry offer two principal methods of engagement—CPA Hire and the Contract Lift—each defining a clear separation of responsibility.
Option 1: CPA Hire
CPA Hire is typically the preferred route for seasoned construction companies and contractors who possess in-house expertise in complex lifting operations. In this model, the supplier provides the mobile crane hire Peterborough along with a skilled, fully trained operator. However, the legal and operational control of the lift rests entirely with the customer.
The responsibility for all statutory requirements transfers the moment the crane leaves the public highway and enters the site. The hirer must therefore act as the appointed person, meaning they are responsible for:
- Planning and Management: Devising the safe system of work, including a detailed risk assessment and method statement (RAMS).
- Personnel: Supplying all additional, accredited crew required for the job, such as a slinger and a lift supervisor.
- Insurance: Arranging and maintaining comprehensive commercial insurance coverage for the crane and the entire lifting operation until the machine returns to the public highway.
Under CPA Hire, the client is responsible for guaranteeing the lift’s compliance and safety from start to finish.
Option 2: The Contract Lift
The Contract Lift is a complete, turn-key solution designed for customers who may lack the necessary experience, certified personnel, or simply wish to transfer all risk and responsibility. Under this agreement, the hire provider takes on the role of the appointed person and assumes full liability for the entire operation. This guarantees the lift is carried out in strict accordance with the full requirements of BS 7121 Parts 1 and 3.
This comprehensive package simplifies the process considerably for the customer, as it includes:
- Detailed Planning: Conducting a mandatory site visit, followed by the preparation of all required documentation, including the risk assessment and method statement (RAMS).
- Full Crew: Supplying all necessary personnel, including the crane operator, slinger, and the dedicated lift supervisor/appointed person.
- Liability Coverage: Providing the essential insurance to cover the lift, removing the requirement for the customer to secure separate specialist plant insurance.
Choosing a Contract Lift is a strategic decision for safety and compliance, ensuring that every aspect of the project is managed by specialists.
Supporting Access EquipmentBeyond crane provision, specialist firms also maintain extensive fleets of powered access equipment to facilitate safe work at height. This includes scissor lifts and cherry pickers (boom lifts). Scissor lifts are ideal for straight vertical lifts, offering large platforms for multiple people and tools. Articulated boom lifts offer superior sideways outreach and mobility, essential for navigating and working around obstacles. Equipment is available for all environments, ranging from electric-powered models with non-marking tyres for delicate indoor flooring, to heavy-duty diesel outdoor modelsdesigned to operate reliably on rough, uneven terrain found across a typical construction site.