What is the difference between Operated Hire and Contract Lift?

When hiring equipment from GGR Group, it’s essential for customers to understand the specific type of service they need in addition to the machinery rental. Below, we’ve detailed the two types of services we offer, operated hire and contract lift to ensure you know exactly what is included.

Operated Hire

Operated hire adheres to established standards for lifting operations in the UK, as defined by the HSE in collaboration with the Construction Plant Association. These standards are applicable in any circumstance, and place the onus on the customer for planning and overseeing the lift.

The customer is required to source a suitably qualified person (Appointed Person) responsible for ensuring the suitability of the equipment and planning the entire lift. The hire company supplies the Plant in good working condition and a suitably qualified Operator, deemed to be working under the hirer’s direction and control.

Clients must prepare a risk assessment and method statement, ensuring compliance with BS7121 and LOLER. They are responsible for the safety of the lifting operation, require hired-in Plant insurance and are liable for any damages sustained to the plant or other structures impacted during the lifting operations.

An operated hire offers advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness and quick planning and execution. However, the customer needs to possess the necessary skills and resources, including a suitably qualified person (Appointed Person), lift supervisor and slinger/signaller, along with appropriate method statement/RAMS.

Evaluating the associated risks against costs and liabilities is crucial for smooth completion of the lifting operations. All lifting operations must adhere to the mandate of being “Properly Planned, Appropriately Supervised, and Carried Out Safely” (Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, Regulation 8).

Under this service, GGR Group requires all hirers to possess Hired-In Plant Insurance for the duration of the hire. Security of the Plant remains the Hirer’s responsibility during the period of the hire. The Hirer’s insurance policy must include coverage against loss, theft or damage.

Operated Hire – Who is responsible?

• GGR Group supplies the equipment along with a qualified operator, who works under the hirer’s supervision, direction and control.
• GGR Group ensures that the supplied equipment meets relevant regulations.
• The customer is accountable for ensuring the suitability of the equipment for the lifting project.
• The customer is responsible for conducting a risk assessment and preparing a method statement.
• The customer is responsible for the safe execution of the lifting operations.
• The customer is tasked with providing sufficient insurance coverage.
• The customer is responsible for providing a suitably qualified person (Appointed Person) person and required personnel.

Full Contract Lift 

Under a Contract lift, GGR Group assumes a more substantial portion of the responsibilities associated with the lifting operations. The hiring company (for example GGR Group) ensures that the plant is suitable for the lifting operations. Additionally, GGR Group provides a qualified lifting team specifically allocated based on the type of work being undertaken comprising of Operator, Slinger Signaller, Lift Supervisor.

The hire company assigns a suitably qualified person (Appointed Person) person to plan the lifting operations and designates a suitably trained and qualified person (and team) to supervise the lifting operations. Applicable insurance is provided by GGR Group who remains accountable for the safe operation of the Plant subject to contract lift terms and conditions.

Advantages of Contract Lift Arrangement

The Plant hire company (GGR Group) assumes complete responsibility for providing and managing the resources required to execute the lifting operations, safely and in accordance with the applicable regulations. This relieves the customer of costs in terms of money, time and management of resources needed to plan and implement the lifting operations, subsequently reducing associated project risks.

Full Contract Lift Hire – Who is responsible?

• GGR Group visits the site to liaise with the hirer to understand the scope of work and survey the lifting project.
• GGR Group ensures that the supplied equipment meets relevant regulations.
• GGR Group ensures that the equipment is suitable for the lifting project.
• GGR Group assumes the responsibility of ensuring safe lifting operations.
• GGR Group provides relevant insurance to cover the lifting operations.
• GGR Group provides an experienced suitably qualified person (Appointed Person) person, operators and lift supervisor/slinger/signaller to complete the lift.
• GGR Group manages the responsibility for conducting a risk assessment and preparing a method statement.

If you are unsure about which service you need and would like to discuss it in more detail, please contact us using the information provided below:

Northern Depot – 0161 683 2580

Southern Depot – 01844 202 071

Scotland Depot – 01698 824 444

or speak to us via our contact us page.