Why Industrial Lift Services Are Important
Wondering whether professional industrial lifting is worth it? In short: the right lift team prevents accidents, protects assets, keeps production moving and ensures full compliance with UK regulations—often saving more money than their fee by avoiding downtime, damage and rework. From planning and permits to cranes, gantries and final positioning, specialist services turn a high-risk task into a controlled operation.
1) Safety first—because consequences are severe
Lifting heavy plant is one of the highest-risk activities on any site. Competent planning, correct gear selection and disciplined execution reduce the likelihood of crush injuries, toppled loads or structural strikes. Professional teams bring methodical RAMS, exclusion zones, banksmen and clear communication—so everyone goes home safe.
2) Compliance without the headaches
Industrial lifts are governed by UK law. A competent provider ensures:
- LOLER compliance for lifting operations and accessories (inspections, certification, safe systems of work).
- PUWER checks where machinery is involved post-lift.
- CDM-ready governance for projects with construction elements, including duty holders and coordination.
Authoritative resource (non-competitive): HSE guidance on LOLER — https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/loler.htm
3) The right method for the job
Not every move needs a crane. Choosing between toe jacks and skates, Versa-lifts/hydraulic gantries, or mobile cranes depends on mass, height, centre of gravity, access and ground bearing. Specialists optimise the method, specify mats/spreaders and develop lift plans that cut time and risk.
4) Protecting uptime and your budget
A controlled lift shortens plant downtime and prevents expensive damage to sensors, HMIs, guarding and product-contact parts. Good teams prebuild off-line where possible, synchronise with production windows (night/weekend), and arrive with spares and temporary services to hit your run-rate faster.
5) Engineering precision at the destination
Getting the load into the building is only half the job. Precision setting, levelling and alignment—plus verification of services (power, air, data, extraction) and safety interlocks—ensure the machine runs first time, not after days of fault-finding.
6) Assurance, documentation and traceability
Expect route and access surveys, ground-bearing checks for outriggers, test lifts, and photographic condition reports before/after. A robust handover includes inspection records, certificates and a clear sign-off trail for audits and insurers.
How FESS Group helps
FESS Group delivers turnkey industrial lifting services for UK factories—surveys, lift plans, cranes/gantries, banksmen, controlled routes, internal positioning and final alignment. We coordinate mechanical, electrical and controls, phase works around production, and provide compliant documentation so you restart safely and quickly.
Lifting essentials checklist
- CDM duty holders appointed (where applicable); RAMS agreed
- Access surveys and ground-bearing calculations complete
- Lift method, gear and mats specified; exclusion zones defined
- CoG identified and marked; test lift planned
- Asset protection fitted (bracing, wrap, desiccants, shock/tilt indicators)
- Spares and temporary services arranged; rollback plan ready
- Certificates, inspections and sign-off documentation prepared
FAQs
1) Do we always need a crane for heavy machinery?
No. Internal moves often use skates and toe jacks; tall or heavy lifts may suit hydraulic gantries or Versa-lifts. Cranes are ideal outdoors or over obstacles—your lift plan will dictate the safest, most cost-effective method.
2) What documentation should I expect for compliance?
Lift plans, RAMS, equipment inspection certificates, operator/banksman competencies, ground-bearing calculations (if cranes/gantries), and post-lift records. Keep them with your asset file.
3) How do industrial lift services reduce downtime?
By phasing around production, prebuilding off-line, preparing services in advance and commissioning immediately after placement—so you reach target speeds sooner.
4) Who is responsible for LOLER on site?
Duty is shared: the employer in control of the lifting operation must ensure equipment is examined and safe systems exist; the lifting contractor typically provides inspected kit and competent people. Agree responsibilities in writing.
5) What’s the most common cause of lift incidents?
Poor planning—usually incorrect centre of gravity assumptions, unsuitable ground conditions, or mismatched equipment. Competent surveys and engineered lift plans prevent these.
Ready to lift safely, stay compliant and protect your production schedule? Book a consultation or request a site assessment today: https://fessgroup.co.uk/services/industrial-lifting/
