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CPA Hire vs. Contract Lift
Know Your Options
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Choosing Your Crane Service: CPA Hire vs. Contract Lift
Making the right choice for your lifting needs is crucial for a safe and efficient project. Cork Crane Hire offer two primary types of service under the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) model:
- CPA Crane Hire
- CPA Contract Lift
Understanding the key differences, particularly regarding responsibility, will help you select the best fit for your requirements. Whether you prefer hands-on management or a fully managed solution, we’re here to support you.
Understanding CPA Crane Hire

Opting for a CPA Crane Hire agreement means that you, the customer, take on the primary responsibility for the planning and execution of the lifting operation. Under these standard CPA terms, your key duties include:
- Providing a qualified and competent Appointed Person who fully understands all aspects of the lift.
- Supplying qualified and competent Slinger/Signallers and a Crane Supervisor.
- Taking charge to plan the lift thoroughly and operate a safe system of work.
- Preparing all necessary Method Statements and Risk Assessments.
- Ensuring the crane hired is of a suitable type and capacity for the specific job.
- Checking the credentials of the crane hire company (like us!) and the certification provided.
- Carrying out all work in accordance with BS 7121 (Code of practice for safe use of cranes) and LOLER 1998 (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations). Â Â
Additionally, under a standard CPA Hire, you must arrange specific insurance cover. This includes cover for loss of or damage to our plant (the crane) while on your site, loss of or damage to the goods being lifted, any continuing hire charges if the crane is off the road for repairs due to damage on site, and public liability including injury to the operator or other parties arising from the crane operations.
Our responsibility under CPA Hire is straightforward: to provide a crane that is properly maintained, tested, and certified, along with a qualified and competent Crane Operator.
Choosing a Contract Lift

If you prefer Cork Crane Hire (CCH) to manage the entire lifting process from start to finish, a CPA Contract Lift is the ideal solution. With this comprehensive option, we take full responsibility for the lift. This means CCH will:
- Provide our own qualified and competent Appointed Person with the necessary knowledge and experience.
- Supply the qualified and competent Slinger/Signaller and Crane Supervisor.
- Provide a qualified and competent Crane Operator.
- Meticulously plan the lift and operate a safe system of work.
- Develop and provide all required Method Statements and Risk Assessments.
- Ensure the crane supplied is of a suitable type and capacity for your specific requirements.
- Provide a crane that is properly maintained, tested, and certificated.
- Carry out all work in strict accordance with BS 7121 and LOLER 1998.
Under a Contract Lift, your main duty as the customer is crucial but simpler: you need to provide accurate information relating to both the items that need lifting and the ground conditions on the site where the crane will operate.
Need Help Deciding? Consult Cork Crane Hire’s Experts
What's the Key Difference?
In essence, the fundamental difference lies in who holds the responsibility for planning, supervising, insuring, and executing the lift safely and according to regulations.
🟡 CPA Crane Hire –You (the customer) are responsible.
🟡 CPA Contract Lift – We (Cork Crane Hire) are responsible.
Whichever service model best suits your project scope, in-house expertise, and insurance capabilities, Cork Crane Hire is ready to assist. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your specific lifting requirements, and we’ll be happy to help you choose the most appropriate service!
Gain access to a well-maintained, modern fleet suitable for a wide range of lifting needs. Our cranes are regularly inspected and certified, reducing the risk of costly downtime for both CPA Hire and Contract Lift customers. This reliability ensures your project stays on track with efficient, capable machinery.
Our personnel hold key industry certifications (like CPCS/NPORS) ensuring competence whether you need just an operator for CPA Hire or the full crew for a Contract Lift. This expertise translates to safer, smoother lifts handled by professionals you can trust. Hiring us means tapping into deep knowledge of best practices and complex lifting scenarios.
We offer both CPA Crane Hire and full CPA Contract Lifts, providing the flexibility to match your specific needs and in-house capabilities. This choice allows you to optimise for cost-effectiveness and control, selecting precisely the level of service required. We help you understand the options to get the best value.
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER LIFTING SERVICES
CPA HIRE
Cork Crane Hire offers CPA Hire for projects where you manage the lift, providing access to our meticulously maintained, CPA-certified crane fleet and lifting gear, ready for safe operation under your appointed personnel.
contact lifting
For a smooth and safe lifting operation, Cork Crane Hire’s site surveys meticulously assess ground conditions, access, and logistics to develop a precise and effective lifting strategy for your project.
CERTIFIED PERSONNEL
We provide highly trained and certified personnel, including Appointed Persons, Crane Supervisors, and Slinger/Signallers, to ensure the safest and most efficient management of every lifting operation.
LIFT & SHIFT
For the safe and efficient relocation of everything from delicate equipment to heavy machinery, specialized transport, lift, and shift services ensure a fast, secure, and stress-free process for your valuable assets.
OUR FLEET
Explore our extensive and modern fleet of certified and well-maintained cranes, ranging from mobile tower cranes to heavy-duty all-terrain models, ready to meet diverse lifting demands with precision and reliability.
SITE SURVEYS
For a smooth and safe lifting operation, Cork Crane Hire’s site surveys meticulously assess ground conditions, access, and logistics to develop a precise and effective lifting strategy for your project.
OUR latest catalogue
Our new catalogue is here! Explore the latest additions to our fleet and discover tailored lifting solutions for your projects. Download today and see how we can help you succeed.
Why Clients Choose Us
We operate nationwide in the UK
What is the difference between CPA Crane Hire and CPA Contract Lift?
In CPA Crane Hire, you (the customer) are responsible for the planning and safe execution of the lift, including providing the Appointed Person and slinger/signaller. In a CPA Contract Lift, Cork Crane Hire takes full responsibility for all aspects of the lift, including providing the Appointed Person, slinger/signaller, planning, and risk assessments.
When should I choose a Contract Lift over standard crane hire?
You should consider a Contract Lift when you lack the in-house expertise or resources to plan and manage a complex or high-risk lifting operation. It provides peace of mind and transfers the responsibility for the lift’s safety and execution to the experienced professionals at Cork Crane Hire.
What safety measures are in place for Contract Lifts with Cork Crane Hire?
Safety is our top priority. For every Contract Lift, we conduct thorough site assessments, develop detailed Method Statements and Risk Assessments, provide competent personnel, ensure well-maintained and certified equipment, and adhere strictly to all relevant regulations and best practices.
Is Contract Lifting more expensive than standard crane hire?
While the overall cost of a Contract Lift may be higher than basic crane hire due to the inclusion of planning, personnel, and liability, it can be more cost-effective in the long run by mitigating risks, ensuring efficiency, and preventing potential delays or accidents.
How do I get started with a Contract Lift enquiry with Cork Crane Hire?
Simply contact our experienced team via phone or email. We will discuss your project requirements, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with a comprehensive and competitive quotation for our Contract Lifting services.
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