Crane Lifts, Module Connections & Weatherproofing: Method Statement Requirements for Modular Building Contractors

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Method Statements for Modular Installation
• Pre-Lift Sequence and Checks
• Lift Sequence Method Statement
• Module Connection Procedure
• Temporary Edge Protection at Height
• Weatherproofing Sequence
• What Your Method Statement Must Cover
• Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction: Method Statements for Modular Installation

A modular building installation method statement must describe the installation sequence in sufficient detail that the principal contractor and LOLER competent person can confirm that all hazards have been identified and controlled at each stage. Generic statements such as "modules will be lifted by crane in accordance with the lift plan" are not adequate — the method statement must describe who does what, when, in what sequence, and what hazards and controls apply at each phase.

This guide provides method statement content for the four most critical phases of modular installation. Full trade RAMS guidance is available at our modular construction RAMS resource.

Browse all trade RAMS templates on the RAMS AI trade hub — covering 22 specialist construction trades.

Pre-Lift Sequence and Checks

The following checks must be completed and recorded before the first module lift proceeds:

• Crane: pre-start inspection — Crane operator to complete daily pre-start inspection in accordance with the manufacturer's checklist. Record on crane inspection register.
• Ground conditions — Appointed person to confirm ground conditions at crane pad positions are as specified. If overnight rain or ground disturbance has affected the ground, re-assess before crane setup.
• Outrigger deployment — Crane operator to deploy outriggers to full extension on the specified outrigger pads. Confirm outrigger loads are within ground bearing capacity.
• Rigging inspection — Appointed person to inspect spreader bar, slings, and shackles. Confirm LOLER test certificates are current for all equipment. Record on rigging inspection sheet.
• Module weight confirmation — Confirm each module's actual weight from the manufacturer's delivery documentation — do not rely on nominal design weights.
• Foundation check — Survey team to confirm foundation bolt positions and levels are within tolerance before the first lift. Record on foundation survey record.
• Exclusion zone establishment — Banksman to confirm all persons are clear of the lift zone before the crane hook is raised. Establish physical barriers and signage at the exclusion zone boundary.
• Pre-lift briefing — Appointed person to brief all operatives involved in the first lift on the lift plan, communication signals, emergency procedure, and their individual responsibilities.
• Wind speed check — Record wind speed and direction. Confirm conditions are within the specified lifting limit before the lift commences.

Lift Sequence Method Statement

The following sequence applies to each individual module lift:

1. Appointed person confirms lift can proceed: ground conditions, rigging inspection, exclusion zone, wind speed all confirmed acceptable. Record in lift log.
2. Rigging team attach spreader bar to module lifting eyes. Confirm all four lifting eye connections are engaged and pinned. Appointed person visually confirms all connections before hoist.
3. Take up slack on hoist — confirm all four lifting points are taking load evenly before hoisting. If the module tilts, lower immediately and investigate.
4. Hoist module to clear height (minimum 500 mm above the highest obstruction in the lift path). Slew to position above landing point. Appointed person monitors throughout.
5. Banksman(s) guide module to landing using guide ropes — never use hands to guide a suspended load. Banksman positions: one at each end of the module, at least 2 m from the module footprint. Banksman commands to crane operator: "left", "right", "lower slowly", "stop".
6. Lower module to within 200 mm of the foundation bearing point. Pause. Appointed person and banksman confirm module is aligned with the foundation. Adjust position as required before final lowering.
7. Lower to final position. Confirm module is seated correctly on all bearing points. Do not release rigging until temporary connections are made (see module connection procedure).
8. Once temporary connections are confirmed, release rigging and clear the exclusion zone. Record lift as complete in the lift log.

Module Connection Procedure

Module-to-module structural connections are made after each module is landed. The connection sequence:

1. Temporary stability: confirm the landed module is temporarily secured to the foundation (anchor bolts hand-tightened, temporary props installed if required) before releasing rigging.
2. Access to connection points: erect temporary edge protection at the module roof level (see below) before any operative accesses the top of the module for connection work.
3. Structural connections: bolt up module-to-module connections in accordance with the structural engineer's specification. Confirm bolts are torqued to specification using a calibrated torque wrench. Record torques on the connection record sheet.
4. Foundation connections: tighten foundation anchor bolts to specified torque. Record on anchor bolt record sheet.
5. Once all connections for the bay are complete, remove temporary props and confirm the connected bay is structurally stable before the next module lift proceeds.

Temporary Edge Protection at Height

Module rooftops during installation are working at height areas that require collective edge protection under the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Specify:

• Temporary edge protection type: proprietary railing system clamped to the module structure, or scaffold tube and fitting system — specify which will be used and confirm it meets the 950 mm minimum height requirement and can withstand the BS EN 13374 Class A loading
• Installation sequence: edge protection to be installed from a MEWP or from below on the previous module before operatives access the top of the newly landed module
• Removal sequence: edge protection remains in place until the permanent parapet or building envelope provides equivalent protection, or until all connection and weatherproofing work on that module level is complete
• Falls from internal openings: specify how internal module openings (stairwell voids, service penetrations) will be protected during installation

Weatherproofing Sequence

Module joints must be sealed to prevent water ingress as each floor level of modules is completed. The weatherproofing sequence:

• Horizontal joint sealing (floor-to-floor): apply waterproofing membrane or sealant to the horizontal joint between module floor and module roof at each floor level after structural connections are made and before the next floor of modules is lifted
• Vertical joint sealing (module-to-module): apply sealant to vertical joints between adjacent modules at each floor level after structural connections are complete
• Interim weather protection: where the building programme does not allow all joints to be sealed before adverse weather, specify interim protection measures (temporary membrane, foam backer rod, or site cover)
• Quality check: specify inspection of completed joint sealing before the next floor level of modules is installed, as access to lower level joints will be restricted once upper level modules are in place

What Your Method Statement Must Cover

• Pre-lift checklist: all checks required before first and subsequent lifts
• Lift sequence: rigging, hoist, banksman communication, module landing, rigging release
• Module connection: temporary stability, access, structural connection torques, anchor bolt torques
• Edge protection: type, installation sequence from safe position, removal sequence
• Weatherproofing: horizontal and vertical joint sealing sequence, interim protection
• Records: lift log, rigging inspection, foundation survey, torque records, weatherproofing inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the appointed person (AP) for LOLER purposes on a modular construction project?

The appointed person must be a competent person with appropriate training and experience in lifting operations — typically holding a CPCS A61 (appointed person) card or equivalent. On modular construction projects, the AP is usually employed by the installation contractor or the crane hire company. The AP is responsible for planning each lift, ensuring the lift plan is available before the lift, briefing the lift team, and being present during the lift to supervise. Their name and qualifications must be stated in the lifting plan and the RAMS.

What module guide rope arrangement is standard for modular building lifts?

Guide ropes are attached to the corners of the module at or below the module's centre of gravity (or at designated guide rope points specified by the module manufacturer). Two guide ropes are typically used — one at each end of the module — and are managed by one banksman per rope. The ropes are used to prevent the module from rotating and to make fine adjustments to position during landing. Guide rope length must allow the banksman to maintain the minimum 2 m clearance from the module footprint throughout the lift. Guide ropes must never be wrapped around hands or bodies.

How do we protect partially completed modular buildings from weather damage between lifts?

Where module installation is interrupted overnight or for longer periods, all open module tops must be covered with proprietary temporary roof covers or securely fixed tarpaulins that can withstand the expected wind load. The covers must be anchored to the module structure at the edges and central points — do not rely on weight alone to secure covers in wind. Any temporary covers must be removed before the next module lift to prevent them being caught by the crane or carried by wind during lifting operations.