FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS

Fortis stands alone in its diverse capabilities,we are specialists in all areas of Crane Hire and Equipment, Lift and Shift and Lift Management. Although we have a large range of own plant we always view every project in terms of what is the most efficient and cost effective equipment to complete the project and never try and make a square peg fit in a round hole.What makes you different from all the other crane companies ?

Fortis Heavy Lift Services is centrally located in the Midlands, we cover the whole of the UK and even undertake projects on mainland Europe. We are not governed by area we cater for our clients needs no matter what the distance.

Cranes can be classified in five basic types, Mini Crane, Mobile all terrain, Crawler, Self Erector and Static Tower Crane. The lifting task, access to the site, contract duration and loads to be lifted will determine the most appropriate crane. Just get in touch and we can assist you all the way to the end lift.

If the equipment exists we can supply it ! We have a vast inventory of specialist lifting equipment and a wide trade partner connection across the UK so whatever you are looking for just ask. Our services also cover all areas of lifting and lift management, whether your requirements may be from a one off lift plan to full project management and anything in between we have it covered.

All of our workforce are certified under the CPCS (Construction Plant Competency Scheme), which is recognised by all major companies in the industry as the required standard. In addition all our operatives will be trained to work at height and to rescue personnel from height. We are audited to ISO 9001 standard and registered with CHAS and Construction Line.

If the lift is performed under Crane Hire terms you must insure the crane for loss or damage whilst it is hired to you, even though it is driven by one of our drivers. This ‘Hired in Plant’ insurance must also cover the replacement cost of the crane and any loss of hire charges we suffer whilst the crane is being repaired. You should also have third party liability insurance. Under Contract Lift conditions general insurance covering our indemnity should be held, refer to CPA conditions. These risks are covered by our insurance, with goods being lifted covered up to £25,000 and £10 million in respect of public and employers’ liability. Higher values can be covered at additional cost. The Contract Lift conditions also apply when Fortis Heavy Lift Services are completing Tower Crane Management contracts.

An Appointed Person is the person responsible for planning the lifting operations and writing the Method Statement and Risk Assessment. They should be a ‘Competent Person’ as defined under Health and Safety legislation. Where an organisation does not have a Competent Person they should elect to have a Contract Lift.