Free lifting equipment inspection checklist
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A lifting equipment inspection checklist is a structured form used to inspect and document the condition of slings, shackles, chain blocks, hoists and other lifting accessories. This page explains what to include, how to conduct an inspection, and offers a free PDF-ready template you can download and use straight away. No sign-up required.
Last updated: 2026-04-17 · MapTrack
Commercial Director
How to use: Select equipment type and record details → inspect each section → mark OK, Defect or N/A → sign off and record outcome → save as PDF (Print → Save as PDF).
- ✓ PDF-ready. Open and print to PDF
- ✓ Covers web slings, chain slings, wire rope slings, shackles, chain blocks and hoists
- ✓ Free to use with or without MapTrack
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What is a lifting equipment inspection checklist?
A lifting equipment inspection checklist is a structured form used to inspect and document the condition of slings, shackles, chain blocks, lever hoists, lifting beams and other lifting accessories at regular intervals. It covers all safety-critical components for each equipment type, ensuring that lifting gear is safe to use, correctly rated and properly identified. The checklist provides documented evidence of compliance with Australian WHS regulations and AS 4991 requirements for lifting devices.
Benefits of regular lifting equipment inspections
- Safety: identify worn, damaged or degraded lifting gear before it fails under load.
- Compliance: documented inspections to meet WHS and AS 4991 requirements for lifting devices.
- Reduced risk: catch defects during scheduled inspections rather than during a critical lift.
- Traceability: maintain a complete inspection history for every sling, shackle and hoist in your inventory.
- Insurance requirements: many insurers require documented inspection records for lifting equipment cover.
- Cost savings: extend the service life of lifting gear by identifying issues early and scheduling replacements proactively.
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you move your checklists from paper to MapTrack, you get:
- Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
- Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
- Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
- Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
- Ability to share forms digitally.
- Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
- Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
- Electronic signatures.
- Edit forms later without reprinting.
- Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
- Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
- Set recurring audit schedules with automatic reminders and escalation.
- Produce regulator-ready PDF compliance packs in one click.
- Track corrective actions from finding to close-out with full audit trail.
Book a demo to see digital inspections and forms in MapTrack.
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What to include in a lifting equipment inspection checklist
Our free lifting equipment inspection checklist includes:
- Equipment details: type, SWL/WLL, serial/ID number, inspection date, inspector name.
- Web/synthetic slings: cuts, abrasion, stitching, labels, UV damage.
- Chain slings: link wear, stretch, corrosion, hooks, identification tags.
- Wire rope slings: broken wires, kinks, corrosion, ferrules, thimbles.
- Shackles and hardware: pin wear, body distortion, markings, thread condition.
- Chain blocks and hoists: chain condition, hook, brake, handle, label, load test.
- Overall outcome: fit for use, requires repair or condemn.
- Sign-off: inspector, supervisor.
How to conduct a lifting equipment inspection
- Record equipment type, SWL/WLL and identification details.
- Select the relevant equipment type section on the checklist.
- Visually inspect each component and mark OK, Defect or N/A.
- Record details for any defects found, including severity.
- Determine outcome: fit for use, requires repair or condemn.
- Sign off and update the lifting equipment register.
In MapTrack, lifting equipment inspections are completed on mobile and linked directly to each sling, shackle or hoist record. Photos attach to each inspection, and failed items can trigger removal from service so the equipment is not used until cleared. Book a demo to see how.
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Back to download formLifting equipment inspection frequency
Lifting equipment inspections follow a tiered schedule. Pre-use visual checks are performed before each lift. Formal inspections are typically performed quarterly for frequently used items and annually for all lifting gear. Equipment exposed to harsh environments, corrosive chemicals or heavy-duty cycles may require monthly inspections. After any incident, suspected overload or repair, a full inspection must be completed before the equipment is returned to service. In MapTrack, you can schedule each inspection tier and track compliance across your entire lifting equipment register.
Frequently asked questions
- What types of lifting equipment need regular inspections?
- All lifting equipment requires regular inspections under Australian WHS regulations and AS 4991 (Lifting devices). This includes web slings, chain slings, wire rope slings, shackles, chain blocks, lever hoists, lifting beams, eyebolts, turnbuckles and spreader bars. Each type has specific inspection criteria based on its construction and use.
- How often should lifting equipment be inspected?
- Lifting equipment should be inspected before each use as a visual pre-use check. Formal inspections are typically performed quarterly for frequently used items and at least annually for all lifting gear. Equipment exposed to harsh environments, chemicals or heavy duty cycles may require more frequent inspection. All lifting equipment must be inspected by a competent person after any incident or suspected overload.
- When should lifting equipment be taken out of service?
- Lifting equipment must be removed from service immediately if any defect is identified that could affect its safe working load. This includes cuts or abrasion exceeding 10% of material thickness on slings, stretched or deformed chain links, broken wires on wire rope slings, distorted or worn shackle pins, illegible or missing identification tags, and any evidence of heat damage or chemical exposure.
- Is the template free to use without MapTrack?
- Yes. Download and use the lifting equipment inspection checklist for free. Open the file and use your browser's Print, then Save as PDF. No MapTrack account required. If you later want digital lifting gear inspections linked to each asset with scheduling, compliance alerts and service history, we would be happy to show you MapTrack.
Need digital lifting equipment inspections with compliance tracking?
Register every sling, shackle and hoist in MapTrack. Schedule inspections, complete checklists on mobile, attach photos and certificates, and maintain a complete compliance history for all your lifting gear.