Crane Inspection Checklist

A pre-use inspection checklist for cranes.

Published July 4, 2026

Rigging and hooks

Inspect slings for cuts, fraying, kinks and broken wires.
Check shackles, hooks and fittings for wear, cracks and deformation.
Remove from service any hook with cracks, excessive throat opening or twist.
Verify hook safety latches close and function.
Confirm rigging is rated for the load and within its capacity.
Check tags and certifications on rigging are current.
Verify the load is correctly secured and balanced before lifting.

Wire rope and hoist

Inspect wire rope for broken wires, kinks, birdcaging and corrosion.
Check rope spooling is even on the drum with no overlap.
Verify the rope is correctly seated in sheaves.
Inspect sheaves and drums for wear and grooving.
Confirm rope end connections are secure and undamaged.
Check lubrication of the rope and reeving.

Controls and instruments

Confirm all controls operate smoothly and return to neutral.
Check the load moment indicator and readouts function.
Verify gauges, warning lights and alarms read normally.
Test hoist, swing, boom and travel functions.
Confirm brakes hold and operate correctly.
Check the cab, mirrors and visibility are clear.

Load chart and capacity

Confirm the correct load chart for the configuration is in the cab.
Verify the load weight is known and within capacity.
Check boom length, radius and angle against the chart.
Confirm counterweight matches the configuration.
Verify the lift plan accounts for wind and ground conditions.
Confirm clearances from power lines and obstructions.

Outriggers and stability

Confirm outriggers are fully extended and pinned per the chart.
Check outrigger pads and cribbing are rated and on firm ground.
Verify the crane is level within tolerance.
Confirm tires are off the ground when fully on outriggers.
Check the ground bearing capacity supports the loads.
Verify the swing area is clear and barricaded.

Safety devices and records

Test the anti-two-block device and warning.
Confirm limit switches and overload protection function.
Check the horn, alarms and signaling work.
Verify the fire extinguisher is charged and mounted.
Confirm operator certification and inspection records are current.
Record defects, take unsafe cranes out of service, then sign and file.

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A crane inspection checklist is a structured pre-use list operators and riggers use to confirm a crane is safe before lifting. It covers rigging and hooks, wire rope, controls and instruments, the load chart, outriggers and stability, and safety devices, with a clear pass or fail standard for each item.

Crane work is high-consequence. A frayed wire rope, an unlatched hook or a soft outrigger pad can lead to a dropped load or a tip-over, so a documented pre-use inspection by a competent person is a critical control on every lift.

Use this checklist before each shift and before complex lifts, completed by a trained crane operator with input from the rigger and signal person. Mark each item, take any crane with a safety defect out of service, and confirm the lift plan matches the load chart.

Print the checklist for the cab or logbook, or download the PDF to complete on a tablet and file with your crane records. Pre-use inspections supplement, and do not replace, OSHA 1926 subpart CC, the manufacturer's manual, the load chart and inspection by a qualified or competent person.

FAQ

What is a crane inspection checklist?

It's a pre-use list used to confirm a crane is safe to lift, covering rigging, wire rope, controls, load chart, outriggers and safety devices. Each item is marked pass or fail by a competent person before operation.

How often must a crane be inspected?

A competent person must perform a documented inspection before each shift, with more detailed monthly and annual inspections per OSHA and the manufacturer. Inspect again after any modification, repair or overload event.

Who is qualified to inspect a crane?

Shift inspections are done by a competent person, often the crane operator. Periodic and post-incident inspections require a qualified person, and annual inspections must follow OSHA 1926 subpart CC and manufacturer requirements.

When should a crane be taken out of service?

Immediately, if any safety device, wire rope, hook or structural component shows a defect that meets removal-from-service criteria. Do not lift until a qualified person inspects, repairs and clears the crane.

Is this available as a printable PDF?

Yes. Print the crane inspection checklist for the cab or logbook, or download the PDF to complete on a tablet and store with your crane and lift records.