What is an AS 1418 crane inspection checklist?

It is a structured form used to verify that a crane meets the inspection requirements of Australian Standard AS 1418.1:2021, Cranes, hoists and winches, Part 1: General requirements. Section 7 of the standard sets out what must be inspected, how often, and by whom. The checklist guides the inspector through each verification point covering structural, mechanical, electrical, safety device, wire rope and documentation checks, and records the findings, defects and corrective actions required.

Who is qualified to inspect cranes under AS 1418.1?

AS 1418.1 requires inspections to be carried out by a competent person, meaning someone with the training, knowledge and experience to identify crane defects and assess whether the crane is safe for continued use. For major inspections and structural assessments, this typically means a registered professional engineer or a person holding a relevant high-risk work licence. Daily pre-use checks can be performed by the crane operator, provided they have received appropriate training.

How does AS 1418 relate to WHS Regulations?

Australian WHS Regulations require that plant (including cranes) is inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer instructions and relevant Australian Standards. AS 1418.1 is the primary standard for cranes and is explicitly referenced by regulators as the benchmark for inspection and maintenance. Compliance with AS 1418.1 helps demonstrate that a PCBU has met their duty of care under the WHS Act.

What wire rope discard criteria does AS 1418.1 reference?

AS 1418.1 references wire rope discard criteria that consider the number of visible broken wires in a rope lay length, surface corrosion, reduction in rope diameter, kinking, bird-caging and distortion. The specific discard limits depend on the rope construction and application. Detailed wire rope inspection and discard criteria are also covered in AS 3569. Any wire rope showing discard-level defects must be replaced before the crane is returned to service.

Can I conduct AS 1418 crane inspections digitally?

Yes. Digital inspection forms on a tablet or mobile device allow inspectors to capture photos of defects, record GPS coordinates, attach test certificates and automatically timestamp each entry. MapTrack supports crane inspection workflows with custom digital checklists, automated scheduling, defect tracking and compliance dashboards. Book a demo to see how it works for your fleet.

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Free AS 1418.1:2021 crane inspection checklist covering Section 7 requirements. Structural, mechanical, electrical and safety device checks. Download free.

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 3 May 2026

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What is a as 1418 crane inspection checklist?

An AS 1418 crane inspection checklist is a structured document used to verify that cranes and hoisting equipment comply with the requirements of Australian Standard AS 1418.1:2021, Cranes, hoists and winches, Part 1: General requirements. Section 7 of this standard sets out the inspection, testing and maintenance requirements that owners and operators must follow to keep cranes safe and fit for service. The checklist guides inspectors through each verification point, covering structural integrity, mechanical components, wire ropes and chains, electrical systems, safety devices, load-limiting systems, operator controls and documentation.

In Australia, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and associated Regulations require persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) to ensure that plant, including cranes, is inspected and maintained so that it remains safe for use. AS 1418.1 is the primary technical standard referenced by regulators, insurers and competent persons when assessing crane condition. Maintaining completed inspection checklists provides documented evidence that statutory obligations are met, supports major inspection and re-registration requirements, and creates an auditable history of each crane throughout its operational life. Without proper records, organisations risk regulatory enforcement action, insurance disputes and, most critically, undetected defects that could lead to catastrophic failures.

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Benefits of using this as 1418 crane inspection checklist

Regulatory compliance: provides documented evidence of inspections required under WHS Regulations and AS 1418.1:2021 Section 7.
Defect detection: systematic checks across structural, mechanical, electrical and safety systems identify issues before they escalate into failures or incidents.
Audit trail: completed checklists create a verifiable history of crane condition that satisfies regulators, insurers and third-party auditors.
Consistency: every inspector follows the same inspection points in the same order, reducing the risk of missed items or subjective assessments.
Maintenance planning: trends in inspection findings inform preventive maintenance scheduling and capital replacement decisions.
Worker safety: thorough inspections of load-limiting devices, emergency stops, anti-collision systems and structural members directly protect operators, riggers and ground personnel.

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When you digitise crane checklists in MapTrack, you get:

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What to include in a as 1418 crane inspection checklist

This as 1418 crane inspection checklist covers 12 key areas:

Crane identification: asset ID, serial number, make and model, type (e.g. overhead bridge, tower, mobile, jib), safe working load (SWL), registration number and location or site.
Inspection details: inspection date, inspector name and qualifications, type of inspection (daily pre-use, periodic, major), inspection interval reference and previous inspection date.
Structural inspection: visual examination of main structural members, boom sections, jib, mast, tower sections, outriggers and supports for cracks, deformation, corrosion, loose fasteners and weld integrity.
Mechanical components: examination of hoisting mechanisms, slewing gear, travel mechanisms, gearboxes, bearings, brakes, clutches and hydraulic systems for wear, leaks and correct operation.
Wire ropes and chains: inspection of wire ropes for broken wires, corrosion, kinking, bird-caging, diameter reduction and correct reeving. Inspection of chains for stretch, wear, deformation and correct engagement with sheaves or sprockets.
Electrical systems: verification of power supply, main isolators, contactors, motor condition, cable reeling drums, festoon systems, pendant controls and cabin controls. Check for damaged insulation, loose connections and correct earthing.
Safety devices: testing of load moment indicators (LMI), rated capacity indicators (RCI), anti-two-block devices, travel limit switches, hoist limit switches, slew limiters, wind speed indicators and emergency stop systems.
Operator controls and cabin: inspection of control levers, pedals, seats, visibility, fire extinguisher, communication equipment, load charts and operator manual availability.
Hooks and load-handling attachments: inspection of hooks for deformation, cracks, throat opening, safety latch operation and swivel condition. Check spreader bars, grabs and other attachments.
Documentation and compliance: verification that the crane has a current registration (where required), major inspection certificate, maintenance log, load test certificate and operator competency records.
Findings summary: overall condition assessment (serviceable, requires repair, unsafe for use), list of defects found, priority rating for each defect, corrective action required and due dates.
Declaration and sign-off: inspector signature, print name, competency reference, date, and responsible person acknowledgement with signature and date.

How to use this as 1418 crane inspection checklist

Prepare for the inspection by reviewing the crane asset register, previous inspection reports, maintenance history and any outstanding defect notices.: Confirm the crane identification details (asset ID, serial number, SWL, registration) match the physical nameplate. Identify the applicable inspection type and interval per AS 1418.1 Section 7.
Conduct the structural inspection, examining all main structural members, boom sections, mast, jib, outriggers and support structures for visible defects.: Look for cracks, deformation, corrosion, paint flaking (which may hide corrosion), loose or missing bolts, damaged welds and signs of overloading. Use appropriate access equipment and lighting. Mark any defects for further assessment by a competent structural engineer if required.
Inspect mechanical components, wire ropes, chains, hooks and load-handling attachments in accordance with AS 1418.1 criteria.: Check hoisting mechanisms, slewing gear, travel drives, brakes, clutches, hydraulic hoses and fittings. Inspect wire ropes for broken wires per the discard criteria in AS 1418.1 and AS 3569. Measure hook throat opening and check safety latch operation. Record all measurements and observations.
Test electrical systems and all safety devices, including load moment indicators, rated capacity indicators, limit switches and emergency stops.: Verify correct operation of each safety device by functional testing under controlled conditions. Confirm limit switches engage before the crane reaches its physical limits. Test emergency stop from each control station. Check electrical insulation, earthing and cable condition.
Inspect the operator cabin or control station, verify load charts, manuals and communication equipment are present and legible.: Confirm the load chart matches the crane configuration. Check that the operator manual, emergency procedures and contact details are accessible. Verify the fire extinguisher is current and the cabin provides adequate visibility and ergonomic controls.
Review documentation including registration certificate, major inspection reports, maintenance log, load test records and operator competency evidence.: Confirm all documentation is current, accessible and matches the crane being inspected. Flag any expired certificates or overdue maintenance items as non-conformances.
Complete the findings summary, record the overall condition assessment, list all defects with priority ratings, assign corrective actions and obtain sign-off.: Classify the crane as serviceable, requiring repair before further use, or unsafe for use. Ensure all parties sign the completed checklist. Distribute copies to the crane owner, site manager and maintenance team. File the original with the crane asset records.

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How often should you complete this checklist?

AS 1418.1:2021 Section 7 specifies multiple inspection intervals. Daily or pre-shift inspections should be conducted by the operator before each use, covering basic operational checks and visual condition assessment. Periodic inspections by a competent person are typically required at intervals not exceeding 12 months, though more frequent intervals (monthly, quarterly) apply to specific components such as wire ropes, brakes and safety devices. Major inspections involving detailed structural examination, non-destructive testing and load testing are required at intervals specified by the standard, the crane manufacturer or the regulator, often every 5 or 10 years depending on crane type and usage.

State and territory WHS Regulations may impose additional requirements, including registration renewal inspections for certain crane classes. Always check the requirements of your jurisdiction and the crane manufacturer, and increase inspection frequency where the crane operates in harsh conditions, at high duty cycles or in corrosive environments.

Frequently asked questions

What is an AS 1418 crane inspection checklist?: It is a structured form used to verify that a crane meets the inspection requirements of Australian Standard AS 1418.1:2021, Cranes, hoists and winches, Part 1: General requirements. Section 7 of the standard sets out what must be inspected, how often, and by whom. The checklist guides the inspector through each verification point covering structural, mechanical, electrical, safety device, wire rope and documentation checks, and records the findings, defects and corrective actions required.
Who is qualified to inspect cranes under AS 1418.1?: AS 1418.1 requires inspections to be carried out by a competent person, meaning someone with the training, knowledge and experience to identify crane defects and assess whether the crane is safe for continued use. For major inspections and structural assessments, this typically means a registered professional engineer or a person holding a relevant high-risk work licence. Daily pre-use checks can be performed by the crane operator, provided they have received appropriate training.
How does AS 1418 relate to WHS Regulations?: Australian WHS Regulations require that plant (including cranes) is inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer instructions and relevant Australian Standards. AS 1418.1 is the primary standard for cranes and is explicitly referenced by regulators as the benchmark for inspection and maintenance. Compliance with AS 1418.1 helps demonstrate that a PCBU has met their duty of care under the WHS Act.
What wire rope discard criteria does AS 1418.1 reference?: AS 1418.1 references wire rope discard criteria that consider the number of visible broken wires in a rope lay length, surface corrosion, reduction in rope diameter, kinking, bird-caging and distortion. The specific discard limits depend on the rope construction and application. Detailed wire rope inspection and discard criteria are also covered in AS 3569. Any wire rope showing discard-level defects must be replaced before the crane is returned to service.
Can I conduct AS 1418 crane inspections digitally?: Yes. Digital inspection forms on a tablet or mobile device allow inspectors to capture photos of defects, record GPS coordinates, attach test certificates and automatically timestamp each entry. MapTrack supports crane inspection workflows with custom digital checklists, automated scheduling, defect tracking and compliance dashboards. Book a demo to see how it works for your fleet.

Applicable regulatory standards

This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:

AS 1418.1:2021 (Cranes, hoists and winches - General requirements) Section 7
AS 3569 (Steel wire ropes - Product specification)
WHS Regulations 2011 (Chapter 5 - Plant and structures)
AS 2550 (Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use) Series

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