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Free AS 1418 crane inspection checklist
Free AS 1418.1:2021 crane inspection checklist covering Section 13 inspection. Structural, mechanical, electrical and safety device checks. Download free.
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39 checks · 7 sections · Sign-off
39 checks
The fields in the printable form, in a view that fits your screen.
- Crane asset ID
- Serial number
- Make / model
- Crane type
- SWL / WLL
- Registration no.
- Site / location
- Inspection date
- Inspector name
- Inspector qualifications
- Inspection type
- Previous inspection
- Overall assessment
- Corrective actions
- Next inspection due
A - Structural Inspection
B - Mechanical Components
C - Wire Ropes, Chains and Hooks
D - Electrical Systems
E - Safety Devices
F - Operator Cabin and Controls
G - Documentation and Compliance
Declaration and Sign-Off
I confirm that this crane inspection was conducted in accordance with AS 1418.1:2021 Section 7 requirements. The findings recorded above are based on visual examination and functional testing of the crane and its components. Any defects or non-conformances identified have been communicated to the responsible person and corrective actions have been agreed.
Inspector
Printed name · Qualifications / licence no. · Signature · Date
Responsible Person / Site Manager
Printed name · Position · Signature · Date
The MapTrack AS 1418 crane inspection checklist contains 39 checks across 7 sections.
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Short answer
An AS 1418 crane inspection checklist records a competent person's check of a crane's structure, mechanisms, wire ropes, hooks, brakes, safety devices, electrics and documents. AS 1418.1:2021 is the crane design standard; in-service inspection is covered by AS 2550.1 Section 7. Regulation 213 of the model WHS Regulations sets the interval: the manufacturer's or a competent person's recommendation, and annually only where neither is practicable.
Checked against AS 2550.1-2011 on by the MapTrack templates team. How we check templates
Key takeaways
- The MapTrack AS 1418 crane inspection checklist contains 39 checks across 7 sections. Sections covered: A - Structural Inspection, B - Mechanical Components, C - Wire Ropes, Chains and Hooks, D - Electrical Systems, E - Safety Devices, F - Operator Cabin and Controls, G - Documentation and Compliance.
- AS 1418.1:2021 covers crane design, with inspection and testing in Section 13. In-service maintenance and inspection is AS 2550.1-2011 Section 7.
- Model WHS regulation 213: inspect at the manufacturer's or a competent person's recommended interval, and annually only where neither is practicable.
- Registered mobile and tower cranes need a major inspection at the end of design life, else per competent advice, else every 10 years (reg 235).
- Judge rope discard against AS 2759 Section 14 and the manufacturer's criteria, and keep records for registered cranes (reg 237).
What is an 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 13 of this standard covers inspection and testing, and AS 2550.1-2011 Section 7 sets out the in-service maintenance, inspection and repair 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 2550.1-2011 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.
What to include in an AS 1418 crane inspection checklist
- 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 2550.1 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 2759. 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 2550.1-2011 Section 7 (maintenance, inspection and repair) covers in-service inspection, which runs at several 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 follow the crane manufacturer recommendations and AS 2550.1, with shorter intervals for components such as wire ropes, brakes and safety devices. For registered mobile and tower cranes, regulation 235 requires a major inspection at the end of the design life the manufacturer recommends or, if there is none, as a competent person recommends, and otherwise every 10 years from first commissioning or registration.
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.
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. In-service inspection, including what is inspected, how often and by whom, is set out in AS 2550.1-2011 Section 7. 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.
Link to this answerRegulation 213 of the WHS Regulations 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 the major inspection of a registered mobile or tower crane, regulation 235 requires a person with those skills who is registered as a professional engineer, or a person the regulator has determined to be competent. Daily pre-use checks can be performed by the crane operator, provided they have received appropriate training.
Link to this answerAustralian WHS Regulations require that plant (including cranes) is inspected and maintained by a competent person in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer or, if there are none, of a competent person. AS 1418.1 sets the general requirements for cranes, hoists and winches, and AS 2550.1 covers their safe use. Compliance with AS 1418.1 helps demonstrate that a PCBU has met their duty of care under the WHS Act.
Link to this answerAS 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 2759 Sections 13 and 14. Any wire rope showing discard-level defects must be replaced before the crane is returned to service.
Link to this answerYes. 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.
Link to this answerApplicable regulatory standards
This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.
| Standard | Edition | Clauses this template relies on | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use, Part 1: General requirementsSafe-use standard: maintenance, inspection and repair, records, and inspection of ropes, hooks and lifting gear. | AS 2550.1-2011 |
| Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher |
| Model Work Health and Safety RegulationsCompetent-person inspection, plus major inspection and records for registered cranes such as tower cranes and mobile cranes over 10 t. | Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011) |
| Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee) |
| Cranes, hoists and winches, Part 1: General requirementsThe crane design standard the page is named for. Section 13 covers inspection and testing of cranes it covers; Section 16 covers crane manuals. | AS 1418.1:2021 |
| Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher |
| Steel wire rope - Use, operation and maintenanceInspection of steel wire ropes in service and the criteria for discarding them. | AS 2759-2004 |
| Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher |
| Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplaceGuidance on how and when plant is inspected by a competent person. | November 2024 version (reviewed May 2018; amended 2021, 2023 and 2024) |
| Safe Work Australia |
| Steel wire ropes - Product specificationSteel wire rope product specification. It covers how rope is made, not in-service discard. | AS 3569:2026 | Whole instrument | Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher |
Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use, Part 1: General requirements
Edition: AS 2550.1-2011
Safe-use standard: maintenance, inspection and repair, records, and inspection of ropes, hooks and lifting gear.
- Section 7: Maintenance, inspection and repair of cranes, hoists and winches.
- 7.3: Inspection of cranes, hoists and winches.
- 7.5: Records of maintenance, inspection and repair.
- Section 8: Inspection of ropes, hooks and lifting gear.
Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher
Model Work Health and Safety Regulations
Edition: Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011)
Competent-person inspection, plus major inspection and records for registered cranes such as tower cranes and mobile cranes over 10 t.
- reg 213: Plant must be maintained, inspected and, if necessary, tested by a competent person, following manufacturer or competent person recommendations; annual inspection applies only if neither is practicable.
- reg 235: Registered mobile and tower cranes need a major inspection at the manufacturer's design life end, else per competent person advice, else every 10 years.
- reg 237: Records of tests, inspections, maintenance and alterations must be kept for plant required to be registered.
- Schedule 5: Plant requiring registration: plant designs (Part 1) and items of plant (Part 2), such as boilers and tower cranes.
Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee)
Cranes, hoists and winches, Part 1: General requirements
Edition: AS 1418.1:2021
The crane design standard the page is named for. Section 13 covers inspection and testing of cranes it covers; Section 16 covers crane manuals.
- Section 13: Inspection and testing requirements for cranes covered by the standard.
- Section 16: Manuals to be provided for cranes.
Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher
Steel wire rope - Use, operation and maintenance
Edition: AS 2759-2004
Inspection of steel wire ropes in service and the criteria for discarding them.
- Section 13: Inspection of steel wire ropes in service.
- Section 14: Criteria for discarding steel wire ropes.
Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher
Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace
Edition: November 2024 version (reviewed May 2018; amended 2021, 2023 and 2024)
Guidance on how and when plant is inspected by a competent person.
- Section 3.5: Inspecting plant: how and when plant should be inspected by a competent person, reflecting reg 213.
Steel wire ropes - Product specification
Edition: AS 3569:2026
Steel wire rope product specification. It covers how rope is made, not in-service discard.
Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher
Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.
- Model WHS Regulations (Safe Work Australia)
- AS 1418 series, Cranes, hoists and winches (Standards Australia listing)
- AS 2550 series, Cranes, hoists and winches, safe use (Standards Australia listing)
MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.
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The MapTrack AS 1418 crane inspection checklist contains 39 checks across 7 sections.
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- MapTrack AS 1418 crane inspection checklist, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/as-1418-crane-inspection-checklist
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- MapTrack. (2026). AS 1418 crane inspection checklist [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/as-1418-crane-inspection-checklist
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<ul style="margin:12px 0 0;padding-left:18px;color:#374151;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;">
<li style="margin:4px 0;">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.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Inspection details: inspection date, inspector name and qualifications, type of inspection (daily pre-use, periodic, major), inspection interval reference and previous inspection date.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">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.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Mechanical components: examination of hoisting mechanisms, slewing gear, travel mechanisms, gearboxes, bearings, brakes, clutches and hydraulic systems for wear, leaks and correct operation.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">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.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">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.</li>
</ul>
<p style="font-size:13px;color:#6B7280;margin:14px 0 0;padding-top:12px;border-top:1px solid #E5E7EB;">Free <a href="https://www.maptrack.com/templates/as-1418-crane-inspection-checklist" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">AS 1418 crane inspection checklist</a> by MapTrack</p>
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About the author
Co-Founder & Commercial Director
Jarrod has spent over a decade in technology consulting and asset management, including roles at Accenture (mining and heavy industry) and CGI as an Asset Management Consultant. He co-founded MapTrack and built and scaled its original platform, then rebuilt it with Lachlan and Alex from thousands of customer conversations and 300+ user research sessions with field teams. His consulting background gives him deep insight into the operational and compliance challenges facing asset-intensive Australian businesses.
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