Free hoist inspection checklist
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A hoist inspection checklist is a structured form used to inspect a hoist before each use. This page explains what to include, how to conduct the 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: Fill hoist and inspector details, then mark Pass/Fail for each item, add notes where needed, sign and date, then save as PDF (Print, then Save as PDF in your browser).
- ✓ PDF-ready. Open and print to PDF
- ✓ Covers chain/wire rope, hooks, brakes, limit switches and controls
- ✓ Free to use with or without MapTrack
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See the first part of the checklist below. Enter your email above to download the full hoist inspection checklist (PDF-ready).
What is a hoist inspection checklist?
A hoist inspection checklist is a structured form used to inspect a chain hoist, wire rope hoist or electric hoist before it is used for lifting. It covers the load chain or wire rope, hook and block assembly, brakes and clutch, limit switches and controls, electrical components, and structural items including the frame, trolley and beam clamps. Hoists are used across construction, manufacturing, warehousing and maintenance operations. A thorough inspection helps confirm the hoist is safe, identifies chain wear, hook deformation or brake faults before they cause dropped loads, and provides documented evidence of compliance with Australian Standards (AS 1418 and AS 2550) and WHS regulations.
Benefits of hoist inspections
- Load safety: verify chain or wire rope condition, hook integrity and brakes before lifting loads.
- Dropped load prevention: catch chain elongation, hook deformation and brake wear before they cause failures.
- Standards compliance: documented inspections meet AS 1418, AS 2550 and WHS obligations for lifting equipment.
- Reduced downtime: identify electrical faults, limit switch failures and lubrication needs before breakdowns occur.
- Worker confidence: operators can trust the hoist has been checked and cleared before each lifting task.
- Audit trail: maintain a verifiable history of inspections for safety audits and incident investigations.
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 hoist inspection checklist
Our free hoist inspection checklist includes:
- Hoist details: type (chain/wire rope/electric/manual), make/model, serial/asset number, SWL (safe working load).
- Inspector details: name, inspection date, inspection type (daily/monthly/annual).
- Load chain or wire rope: wear, elongation, kinks, lubrication, terminations.
- Hook and block: safety latch, throat opening, twist, wear, block sheave.
- Brakes and controls: brake holding test, upper and lower limit switches, pendant or remote controls, emergency stop.
- Electrical: power supply, wiring condition, motor, isolator.
- Structure: frame and housing, mounting bolts, trolley wheels, beam clamps, load rating plate.
- Defect register: item, description, action required.
- Sign-off: inspector and supervisor.
How to conduct a hoist inspection
- Record hoist details including type, make/model, serial number and SWL.
- Visually inspect the load chain or wire rope for wear, kinks, elongation and proper lubrication.
- Check the hook: safety latch closes fully, no throat opening beyond limits, no twist or cracks.
- Test the brakes with a light load. Confirm the hoist holds without drift.
- Test upper and lower limit switches, pendant or remote controls, and emergency stop.
- Check the structure: frame, mounting bolts, trolley wheels and beam clamps for damage or looseness.
- Record any defects and report per your site procedures. Tag out the hoist until safety defects are rectified.
- Sign off, date the form and save as PDF.
In MapTrack, hoist inspections are completed on mobile and linked directly to the asset record. Photos attach to each inspection, and failed items can trigger work orders so the hoist is not available until cleared. Book a demo to see how.
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Back to download formHoist inspection frequency
Complete a visual inspection before each use or at the start of each shift. Monthly inspections should cover deeper items such as chain or wire rope measurement, brake adjustment, limit switch function testing and electrical component checks. Annual thorough examinations should be performed by a competent person in accordance with AS 1418 and AS 2550, covering structural integrity, load testing and full component assessment. In MapTrack, you can schedule each inspection tier and track compliance across all your hoists and lifting equipment.
Frequently asked questions
- What should a hoist inspection checklist cover?
- A hoist inspection checklist should cover the load chain or wire rope (wear, elongation, lubrication, terminations), hook and block (latch, throat opening, twist, wear), brakes and clutch (holding test, adjustment, wear indicators), limit switches and controls (upper and lower limits, pendant or remote controls, emergency stop), electrical components (power supply, wiring, motor condition), and structural items (frame, mounting bolts, trolley, beam clamps, load rating plate). The checklist confirms the hoist is safe to operate before each use.
- How often should a hoist be inspected?
- Hoists should receive a visual inspection before each use or shift. Monthly inspections should cover deeper items such as brake adjustment, chain or wire rope measurement, and limit switch testing. Annual inspections, often called thorough examinations, should be performed by a competent person in accordance with AS 1418 and AS 2550. High-use hoists or those in harsh environments may require more frequent inspections. Follow the manufacturer recommendations and your site requirements.
- Who can inspect a hoist?
- Daily pre-use visual inspections can be completed by any trained and competent operator. Monthly and periodic inspections should be conducted by a competent person with knowledge of hoist mechanics and relevant Australian Standards (AS 1418, AS 2550). Annual thorough examinations are typically done by qualified inspectors or engineers. Always check your state or territory WHS requirements for specific competency obligations.
- Is the template free to use without MapTrack?
- Yes. Download and use the hoist 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 inspections linked to each hoist with scheduling, alerts and service history, we would be happy to show you MapTrack.
Need digital inspections for your hoists?
Register every hoist in MapTrack. Schedule daily, monthly and annual inspections, complete checklists on mobile, attach photos, and maintain a complete compliance history for each unit.