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Free lifting gear inspection register (AS 4991)

Free lifting gear inspection register per AS 4991 and AS 3775. Chain slings, wire rope slings, synthetic slings and shackles with discard criteria.

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FreePDFUpdated Oct 2026

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Updated 26 Oct 2026

Lifting Gear Inspection Register

Chain slings, wire rope slings, synthetic slings and shackles per AS 4991 / AS 3775

Live form
0 of 25 checks

A - Identification, Markings and Records

1AS 4991
2AS 4991
3AS 4991
4AS 4991

B - General Condition (All Gear Types)

5AS 4991
6AS 4991
7AS 4991
8AS 4991

C - Chain Slings (AS 3775)

9AS 3775.2
10AS 3775.2
11AS 3775.2
12AS 3775.2

D - Wire Rope Slings (AS 1666)

13AS 1666.2
14AS 1666.2
15AS 1666.2
16AS 1666.2

E - Synthetic Slings (AS 1353 / AS 4497)

17AS 4497
18AS 4497
19AS 4497
20AS 4497

F - Hooks, Shackles and End Fittings

21AS 3777
22AS 3777
23AS 2741
24AS 4991

G - Outcome

25AS 4991

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Jarrod Milford

Jarrod Milford

Co-Founder & Commercial Director

Updated 26 October 2026

Short answer

A lifting gear inspection register records periodic inspection of chain, wire rope, webbing and round slings and shackles on one form, with a pass, fail or condemn result for each item. Competent inspectors check all gear at set intervals, often three-monthly by practice, and riggers check before every lift. Regulation 213 of the model WHS Regulations requires competent-person inspection; AS 3775.2:2014 clause 9.2 covers periodic chain sling inspection.

Checked against Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011) on by the MapTrack templates team. How we check templates

Key takeaways

  • The MapTrack lifting gear inspection register (AS 4991) contains 25 checks across 7 sections. Sections covered: A - Identification, Markings and Records, B - General Condition (All Gear Types), C - Chain Slings (AS 3775), D - Wire Rope Slings (AS 1666), E - Synthetic Slings (AS 1353 / AS 4497), F - Hooks, Shackles and End Fittings, G - Outcome.
  • Quarantine and destroy any item marked condemn so it cannot be reused; do not repair condemned chain or wire rope slings.
  • AS 3775.2:2014 clause 9.3 lists the defects that require a chain sling to be withdrawn from service.
  • AS 4497:2018 clauses 4.17 and 4.18 cover inspection and discard criteria for synthetic fibre roundslings.
  • Three-monthly periodic inspections are common practice; shorten the interval for chemical exposure, heat or heavy use.
  • Reject any item without a legible working load limit tag or identification, and record its ID at every inspection.

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Saunders InternationalMineral ResourcesSupagasHacer GroupMetro TunnelUltrabuilt

What is a lifting gear inspection register (AS 4991)?

A lifting gear inspection register is a consolidated record used to document the periodic inspection of all lifting accessories at a workplace, including chain slings, wire rope slings, synthetic webbing slings, round slings and shackles. Unlike equipment-specific checklists that assess one item in depth, a register format allows a competent inspector to work through multiple items in a single session, recording the condition and pass/fail/condemn status of each piece of lifting gear on one form.

This register aligns with AS 4991 (Lifting devices, such as spreader beams and magnet, vacuum and friction lifters) and AS 3775 (Chain slings), which require that the gear they cover be inspected at defined intervals by a competent person, with defective items immediately removed from service. The template includes quick-reference discard criteria for each gear type, enabling the inspector to make condemn decisions on the spot without referring to separate standard documents. Any item marked C (condemn) must be quarantined and physically destroyed to prevent accidental re-use.

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Benefits of using this lifting gear inspection register (AS 4991)

  • Multi-item efficiency: inspect and record an entire site inventory of lifting gear on a single form rather than completing a separate checklist for every sling and shackle.
  • Clear condemn authority: the integrated discard criteria boxes give the inspector objective, standards-referenced thresholds for condemnation decisions, reducing uncertainty.
  • Regulatory compliance: satisfies AS 4991 and AS 3775 requirements for documented periodic inspection by a competent person with traceable records.
  • Prevents fatal incidents: lifting gear failure during a crane lift can cause dropped loads resulting in fatalities. Systematic periodic inspection is the primary control.
  • Inventory visibility: the register format provides a snapshot of every lifting accessory on site, its WLL, type and current condition.
  • Destruction accountability: items marked condemn must be destroyed and recorded, creating an audit trail showing condemned gear was identified and removed.

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What to include in a lifting gear inspection register (AS 4991)

This lifting gear inspection register (AS 4991) covers 10 key areas:

  • Unique identification tag or number for each item.
  • Lifting gear type (chain sling, wire rope sling, synthetic webbing sling, round sling, shackle).
  • Working Load Limit (WLL) in kg or tonnes.
  • Visual inspection result for each item.
  • Wear assessment against type-specific discard criteria.
  • Damage assessment (cracks, cuts, deformation, corrosion).
  • Label and tag legibility check.
  • Overall result with P (pass), F (fail) or C (condemn) classification.
  • Chain sling discard criteria: 10% diameter reduction, elongation, cracks, heat exposure above 400C.
  • Wire rope sling discard criteria: broken wire counts per lay, kinking, birdcaging, damaged ferrules.

How to use this lifting gear inspection register (AS 4991)

  1. Gather all lifting gear from designated storage areas and cross-reference against the site register.: Collect all chain slings, wire rope slings, synthetic slings and shackles from storage racks and tool boxes. Cross-reference against the site lifting gear register to confirm all items are accounted for. Any item that cannot be located must be reported and investigated before the inspection can be completed.
  2. Inspect each item systematically, starting with visual examination for obvious defects.: For chain slings, check each link for cracks, gouges, bending and corrosion. For wire rope slings, inspect the full length including terminations. For synthetic slings, examine both faces and all edges for cuts, abrasion and UV damage. For shackles, check the body and pin for deformation, wear and corrosion.
  3. Assess wear against the specific discard criteria for each gear type.: Measure chain link diameter if wear is suspected and condemn at 10% or greater reduction. Count broken wires in wire rope per lay length. Measure cut depth in synthetic slings and condemn cuts over 1mm. Check shackle pin hole elongation. Use the reference boxes on the form to confirm condemn thresholds.
  4. Verify all identification tags, WLL markings and colour codes are legible.: Missing or illegible identification is grounds for condemning the item, as the Working Load Limit can no longer be confirmed. Check that colour-coded inspection tags match the current inspection period. Verify manufacturer markings and compliance stamps are intact.
  5. Record results and quarantine condemned items immediately.: Record P (pass), F (fail, requires repair, generally only applicable to shackles) or C (condemn, quarantine and destroy) for each item. Tag condemned items with a red defective tag and move to a quarantine area immediately. Physically destroy condemned slings by cutting into short lengths to prevent re-use. Complete the sign-off with the site supervisor or lifting supervisor.

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How often should you complete this checklist?

This register uses periodic inspection at intervals not exceeding 3 months for lifting gear in normal service. AS 3775.2:2014 clause 9.2 covers periodic inspection of chain slings, so check its current edition for the interval. The interval must be reduced for severe service conditions including chemical exposure, high temperatures or frequent use. Pre-use visual checks must occur before every lifting operation. In MapTrack, automated 3-monthly inspection cycles cover your entire lifting gear inventory, with notifications when inspections are due and flagging of condemned items so they cannot be assigned to future lifts.

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Frequently asked questions

This register uses periodic inspection at intervals not exceeding 3 months for lifting gear in normal service. AS 3775.2:2014 clause 9.2 covers periodic inspection of chain slings, so check its current edition for the interval. The interval must be reduced for severe service conditions including chemical exposure, high temperatures, frequent use or harsh environments. A visual pre-use inspection must also be performed before every lift.

No. Chain slings and wire rope slings that meet the condemn criteria must be destroyed, not repaired. AS 3775.2 explicitly states that condemned chain slings must be permanently removed from service. Wire rope slings with broken wires, kinking or birdcaging cannot be safely repaired. The only option is physical destruction by cutting into short lengths.

The 10% rule is the condemn threshold this register uses for chain sling link wear. AS 3775.2:2014 clause 9.3 lists the defects requiring withdrawal from service, so check its current edition for the wear limit. If any individual link has worn to 90% or less of its original nominal diameter at any point, the entire sling must be condemned. This is measured using callipers at the most worn point of each link. Even if only one link meets this threshold, the complete sling assembly must be destroyed.

A competent person must have adequate knowledge of AS 4991, AS 3775 and the other relevant standards, practical experience with the types of gear being inspected, and the ability to identify defects and apply discard criteria. This is typically a rigging supervisor, qualified rigger or dedicated lifting equipment inspector with authority to remove defective items from service.

Lifting gear inspection records should be retained for the operational life of the equipment plus a minimum of 5 years after the item is condemned and destroyed. WHS Regulations 2011, Part 5.1 sets no record duty for lifting accessories, but inspection records are the main evidence that the maintenance and inspection duty (regulation 213) was met, and an inspector can require those records to be produced (WHS Act section 171). For registered plant such as mobile cranes, regulation 237 requires records of tests, inspections and maintenance to be kept for as long as the plant is used or until you give up control of it. Storing the register against each tagged item in MapTrack keeps the full inspection and condemnation history with the asset rather than in separate paper logbooks that are easily lost.

Applicable regulatory standards

This template is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The template alone does not establish compliance.

  • 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 of plant, and lifting attachments used within safe working limits. Model law: check your state's version.

    • 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 219: Lifting plant must be designed for the load so far as reasonably practicable, with safeguards for alternatives, suitable lifting attachments, and use within safe working limits.

    Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee)

  • Chain slings for lifting purposes - Grade T(80) and V(100), Part 2: Care and use

    Edition: AS 3775.2:2014 (incl. Amd 1:2015)

    Chain sling care and use: competent persons, in-service and periodic inspection, and the defects that withdraw a sling from service.

    • 4: Competent person requirements for using and inspecting chain slings
    • 9.1: In-service inspection of chain slings
    • 9.2: Periodic inspection of chain slings
    • 9.3: Defects that require a chain sling to be withdrawn from service

    Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher

  • Roundslings - Synthetic Fibre

    Edition: AS 4497:2018

    Inspection and discard criteria for synthetic fibre roundslings.

    • 4.17: Inspection of synthetic fibre roundslings
    • 4.18: Discard criteria for roundslings

    Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher

  • Flat synthetic-webbing slings

    Edition: AS 1353:2026

    Flat synthetic webbing slings (AS 1353:2026), which replaced the separate product and care and use parts.

    Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher

  • Shackles

    Edition: AS 2741-2002 (incl. Amd 1 and Amd 2)

    Australian shackle standard (AS 2741-2002).

    Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher

  • Lifting devices

    Edition: AS 4991-2004

    Lifting devices standard (AS 4991-2004); clause 15 covers maintenance, inspection and repair of lifting devices such as spreader beams.

    • 15: Maintenance, inspection and repair of lifting devices

    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.

Lifting gear inspection register (AS 4991) preview

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  <p style="font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.05em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#071D49;margin:0;">Free template</p>
  <p style="font-size:18px;font-weight:700;color:#071D49;margin:6px 0 0;">Lifting gear inspection register (AS 4991)</p>
  <ul style="margin:12px 0 0;padding-left:18px;color:#374151;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;">
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Unique identification tag or number for each item.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Lifting gear type (chain sling, wire rope sling, synthetic webbing sling, round sling, shackle).</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Working Load Limit (WLL) in kg or tonnes.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Visual inspection result for each item.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Wear assessment against type-specific discard criteria.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Damage assessment (cracks, cuts, deformation, corrosion).</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/lifting-gear-inspection-as4991" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">Lifting gear inspection register (AS 4991)</a> by MapTrack</p>
</div>

Free to reuse, including commercially. This template is published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. Copy it, adapt it, put it on your own site or in your own docs. All we ask is that you credit MapTrack with a link back to this page. The snippet above already includes that credit, so if you use it as-is you’re covered.

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The MapTrack lifting gear inspection register (AS 4991) contains 25 checks across 7 sections.

Short attribution
MapTrack Lifting gear inspection register (AS 4991), https://www.maptrack.com/templates/lifting-gear-inspection-as4991
Reference list
MapTrack. (2026). Lifting gear inspection register (AS 4991) [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/lifting-gear-inspection-as4991

Free to reuse with credit under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. If you’d rather link straight to it, the page is https://www.maptrack.com/templates/lifting-gear-inspection-as4991.

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