Crane lifting checklist

Site: ______________________ Date: ____________ Checked by: ______________________

01Plan and permit

Lifting plan for this lift is on site and the crew has been briefed on it. Cranes Regs regs 4, 16(d)
Permit-to-work approved and in date for tower, mobile or crawler crane lifts on a worksite. Construction Regs regs 10, 11
Load weight confirmed, including rigging, and within the crane's rated capacity at the working radius. Cranes Regs reg 16(e)
Wind and weather within the crane maker's limits.

02Crew

Lifting supervisor appointed in writing and present. Cranes Regs reg 17; Lifting CP 5.3.2
Operator holds valid crane operator registration (mobile over 5 t or tower crane) or approved training (mini crane or lorry loader). Cranes Regs regs 5, 5A
Appointed rigger and signalman on site and clearly identified. Cranes Regs regs 18, 19
Communication method agreed: radio channel or standard hand signals.

03Crane

Valid Authorised Examiner certificate, issued less than 12 months ago. General Provisions Regs reg 21
Safe working load and ID number marked on the crane; load chart in the cab. General Provisions Regs reg 21(6)
Limit and indicator devices tested this shift and entered in the log book. Cranes Regs reg 16(a)
Outriggers fully extended on firm ground or mats. Cranes Regs reg 16(c)
Crane at least 3 m from any live overhead power line. Cranes Regs reg 16(j)

04Lifting gear

Every sling, shackle and hook has a valid certificate and SWL marking. General Provisions Regs reg 20
Gear inspected before use; no cuts, broken wires, kinks or heat damage. Cranes Regs reg 18(4)
Sling legs and angle correct for the load. Cranes Regs reg 18(4)(b)
Loose items in a cage, net or receptacle; sharp edges padded. Cranes Regs reg 18(4)(f), (g)
Tag lines attached where the load could swing.

05Lift zone

Lift zone barricaded and signed; nobody under the load path. Code of Practice on Safe Lifting Operations
Public roads or areas under the load path cordoned off. Cranes Regs reg 16(i)
Landing area clear, level and able to take the load.
Test lift done: load raised just clear and checked before the full lift.

Legal requirement

In Singapore, the Operation of Cranes Regulations 2011 require a lifting plan and an appointed lifting supervisor for every crane lift. Mobile and tower crane lifts also need an appointed rigger and signalman. Mobile cranes over 5 tonnes and tower cranes need a registered operator. Under the General Provisions Regulations, lifting gear, appliances and machines need an Authorised Examiner's certificate and a thorough examination at least once a year.

This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Laws and codes of practice change; always check the current official text and your site's own procedures.

Crane lifting checklist

01Plan and permit

02Crew

03Crane

04Lifting gear

05Lift zone

Sources and further reading

Related reading

Lifting and crane safety: what supervisors need to know

Lifting gear inspection checklist

Toolbox talk: rigging and slings