Lifting gear inspection checklist

Site: ______________________ Date: ____________ Checked by: ______________________

01Certificates and register

Each item has a certificate of test and examination from an Authorised Examiner stating its SWL. WSH (GP) Regs, reg 20(1)
Thorough examination by an Authorised Examiner within the last year. WSH (GP) Regs, reg 20(3)
Item listed in the lifting gear register under its ID number. WSH (GP) Regs, reg 22
Natural fibre ropes and slings, which need no certificate, still checked before every use. WSH (GP) Regs, reg 20(8)

02Marking

SWL marked on the item, or shown by a colour code or tag on small gear. Lifting Code of Practice, 4.4.2
Inspection colour code matches the current period.

03Wire rope slings

No broken wires, kinks, crushing or birdcaging.
No heavy corrosion or heat damage.
Ferrules and eyes intact. Thimbles seated firmly.

04Webbing and round slings

SWL label present and legible.
No cuts, tears, burns, chemical damage or broken stitching.
Round sling cover whole, with no core showing.

05Chains, shackles and hooks

Chain links free of stretch, nicks, cracks and twists.
Shackle pin is the correct pin and fully screwed in or secured.
Hook safety latch fitted and closes on its own.
Hook throat not opened out or twisted.

06Use and storage

Gear chosen so the load stays inside the SWL, allowing for sling angle. WSH (GP) Regs, reg 20(6)
Rigger has confirmed the gear is certified and in good condition. Lifting Code of Practice, 5.3.5
Failed gear tagged and locked away until repaired or destroyed.
Gear stored on racks, off the ground, away from weather and chemicals.

Legal requirement

Under Singapore's WSH (General Provisions) Regulations, no lifting gear may be used until an Authorised Examiner has tested and examined it and signed a certificate stating its safe working load. Each item needs a thorough examination by an Authorised Examiner at least once a year. Gear must not be loaded beyond its safe working load, and the occupier keeps a register of lifting gear.

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.

Lifting gear inspection checklist

01Certificates and register

02Marking

03Wire rope slings

04Webbing and round slings

05Chains, shackles and hooks

06Use and storage

Sources and further reading

Related reading

Lifting and crane safety: what supervisors need to know

Crane lifting checklist

Toolbox talk: rigging and slings