Educational checklist examples for safety, equipment and operational tasks — what a checklist covers, who uses it and how it connects to forms, inspections and training. Informational only — template examples to adapt, not official documents or legal advice; completing a checklist does not guarantee compliance and employers remain responsible.
What a crane pre-lift checklist is
A crane pre-lift checklist is a check made before a lift, confirming the crane is set up correctly, the rigging and load are right, the ground is suitable and the lift follows the plan, because crane lifts must be planned and supervised by competent people.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example of what such a checklist usually covers. It is not an official template, not specific to any crane or jurisdiction and not legal advice — the appointed person and the employer decide the lift plan and what the check covers.
Purpose
- Confirm the crane is set up — level, outriggers, configuration and rated capacity.
- Check the rigging, lifting gear and load match the lift plan.
- Confirm ground, exclusion zone, signaller and weather are suitable.
- Record the check against the lift plan before lifting.
Who completes it
- The trained crane operator and the appointed/competent person for the lift.
- A slinger/signaller competent for the load and the signals.
- Defects, doubts or weather beyond limits stop the lift.
- The employer ensures lifts are planned, supervised and carried out by competent people.
When it is used
- Before each lift, particularly non-routine or complex lifts.
- After the crane is repositioned or reconfigured.
- When the load, ground or weather changes.
- On the basis set by the lift plan and the employer.
Typical items
- Crane ID/type, operator, appointed person, date and lift reference.
- Set-up: level, outriggers on suitable mats, configuration and capacity for radius.
- Rigging and gear correct, examined and matched to the load weight and centre of gravity.
- Ground, exclusion zone, signaller, communications and weather within limits.
- Defects or doubts and action taken before lifting.
- These are example items only — adapt them to the crane and the lift plan.
Common mistakes
- Lifting at a radius the crane is not rated for with that configuration.
- Outriggers not properly extended or set on inadequate ground.
- An unclear or unknown load weight or centre of gravity.
- No exclusion zone, signaller or stop arrangement for adverse weather.
Document workflow
A crane pre-lift checklist follows the lift plan and the task risk assessment and sits alongside the crane and lifting-gear examination records. It is used with the lifting equipment check; defects or doubts are completed after by stopping the lift and reporting them, and a dropped load triggers an incident report and review.
See the related documents below for what is commonly completed before, used with and completed after a crane pre-lift check.
Retention (high level)
Lift plans, checks and examination records are usually kept for a period set by the applicable rules and the employer, so each lift is traceable. Specific retention periods vary by jurisdiction and type of work.
This page does not state a required period — confirm retention with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
Lift plans and pre-lift checks are commonly stored as PDFs in the project file so they can be shared with the lift team. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make the check official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Ensure lifts are planned and supervised by an appointed/competent person.
- Provide examined cranes and gear and a clear stop arrangement for weather.
- Make sure the crew is competent and the exclusion zone is enforced.
- Keep lift plans, checks and examination records together.
Worker notes
- Follow the lift plan and the signaller; stop if anything is unclear.
- Do not enter the exclusion zone during the lift.
- Raise any doubt about load, ground or weather before lifting.
Country considerations
Most countries regulate lifting operations and the planning, examination and supervision of crane lifts, but the detail, terminology and record-keeping rules differ, and the official authority is different in each. This page is high-level and general — it is not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee that a checklist is valid anywhere.
Always confirm the current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for safe lifting operations, competent planning and supervision, examination of cranes and gear, and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not certify a lift, does not replace competence and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
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