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 mobile crane set-up checklist is
A mobile crane set-up checklist is a check focused on positioning and stabilising the crane before lifting — the supporting ground, the outriggers and mats, the level, the configuration and the rated capacity for the planned radius. It complements the wider crane pre-lift check.
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 set-up check covers.
Purpose
- Confirm the supporting ground is assessed and adequate for the loads imposed.
- Check outriggers are fully spread on mats and the crane is level.
- Confirm the configuration, counterweight and rated capacity suit the planned lift.
- Record the set-up against the lift plan before lifting.
Who completes it
- The crane operator and the appointed/competent person for the lift.
- A doubt about ground, level or capacity stops the set-up.
- The employer ensures lifts are planned and supervised by competent people.
- Ground assessment may need separate, competent input.
When it is used
- When the crane is set up or moved to a new position.
- Before lifting from a new location or on different ground.
- When the planned radius, load or configuration changes.
- On the basis set by the lift plan and the employer.
Typical items
- Crane ID/type, operator, appointed person, date and lift reference.
- Ground assessed and adequate; underground services and voids considered.
- Outriggers fully spread on suitable mats; crane level; tyres clear where required.
- Configuration, counterweight and rated capacity for the radius confirmed.
- Doubts or defects and action taken before lifting.
- These are example items only — adapt them to the crane and the lift plan.
Common mistakes
- Setting outriggers on ground that cannot take the imposed loads.
- Partly spread outriggers or inadequate mats.
- A crane that is not level for the lift.
- Using a capacity figure for the wrong configuration or radius.
Document workflow
A mobile crane set-up checklist follows the lift plan and the task risk assessment and is used with the crane pre-lift and lifting equipment checks. A doubt or defect is completed after by stopping the set-up and reporting it; an overturn or 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 mobile crane set-up check.
Retention (high level)
Lift plans, set-up checks and examination records are usually kept for a period set by the applicable rules and the employer. 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 set-up checks are commonly stored as PDFs in the project file so they can be shared. 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 ground assessments, suitable mats and capacity data.
- Make sure outriggers are fully spread and the crane is level.
- Keep lift plans, set-up checks and examination records together.
Worker notes
- Spread the outriggers fully on suitable mats and check the level.
- Use the capacity for the actual configuration and radius.
- Stop and report any doubt about ground or stability.
Country considerations
Most countries regulate lifting operations and the set-up and supervision of mobile cranes, 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, set-up and supervision, examination and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not certify a set-up, 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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