Hoist Inspection Form

An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.

What a hoist inspection form is

A hoist inspection form is used to record pre-use and periodic checks of a hoist — confirming the load chain or rope, hook and latch, brake, controls and any limit devices are sound, and that the safe working load is marked.

This is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template; thorough examination of lifting equipment is a separate competent-person task, and the employer decides the regime.

Purpose

• Confirm the hoist is marked with its safe working load.
• Check the load chain or rope, hook and latch.
• Test the brake, controls and any limit devices.
• Record pre-use and periodic checks.

Who completes it

• The user, for a pre-use check before use.
• A competent person, for the recorded periodic inspection.
• Defects stop the hoist being used until corrected.
• The employer decides who inspects and examines.

When it is used

• Before use, as a pre-use check.
• On a periodic cycle for the recorded inspection.
• After repair, overload or suspected damage.

Typical fields

• Hoist ID, type, safe working load and date.
• Load chain or rope condition; hook and latch.
• Brake holds; controls and pendant function.
• Upper and lower limits and any slipping clutch.
• Defects found and action taken, with sign-off.
• Example items only — adapt to the hoist type.

Common mistakes

• Using a hoist whose brake does not hold the load.
• Continuing to use a worn or twisted load chain.
• Exceeding the safe working load or side-loading the hook.
• No system to remove a defective hoist from use.

Document workflow

A hoist inspection sits alongside the lifting accessory checks, the lifting plan and risk assessment, and the thorough-examination record. A failed check removes the hoist from use; an overload or incident triggers withdrawal and an accident report.

See the related documents below for what is commonly used with and completed after a hoist inspection.

Retention (high level)

Inspection and examination records are typically retained for a period defined by the applicable rules and the employer. This page does not state a required period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.

Completing and sharing as a PDF

Inspections are commonly recorded and stored as PDFs with the equipment register. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make the inspection official or guarantee compliance.

Employer checklist

• Ensure the hoist is suitable, marked and maintained.
• Arrange competent periodic inspection and thorough examination.
• Provide a clear way to remove a defective hoist from use.
• Keep inspection, maintenance and examination records together.

Worker notes

• Do the pre-use check and confirm the brake holds.
• Do not exceed the safe working load or side-load the hook.
• Report and stop using a hoist with any defect.

Country considerations

Requirements for hoists, inspection and examination vary by country, and the official authority differs. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee of validity.

Confirm current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.

Who is responsible

The employer is responsible for safe lifting operations, suitable equipment, inspection, examination and compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not make any hoist safe and does not transfer responsibility.