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 lifting accessory inspection record is
A lifting accessory inspection record documents the inspection of slings, chains, shackles, eyebolts and similar items — checking the marking, safe working load and condition — so that damaged accessories are taken out of use before a lift.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template and does not replace the thorough examination of lifting accessories by a competent person at intervals set by the applicable law.
Purpose
- Confirm lifting accessories remain safe to use.
- Check the identification, safe working load marking and condition.
- Remove damaged or unmarked accessories from use.
- Support safe lifting alongside the lifting plan and examination.
Who completes it
- A competent person nominated by the employer to inspect accessories.
- Users carry out a pre-use check before each lift.
- The employer decides who is competent and what is in scope.
- Thorough examination is a separate, competent-person task.
When it is used
- On a periodic cycle set by the employer.
- Before each use, as a pre-use check by the user.
- After damage, shock loading or contact with chemicals or heat.
- When an accessory returns from a job, hire or store.
Typical fields
- Accessory identity or tag, type and safe working load.
- Date of inspection, the inspector and the next due date.
- Condition: wear, cuts, deformation, corrosion and the marking.
- Result: in service, remove from use or quarantine, and action.
- Inspector sign-off.
- Example fields only — adapt to the accessory type and the work.
Common mistakes
- Using an accessory with no legible identification or load marking.
- Missing cuts, distortion or corrosion on slings and chains.
- Mixing accessories without checking compatibility and rating.
- Keeping failed accessories where they can be picked up again.
Document workflow
The inspection record works with the lifting plan, user pre-use checks and the thorough examination record. An accessory that fails is removed from use, quarantined or destroyed, and the record updated before the next lift.
See the related documents below for what is commonly used with and completed after a lifting accessory inspection record.
Retention (high level)
Inspection records are typically kept for a period set by the employer and any applicable rules, alongside examination records. This page does not state a required period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
Inspection records are commonly stored as PDFs with the lifting register. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make the inspection official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Arrange competent inspection and thorough examination of accessories.
- Make sure accessories are identified and load-marked.
- Remove damaged or unmarked accessories from use.
- Keep inspection, examination and lifting-plan records together.
User notes
- Check the marking and condition before each lift.
- Do not use a damaged, unmarked or over-rated accessory.
- Report and quarantine anything doubtful.
Country considerations
Requirements for examining and marking lifting accessories, and the official authority, vary by country. 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 and ensuring accessories are suitable, marked, inspected and examined, and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not constitute an examination 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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