Construction Safety DailyMonthlyAnnual US rule referenced

Crane Inspection Checklist (Free Excel Template)

A crane inspection checklist that keeps the pre-shift check, the frequent (monthly) inspection, and the periodic inspection record for one overhead or gantry crane in a single Excel file. A separate sheet covers the pre-shift check for truck, rough-terrain, and crawler cranes with 66 items.

Excel (.xlsx) · 12 sheets · Updated 2026-10-21

See what's inside

Enter your company name, name, and business email, and we will email you the download link.

Get the file by email

Enter your details and we will email you a download link right away. It is free.

Self-employed? Enter your business name.
The download link is sent to this address.

Check your inbox

  • We emailed you a link to download Crane Inspection Checklist (Excel).
  • The link works for 14 days. If it expires, request it again on this page.
  • Not there after a few minutes? Check your spam or junk folder. The sender is worker-library@syojin.com.

Who is this crane inspection checklist for?

  • Plant and maintenance managers who run overhead, gantry, or jib cranes
  • Contractors and rental fleets that operate mobile cranes on construction sites
  • Safety coordinators who need shift checks and inspection history in one place

When to use it

The operator fills in the Daily Pre-Shift sheet before the first lift of each shift. Maintenance uses the Frequent Inspection sheet once a month, and the Periodic Inspection Record each time a qualified inspector does the periodic inspection and load test. For mobile cranes, the operator or a competent person fills in the Mobile Crane Pre-Shift sheet before each shift the crane is used. Use one file per crane.

What's included

The template includes the following. Delete anything you do not need.

  • Crane ID, location, type, rated capacity, and month in the header
  • Daily Pre-Shift (overhead cranes): 4 function checks with no load and 6 visual checks
  • Operator and rigger initials for each day
  • Defect record: what was found, whether the crane was stopped, who was told, the repair, and who returned it to service
  • Frequent Inspection: 32 components in 8 groups (safety devices, brakes, wire rope and chain, hooks, electrical, cable cranes, structure, function test) with what to check and the method
  • Periodic Inspection Record: date, inspector or company, load test, result, defects, repairs, report number, next due date
  • Mobile Crane Pre-Shift: 66 items in 13 groups, from the engine and carrier to safety devices and travel configuration
  • Filled-in sample sheets and print layouts for US Letter

Preview the Excel file

This is the actual file. Use the tabs below to switch between the 12 sheets. How to mark each result is explained on the "Instructions" sheet.

crane-inspection-checklist.xlsx - switch sheets with the tabs below (the downloaded file is editable)
ABCDEF
1Crane Inspection Checklist (Shift, Frequent, Periodic)
2Crane ID / locationType / rated capacity
3
4Inspection item12345
5■ Function checks (no load)
6Upper limit switch (hoist limit): stops the hook block before it reaches the drum
7Hoist, bridge, and trolley brakes: stop and hold
8Clutch (if equipped): engages and releases
9Pendant or controller: buttons work and return to off, labels readable
10■ Visual checks
11Runway and trolley rails: no obstructions, damage, or loose parts
12Wire rope path: rope seated in sheaves and drum grooves, not rubbing on anything
13Hook and safety latch: no cracks, bends, or opened throat; latch closes
14Wire rope: no visible broken wires, kinks, or crushing
15Warning horn or travel alarm and emergency stop work
16No lockout or "Out of Service" tag on the crane or its disconnect
17Operator (initials)
18Rigger / signal person (initials)
19
20Defect record (fill in every time you mark a defect. Fill left to right in the order things happened. "Condition found" is written by the person who found it, "Corrective action" by the person who fixed it, "Verified by" by the person who checked it.)
21Date / itemCondition found
22
23
24
25
26Reviewed by (supervisor)
27
28
29Notice: This is a general-purpose inspection record. It is not an official government form and does not by itself show compliance with OSHA or any other regulation or standard.
30Related regulations and standards (for reference): OSHA 29 CFR 1910.179(j)(1)(ii) (overhead and gantry cranes): inspections are divided into frequent inspection (daily to monthly intervals) and periodic inspection (1 to 12 month intervals). 29 CFR 1926.1412(d)(1) (cranes in construction): a competent person must begin a visual inspection prior to each shift the equipment will be used, completed before or during that shift. The ASME B30 series is commonly referenced for inspection items. This template does not by itself show that either rule is met.
31Which inspections you need, how often, and how long to keep records depend on your equipment, industry, and location. Check the regulations that apply to you, the manufacturer's instructions, and a qualified person.
32Worker Library accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this template. Regulations change; check the source page for the latest version.
33Worker Library https://worker-library.com/templates/crane-inspection-checklist/ Updated 2026-10-21

This preview shows the first 6 of 33 columns. The downloaded file contains everything.

Cells marked ▼ have a drop-down list. Lightly shaded rows are where you write.

File details

FormatExcel (.xlsx)
Works withMicrosoft Excel 2016 or later, Excel for Microsoft 365, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc
PaperPrint areas set for US Letter
SheetsInstructions / Daily Pre-Shift / Frequent Inspection (Monthly) / Periodic Inspection Record / Mobile Crane Pre-Shift / Sample - Daily / Sample - Frequent / Sample - Periodic / Sample - Mobile / Print - Daily / Print - Frequent / Print - Mobile
MacrosNone
File sizeAbout 64 KB
Updated2026-10-21

How to use the crane inspection checklist

  1. Make one copy of the file for each crane and fill in the crane ID, location, and capacity.
  2. Before the first lift of the shift, the operator runs each function with no load, looks over the crane, and marks ✓, X, or N/A in that day's column.
  3. If any item is X, do not make a lift. Write the defect in the defect record, tag the crane out, and tell the supervisor.
  4. Once a month, maintenance fills in the Frequent Inspection sheet and signs it.
  5. Add a line to the Periodic Inspection Record after each periodic inspection, and keep the inspector's report with the file.

Adapting it to your site

  • Delete the Mobile Crane Pre-Shift sheet if you only run overhead cranes, or the overhead sheets if you only run mobile cranes.
  • For chain hoists, keep the load chain line and mark the wire rope lines N/A.
  • Add lines for equipment you have, such as a radio remote control, a below-the-hook lifter, or a second hoist.

Before you use it

Please read
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.179(j)(1)(ii) divides overhead and gantry crane inspections into frequent (daily to monthly) and periodic (1 to 12 month) intervals. The sheet names here follow those terms, but the template does not show that a rule is met.
  • For cranes in construction, 29 CFR 1926.1412(d)(1) asks a competent person to begin a visual inspection before each shift the equipment is used. Check the current rule for what the inspection must cover.
  • This is a general template, not an official form. The ASME B30 series and the manufacturer's manual are commonly referenced for inspection items and removal criteria.
  • Some states and cities require crane certification or inspection by a licensed inspector. Check the rules that apply to your site.
  • This template is provided as-is for reference. Worker Library is not liable for any loss arising from its use. Regulations change, so check the update date on this page.

Crane Inspection Checklist FAQ

What is the difference between a frequent and a periodic crane inspection?

Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.179(j)(1)(ii), frequent inspections are done at daily to monthly intervals and periodic inspections at 1 to 12 month intervals. The rule lists what each one covers; check the current text and your manufacturer's manual.

Does a crane need to be inspected before every shift?

For cranes used in construction, 29 CFR 1926.1412(d)(1) says a competent person must begin a visual inspection prior to each shift the equipment will be used. For overhead cranes, many plants do a short pre-shift check as part of the frequent inspection.

Who can do a periodic crane inspection?

Periodic inspections are usually done by a qualified crane inspector or service company. The ASME B30 series is commonly referenced. Some states require a licensed or certified inspector.

Can I use this checklist for a mobile crane?

Yes. The Mobile Crane Pre-Shift sheet has 66 items for truck, rough-terrain, all-terrain, and crawler cranes. Mark items that do not apply to your crane N/A.