Crane inspection report template (PDF & Excel) with register for lifting accessories
Report for the recurring inspection of overhead travelling, gantry, jib and other cranes with 26 check points from structure and hoist to emergency stop. Plus an Excel register for chains, wire ropes, lifting slings and spreader beams with due dates.
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In Germany, cranes must be inspected by a competent person (Sachkundiger) as needed, but at least once a year (Section 26 DGUV Regulation 52); the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV) likewise requires at least annual inspections by a person qualified to carry out inspections for the cranes listed in its Annex 3. Lifting accessories such as chains, wire ropes and lifting slings, and load handling devices such as spreader beams, are inspected by a qualified person at intervals of no more than one year (DGUV Rule 109-017).
The PDF report guides you through the recurring inspection of a crane – from documents and marking through structure and hoist to limit switches, emergency stop and function test – and records defects, the result and the next date. In Excel, you keep a register of all lifting accessories, load handling devices and cranes that calculates the next inspection and, for chains, the crack test automatically.
What the template contains
- PDF inspection report with crane and inspection details and 26 check points in four groups
- Defect list with measure, owner and deadline, plus result, next dates and signatures
- Excel register for lifting accessories and load handling devices with a drop-down list for the type and automatic calculation of the next inspection
- Separate columns for crack testing of round steel chains with a 3-year interval
- Second worksheet as a crane register with due date calculation
How to use the template
- 1
Record your inventory
Enter all cranes and every lifting accessory and load handling device in the Excel register with unique marking, rated capacity and location. Missing or illegible marking is already a defect.
- 2
Inspect and document
The qualified person goes through the check points on the crane, ticks “N/A” for items that do not apply and enters defects with measure and deadline. The result also goes into the crane's inspection log.
- 3
Remedy defects and track dates
If safety-relevant defects are found, the crane or lifting accessory is taken out of use immediately. After repair, it is inspected again; the register shows the next dates.
Legal basis
- Section 14 and Annex 3 Section 1 of the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV): inspection of cranes, recurring at least annually by a person qualified to carry out inspections, records kept for the entire period of use
- Sections 25 to 27 DGUV Regulation 52 “Cranes”: inspection before first use, recurring inspection at least annually by a competent person, inspection log
- DGUV Rule 109-017 Section 8: inspection of load handling devices and lifting accessories at least annually, crack testing of round steel chains at least every three years
- Section 4 (5) BetrSichV: check for obvious defects before each use
- TRBS 1203: requirements for persons qualified to carry out inspections and for crane inspection experts
Frequently asked questions
How often must a crane be inspected?
As needed, but at least once a year by a competent person or a person qualified to carry out inspections (Section 26 DGUV Regulation 52, Annex 3 BetrSichV); mobile tower cranes at least every six months. Tower, mobile, derrick and truck-mounted cranes and large loader cranes also need inspections by inspection experts (Prüfsachverständige), at least every four years of operation. Heavy use or an aggressive environment can require shorter intervals.
How often must lifting accessories be inspected?
By a qualified person at intervals of no more than one year, and more often with frequent use, increased wear, corrosion or heat. Round steel chains also need non-destructive crack testing at least every three years, and lifting slings with a vulcanised cover a special test for wire breaks and corrosion (DGUV Rule 109-017). Before each use, the lifting accessory is checked for obvious defects.
When must lifting accessories be discarded?
When defects endanger safety: for example missing or illegible marking, breaks, cracks or deformation, heavy wear, corrosion or missing parts. Specific discard criteria for chains, wire ropes, hooks and textile slings are given in DGUV Rule 109-017 and the manufacturer's instructions. If there is any doubt about the safe condition, the item is taken out of use.
You may use and adapt the template freely in your own company and for your own clients. It reflects the regulations named as they stand.
Never search a spreadsheet for a deadline again
In AMS Go, what this template covers lives in one system with reminders, history and records at the push of a button – mobile and with AI support.
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