Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out a clear, step‑by‑step process for inspecting rigging and lifting equipment so every lift on site is carried out safely, legally and with confidence. It helps Australian businesses demonstrate due diligence under WHS law, prevent equipment failures, and provide a consistent inspection regime across projects and locations.

Rigging and lifting equipment is subjected to high loads, harsh environments and frequent handling, making systematic inspection essential to prevent catastrophic failures. This Rigging and Lifting Equipment Inspection Safe Operating Procedure provides a practical, compliant framework for checking slings, chains, shackles, spreader bars, lifting beams, hoists, cranes and associated hardware before use, during use and at scheduled intervals. It translates Australian WHS obligations and relevant standards into a simple, repeatable process that frontline workers and supervisors can actually follow on busy sites.

The SOP clarifies who is responsible for inspections, how often equipment must be checked, and the exact criteria for tagging, quarantining and removing defective gear from service. It includes guidance on recordkeeping, colour coding/tagging systems, third‑party inspection requirements and integration with your existing risk assessments and lifting plans. By implementing this procedure, businesses reduce the likelihood of dropped loads, equipment failure and serious injuries, while also strengthening their ability to demonstrate compliance during regulator visits, client audits and incident investigations.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of lifting equipment failure by enforcing consistent pre-use and periodic inspections.
• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation and relevant rigging and lifting standards.
• Standardise inspection criteria across sites, contractors and shifts to eliminate ambiguity and guesswork.
• Improve traceability and audit readiness through clear tagging, defect reporting and inspection records.
• Support safer lifting operations by integrating inspection outcomes into lift planning and permit-to-work processes.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Crane Operators
• Doggers and Riggers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• Workshop Managers
• Plant and Equipment Coordinators
• Safety Advisors
• Operations Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Failure of slings, chains or wire ropes leading to dropped loads
• Crush injuries and fatalities from uncontrolled or falling loads
• Structural failure of lifting beams, spreader bars or lifting points
• Use of damaged, uncertified or incorrectly rated lifting gear
• Pinch and entanglement injuries during rigging setup and removal
• Overloading of lifting equipment due to missing or illegible identification tags
• Injuries arising from makeshift or non-compliant lifting attachments
• Secondary incidents such as struck-by injuries and property damage from load swing or collapse

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Rigging, Lifting Equipment, Competent Person, etc.)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Officers, Supervisors, Riggers, Inspectors)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Types of Rigging and Lifting Equipment Covered by this SOP
• 6.0 Competency and Training Requirements for Inspectors
• 7.0 Inspection Frequencies and Scheduling (Pre-use, Periodic, Post-incident)
• 8.0 Pre-use Inspection Procedure for Rigging and Lifting Gear
• 9.0 Detailed Inspection Criteria by Equipment Type (Slings, Chains, Shackles, Hooks, Lifting Beams, etc.)
• 10.0 Inspection of Identification, WLL Markings and Certification
• 11.0 Tagging, Colour Coding and Quarantine of Defective Equipment
• 12.0 Documentation and Recordkeeping Requirements
• 13.0 Integration with Lift Planning and Permit-to-Work Systems
• 14.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Controls for Inspection Activities
• 15.0 Management of Hired, Contractor and Third-Party Lifting Equipment
• 16.0 Corrective Actions, Reporting and Escalation of Defects
• 17.0 Storage, Handling and Maintenance Practices to Support Equipment Integrity
• 18.0 Audit, Review and Continuous Improvement of the Inspection Program
• 19.0 References and Supporting Documents
• 20.0 Appendices – Sample Inspection Checklists, Tagging Examples and Inspection Log Templates

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and corresponding state/territory Acts)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and corresponding state/territory Regulations) – Plant and Structures
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Manual Tasks (for handling rigging gear)
• AS 2550 series: Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use
• AS 1418 series: Cranes, hoists and winches – Design and construction (for reference to equipment ratings and markings)
• AS 3775.1: Chain slings for lifting purposes – Grade T – General conditions of use
• AS 4497.2: Round slings – Synthetic fibre – Care and use
• AS 1353.2: Flat synthetic-webbing slings – Care and use
• AS 2741: Shackles
• AS 4991: Lifting devices
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines