How to Inspect Lifting Equipment Before and After Hire
Regular inspections are essential to ensure lifting equipment is safe, compliant and fit for purpose. When hiring gear, it’s not enough to assume it’s ready to go—you need confidence that it meets both industry standards and your site’s specific requirements.
Reputable hire companies, like Rigging Rentals, maintain strict servicing and safety protocols. Even so, it’s best practice to carry out your own checks before putting equipment into operation. This gives your team peace of mind, reduces risk, and ensures the gear performs as expected.
By running thorough checks before hire, and again after use, you can safeguard your crew, minimise downtime, and ensure the equipment remains in peak condition.
Documentation: check the list and keep track
Strong documentation underpins every thorough inspection. Start with a detailed checklist that breaks down each element and component to be reviewed—slings, hooks, shackles, fasteners, chains, load markings, and safety devices. Working through the list item by item ensures a consistent, methodical process where nothing gets overlooked.
Inspection records also serve as a valuable reference point. They capture the history of each piece of equipment—any faults identified, the corrective actions taken, and whether previous issues resurface over time. This not only supports compliance but also makes future inspections more effective, as teams know where to pay closer attention.
Visual inspection
A careful visual inspection is often the quickest way to identify potential risks. Look for clear signs of damage such as cracks, dents, bends, corrosion, rust, or excessive wear. Paying attention to these details ensures issues are addressed before the equipment is put to work. If anything looks out of place, don’t proceed until it’s inspected and repaired.
Visual checks are essential both before and after hire.
- Before hire: A pre-use inspection confirms that the equipment is safe, compliant, and ready for the demands of your project. Any issues spotted early can be rectified before operations begin.
- After hire: A post-use inspection highlights any wear or damage that may have occurred during the job. This ensures the equipment is returned in good condition and that any necessary maintenance can be carried out before it is reissued.
By treating visual inspections as a standard step in your process, you’ll reduce risks, minimise downtime, and maintain equipment performance.
Fasteners, chains, slings, hooks & other components
These are some of the most critical—and sometimes most overlooked—parts of lifting equipment. Even a single faulty hook, stretched sling, or weakened chain link can lead to serious equipment damage, project delays, or, most importantly, safety risks for your crew. That’s why checking the condition of every fastening point, sling, chain, and hook before use is essential.
Before using hired equipment, check that:
- Chains and slings show no stretching, fraying, or distortion
- Hooks close fully, are not deformed, and lock securely
- Fasteners and fittings are tight, undamaged and free of corrosion
After hire, the same level of care is required. Post-use inspections help identify any stress, wear or damage that occurred during operations, so corrective action can be taken quickly. Inspect each component for signs of stress, deformation, or wear caused during operation. Spotting these issues early allows for prompt maintenance or replacement, preventing further damage to the machinery and reducing risk on future jobs.
Load capacity
Checking load capacity is critical to safe lifting operations. Equipment must always be matched to the weight and type of load you’re moving—failing to do so can result in damaged materials, compromised equipment, or, in the worst case, serious injury to your team.
Before use, always confirm the Working Load Limit (WLL). Ensure it aligns with your project requirements and that all load charts, tags, and markings are present, clear, and compliant. If labels are worn, illegible, or missing altogether, do not proceed until the issue is resolved.
Taking a few extra minutes to verify load capacity can prevent costly mistakes and protect both your crew and your equipment.
Functionality test
A functionality test is a crucial step before any lifting equipment goes into service. While visual checks can highlight obvious issues, only a hands-on test will confirm that the gear operates exactly as intended.
Run through all moving parts and ensure they move smoothly without resistance or unusual noise. Check that locking mechanisms engage and release properly, and that all safety devices—such as latches, brakes, or limit switches—are working correctly.
Key checks include:
- Moving parts: Verify that all pulleys, gears, and mechanisms operate smoothly without sticking, grinding, or unusual noise.
- Locking systems: Test latches, catches, and locking pins to confirm they engage and release correctly, holding loads securely in place.
- Safety devices: Inspect limit switches, load indicators, emergency stops, and fail-safes to ensure they are fully operational.
- Controls and power sources: For powered equipment, check that controls respond accurately and consistently, and that any hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical systems are stable and free of leaks or faults.
Never assume equipment is fit for use simply because it looks fine. Even small malfunctions, if left unchecked, can escalate into serious safety risks once operations begin. Conducting a proper functionality test gives you the confidence that the equipment is safe, reliable, and ready for the demands of your project.
Seek the support of professionals
Even with thorough in-house checks, there are times when you’ll want expert guidance. If your inspection raises concerns—or if you’re simply unsure about the condition of any component—it’s best to call in professionals. A qualified technician or your hire provider can inspect, service, or replace gear to keep your site safe, compliant, and running without delays.
At Rigging Rentals, every piece of equipment is supplied fully compliant and meticulously maintained to industry standards. Still, we always recommend customers carry out their own inspections before use for complete peace of mind. And if you need support, our team is here to help.
With years of hands-on experience across oil & gas rigs, mining operations, construction projects and more, our specialists understand the unique demands of heavy industry. We don’t just tick boxes—we ensure inspections are carried out to the highest standard, so you can operate with confidence knowing your gear meets both Australian regulations and your project-specific requirements.
By leaning on expert support when needed, you protect your people, safeguard your project, and reinforce a culture of safety across your site.
Disclaimer—The content provided on this blog is intended for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that the information presented here is completely accurate or up-to-date. The information should not be considered as professional or expert advice for rigging, lifting, or any related activities. Users should not rely solely on the information provided in this blog and should consult with qualified professionals and/or manufacturers before making any decisions or taking any actions related to rigging and lifting equipment or practices. Rigging Rentals is not responsible for any loss, injury, or damage that may occur as a result of applying the information provided on this blog.
