Mobile Crane Safety Checklist & Prestart Inspection – AS 2550.5:2016 Guide

Sharp Welding and Crane Hire improves safety in Melbourne using a mobile crane safety checklist and crane prestart inspection to meet AS 2550.5:2016.

A mobile crane safety checklist is essential for controlling mechanical risk, preventing lifting failures and maintaining WHS compliance on Australian worksites. A structured crane prestart inspection verifies that the crane is mechanically sound before loading, ensuring safe operation under AS 2550.5:2016. Routine inspection before every shift protects crews, assets and lifting schedules from preventable downtime.

Mobile Crane Safety Checklist and AS 2550.5:2016 Compliance

A mobile crane safety checklist supports AS 2550.5:2016 compliance by guiding operators through a structured crane prestart inspection before every shift. The standard requires verification of mechanical condition, safety controls and load-handling components to prevent failures during lifting operations. Daily inspections must also confirm that critical systems can safely operate within rated capacity.

AS 2550.5:2016 compliance minimises the risk of uncontrolled movement by identifying defects such as hydraulic leakage, wire rope wear, cracked welds or malfunctioning limit switches. Consistent inspection routines reduce avoidable downtime, extend equipment service life and satisfy WHS legislation and duty-of-care requirements for plant safety.

Mechanical and Hydraulic System Integrity Checks

Mechanical system integrity is central to crane safety. Boom wear plates, sheaves, wire ropes, hooks and safety latches must be checked before operation. Load-holding valves and slew bearings require routine visual inspection to prevent sudden load release. Structural cracks in the boom or chassis can propagate rapidly under weight.

Hydraulic system checks are equally important. Contaminated line filters, low fluid levels and bypass valve leaks compromise lifting accuracy and boom stability. Monitoring pressure gauge readings during setup identifies issues before lifting begins and prevents uncontrolled movement.

Daily Crane Inspection Essentials

Daily inspection routines ensure on-site efficiency by preventing lifting disruptions. Every element of inspection must be verifiable and compliant with Australian standards and OEM guidelines.

•  Cab Controls – All operating controls, load indicators, emergency stops and limit switches must respond correctly during functional checks to ensure accurate and safe crane movements.

•  Outriggers and Structural Supports – Outriggers must be fully extended and stabilised on solid pads or timber mats to spread ground pressure evenly and prevent tipping or structural movement.

•  Wire Ropes and Load Hook – Wire ropes must be free from kinks, broken strands or corrosion, and the hook and safety latch must lock securely to prevent accidental load release.

•  Braking and Slewing Systems – Travel and hoist brakes must hold the load without slipping, and the slewing system must rotate smoothly without vibration or drift to maintain crane stability.

•  Warning Devices – Alarms, load indicators and rated capacity limiters must be tested and working to ensure operators receive real-time safety alerts during lifting.

Commitment to Safe Lifting Operations

A structured crane prestart inspection verifies the operational integrity of lifting equipment before load handling begins, reducing the likelihood of mechanical failure. Consistent inspection routines strengthen operator accountability and maintain safe working conditions under Australian lifting standards.

Sharp Welding and Crane Hire applies disciplined safety procedures to every project and maintains full compliance with AS 2550.5:2016 and WHS regulations. Our integration of a mobile crane safety checklist across all lifting operations ensures reliable performance for construction, civil and industrial projects.

See our mobile crane services to access reliable lift planning, certified operators and modern fleet capability.

Contact us to schedule safe lifting support or request a site assessment.

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