Winch Machine Safety Checklist
A safe lift starts with a disciplined inspection. The Winch Machine Inspection Checklist guides crews through all critical points before use — nameplate and SWL/WLL, guarding and controls, emergency stop, rope/line condition, hook and terminations, fairleads and sheaves, drum wraps, brakes/clutch/gearbox, hydraulics or electrics, and functional tests under light load. Each line is clear and measurable, so “pass” and “fail” mean the same thing to operators, supervisors, and auditors.
Use it two ways: print the free PDF for clipboard checks in low-connectivity areas, or run it in TARGPatrol to assign inspections by unit or shift, timestamp results, and capture photo/video evidence (e.g., nameplate, worst rope section, brake test). Mixed answer types keep records audit-ready: [Flag] for pass/fail, [Number] for readings (pressure, wraps, insulation, temperatures), [Media] for photos/videos, and [Text] for defects and corrective actions.
In the app, completions roll into dashboards and logs you can filter by asset, site, or contractor. Recurring schedules and reminders reduce missed checks; trend reports surface chronic issues — wire breaks near the hook, recurring oil weeps, overheating gearboxes — so maintenance can target root causes instead of firefighting.
Over time, the checklist becomes a live standard for your fleet. Update it once when processes or equipment change (e.g., switching to synthetic line or adding wireless remotes) and reuse across locations. With a traceable history of who inspected what, when, and with which evidence, you’re ready for internal audits, client reviews, and regulatory checks — while keeping operators and loads safer every day.
Confirm model/serial, SWL/WLL plate legible and matches paperwork
Operator’s manual and maintenance log present/updated
Daily/shift inspection recorded (date, inspector name)
Upload nameplate and general condition photos
Area clear of hazards, exclusion zone established
Guarding in place (drum, gears, rotating parts)
Emergency stop present, labeled, and functioning
Control functions labeled (raise/lower/in/out/speed)
Pendant/remote/wireless controller operational
Battery in remote (voltage/level)
Cable harnesses/antennas intact, strain relief OK
Mounting base/frame free of cracks/deformation
Mounting bolts present and tight (torque value if checked)
Foundation/vehicle structure sound, no corrosion at load points
Fairlead/roller guides aligned and rotate freely
Sheaves spin freely, no groove damage or sharp edges
Drum: flanges intact, no cracks/weld defects
Drum surface clean, no excessive wear or scoring
Rope anchored correctly to drum (wedge/socket/clamp)
Minimum wraps on drum maintained (wraps remaining)
Rope spools tightly without cross-lay during test
Upload close-up of drum and anchorage
Wire rope (if fitted): correct diameter (mm)
Localized corrosion/pitting observed
Kinks, birdcaging, flattened sections present
Core protrusion or strand displacement noted
Thimble/eye terminations intact, no cracked sockets
Chain (if fitted): pitch wear/elongation (%)
Synthetic line (if fitted): cuts/abrasion/UV/glazing
Hook: latch returns to closed, no twist/crack
Hook throat opening (mm, compare to spec)
Shackle/connector pin seated and secured
Upload photos of worst rope/line section and hook
Brake system (primary/holding) engages and releases
Brake holds rated static load during test
Brake pad/shoe wear within limit (estimate %)
Clutch/freespool mechanism operates smoothly
Gearbox oil level OK, no milky oil
Gearbox temperature after test run (°C)
Visible leaks (gearbox/hydraulic/sump)
Electric—cables undamaged, insulation intact
Electric—megger/insulation test value (MΩ)
Electric—contactors/limit relays cycle properly
Hydraulic—hoses sound, no blisters/chafe
Hydraulic—fittings tight, no weeping
Hydraulic—pressure reading at rated pull (bar)
Pneumatic—lines/valves tight, regulator set
Limit switches/overtravel protection tested
Load limiter/overload device functional
Audible/visual alarms operational
Slow/creep speed available and smooth
Deadman control/spring return verified
Power supply: voltage within spec under load (V)
Current draw at no-load / at test load (A)
Grounding/bonding intact (resistance, Ω)
Lubrication applied per OEM (rope, sheaves, gears)
Correct lubricant type used (spec code)
Grease points serviced (count)
Spool in/out both directions without surge
Unusual noise/vibration observed
Measured line speed no-load (m/min)
Smooth start/stop, no slip on drum
Brake hold test passed (duration min)
Fleet angle acceptable, line tracks true
Thermal rise acceptable, no hot smells/smoke
Upload short video of test run (if allowed)
Snatch blocks/rigging inspected and rated
Anchors/bolts/ground stakes rated and secure
Signage: SWL/WLL, danger decals readable
Housekeeping: no oil under unit, drip trays in place
PPE available for operators (gloves, eye/hand protection)
Training/authorization current for operators (IDs)
Permit-to-work or lift plan reviewed (ID/Rev)
Non-conformities found (list with location/severity)
Unit status: In Service / Restricted / Out of Service
Corrective actions required and by whom/date
Next scheduled maintenance due (date/hrs)
Upload final overview photos (unit, rope, controls)


















