How often is each inspection due?
| What | When | 29 CFR |
|---|---|---|
| Forklift | Before being placed in service, at least daily (1910.178(q)(7)) | 1910.178(q)(7) |
| Crane, construction | Before each shift; monthly documented; at least every 12 months by a qualified person (1926.1412(d)(1), (e), (f)(1)) | 1926.1412 |
| Scaffold | Before each work shift and after any occurrence, by a competent person (1926.451(f)(3)) | 1926.451(f)(3) |
| Harness and lanyard | Before each use in construction (1926.502(d)(21)); before initial use each workshift in general industry (1910.140(c)(18)) | 1926.502(d)(21), 1910.140(c)(18) |
| Ladder | General industry: before initial use in each work shift (1910.23(b)(9)); construction: periodically and after any occurrence (1926.1053(b)(15)) | 1910.23, 1926.1053 |
| Fire extinguisher | Visually each month (1910.157(e)(2)); maintenance check each year (1910.157(e)(3)) | 1910.157(e) |
| First aid kit, construction | Before each job and at least weekly (1926.50(d)(2)) | 1926.50(d)(2) |
Where a paragraph names a competent or qualified person, the checklist says so. The competent person guide explains the difference, and the free designation letter puts each designation in writing. For the standards behind each row, the OSHA standards library has the full text.
Questions about OSHA checklists
Does OSHA require inspection checklists?
OSHA asks for many inspections but rarely prescribes a form. Some standards ask for a record with set contents: the annual maintenance date of each fire extinguisher (29 CFR 1910.157(e)(3)), the monthly crane inspection with the items checked, the results, the inspector's name and signature and the date (1926.1412(e)(3)), or the hook, chain and rope certifications of overhead cranes (1910.179(j)(2)(iii), (m)(1)). A dated, signed checklist is the simplest proof for the rest.
Which inspections are due every shift or before each use?
Among the checklists here: forklifts before being placed in service, at least daily (29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7)); construction cranes before each shift (1926.1412(d)(1)); scaffolds before each work shift, by a competent person (1926.451(f)(3)); personal fall arrest systems before each use (1926.502(d)(21)); and in general industry, ladders before initial use in each work shift (1910.23(b)(9)).
How long should inspection checklists be kept?
Most OSHA inspection rules set no retention period. The exceptions on this page: the annual extinguisher maintenance record, kept one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less (29 CFR 1910.157(e)(3)); the monthly crane inspection, kept at least three months (1926.1412(e)(3)); and the annual crane inspection, kept at least 12 months (1926.1412(f)(7)).
Does OSHA approve checklist forms?
OSHA does not approve forms. Each checklist here cites the paragraph it follows, quoted from the eCFR, and marks the checks that come from manufacturers or good practice instead, so you know which items the rule itself names.
Can I edit the templates?
Yes. Every template downloads as a Word file you can edit, add your logo to and extend, as well as a PDF to print; the fire extinguisher log, the training matrix and the sign-in sheets also come as Excel workbooks. Each one comes blank or as a filled example.
Sources and verification
Verified against the eCFR on Oct 20, 2026 (title 29 current to Oct 16, 2026). State Plan states enforce their own standards, which may go further than the federal ones. Not legal advice.