Forklift inspections: intervals, costs and scope

Forklift operators must ensure that their trucks are inspected regularly. The requirements are set out in the regulations — but questions keep arising in practice: How often is an inspection due? What exactly is checked? And what does it cost? This guide answers the key questions about forklift inspections and explains what applies to rental forklifts.

Yes. The occupational safety rules (Act No. 124/2006 Coll.) and Government Regulation No. 392/2006 Coll. (work equipment) require operators to keep forklifts and other industrial trucks in a safe condition and to have them inspected regularly by a competent person; technical equipment is subject to inspections and tests of technical equipment (Decree No. 508/2009 Coll.). A forklift without a valid inspection must not be used — the consequences range from operational interruptions to the loss of insurance cover in the event of occupational accidents.

The short answer: every forklift used commercially must regularly undergo a full inspection in line with applicable Slovak safety rules.

Inspection intervals follow from applicable Slovak safety rules and the manufacturer's instructions. The actual interval, however, also depends on the risk assessment — and this may require shorter intervals:

• Multi-shift operation or intensive use: shortened inspection intervals
• Aggressive environmental conditions (chemicals, moisture, extreme temperatures): observe the manufacturer's specifications
• Older trucks or high operating hours: the inspector may recommend shorter intervals

In addition to the regular inspection, the operator should carry out a visual and functional check before every shift. This is not a formal inspection, but a daily duty when operating work equipment under Government Regulation No. 392/2006 Coll.

Checklist: forklift inspection scope

A full forklift inspection covers in particular:

Mast and forks:

• Mast for deformation, cracks and wear
• Forks for dimensional accuracy, cracks and bending (at least 10 % loss of thickness = replacement)
• Fork carriage and fastening elements

Lift chains and hydraulics:

• Lift chains for wear, chain elongation and lubrication
• Hydraulic cylinders for leaks
• Hydraulic lines and connections

Brakes and steering:

• Service brake, parking brake, regenerative brake (on electric forklifts)
• Steering system for smooth operation and play

Safety devices:

• Load limiter and overload protection
• Warning and signalling devices (horn, warning systems)
• Operator protection devices (seat belt, operator cage or overhead guard)

Electrics (electric forklifts):

• Battery, charger, cable connections, plugs
• Traction motors and control units

Truck frame and wheels:

• Frame for cracks and deformation
• Tyres for tread depth, damage and correct pressure
• Counterweight for secure fastening

Documentation:

• Completeness of truck documents, inspection log and inspection report
• Legibility of type plates and markings

The inspection must be carried out by a competent person in line with applicable Slovak safety rules — a person with relevant training, for example as a mechatronics technician or motor vehicle mechanic, proven professional experience with industrial trucks and current activity in the field of the trucks to be inspected.

Luibl Rental does not offer inspection services or qualifications for third parties. For qualification as a competent person, please contact external, recognised training providers. Details on the competent person: Who may carry out inspections? →

Inspection costs depend on the forklift type, the inspection organisation and the effort involved. As a market guide:

• Electric counterbalance forklifts (1.5–3.5 t): approx. 100–180 € per inspection
• Diesel forklifts (3–8 t): approx. 130–220 € per inspection
• Heavy-duty forklifts (>8 t): approx. 200–350 € per inspection
• Reach trucks / narrow-aisle trucks: approx. 120–200 € per inspection

Influencing factors: inspector (internal/external), call-out flat rate and, where applicable, service life and age of the machine. Obtain comparative quotes from authorised inspection organisations. These figures are guide values without guarantee.

After a successful inspection, the inspector must:

1. Issue an inspection report documenting all items checked, defects found and measures taken
2. Attach an inspection sticker to the truck showing the date of the next inspection
3. Make an entry in the truck's inspection log

Keep the inspection report at least until the next inspection, ideally until the end of the truck's service life.

If the competent person finds defects, they are divided into classes:

• Class 1 (immediate decommissioning): defects that pose an immediate risk of accident — e.g. cracked forks, failing brake. The forklift must not continue to be operated.
• Class 2 (rectify defects, then re-inspection): significant defects without immediate risk of accident — e.g. excessive chain wear, faulty warning devices
• Class 3 (monitor): minor defects to be rectified by the next regular inspection

After class 1 and class 2 defects have been rectified, a re-inspection must be carried out before the truck is used again.

If you rent a forklift from Luibl Rental, you receive only inspected trucks with a valid inspection sticker. Responsibility for recurring inspections in line with applicable Slovak safety rules lies with Luibl Rental as the rental company — you as the hirer do not have to organise them.

Our own low-loader fleet ensures that forklifts of every size class are delivered safely and on the agreed date to your site — throughout Europe. Our range includes electric, diesel and LPG forklifts from leading manufacturers.

The operator of the rental forklift is nevertheless obliged to carry out a visual and functional check before every shift — this operator duty applies regardless of whether the truck is rented or owned.

On operator competence (forklift operator licence under Act No. 124/2006 Coll. and Decree No. 356/2007 Coll.): for this, we refer you to external, recognised training providers. Details: Forklift operator licence — all about operator competence →

Forklift rental → | Send an enquiry →

How often is a forklift inspection due?

The intervals follow from applicable Slovak safety rules and the manufacturer's instructions. In multi-shift operation, intensive use or special operating conditions, the risk assessment may require shorter intervals. The daily visual and functional check by the operator is a separate operator duty.

What is checked during a forklift inspection?

The mast and forks, lift chains, hydraulic system, brakes, steering, all safety devices, truck frame, tyres and electrics (on electric forklifts) are checked. The inspector prepares a full inspection report and attaches an inspection sticker if the truck passes.

What does a forklift inspection cost?

Depending on the forklift type and effort, inspection costs range from approx. 100 to 350 €. Electric forklifts up to 3.5 t typically cost 100–180 €, heavy-duty forklifts over 8 t approx. 200–350 €. Obtain comparative quotes from authorised inspection organisations.

May I operate a forklift without a valid inspection?

No. A forklift without a valid inspection and a current inspection sticker must not be used. Such use violates the occupational safety rules (Act No. 124/2006 Coll.) and Government Regulation No. 392/2006 Coll., endangers employees and can lead to the loss of insurance cover in the event of damage.

Does a rented forklift need its own inspection?

No — if you rent from Luibl Rental. All rental forklifts are delivered with a valid inspection sticker and complete inspection documentation. Recurring inspections in line with applicable Slovak safety rules are the responsibility of Luibl Rental as the rental company.