Inspections and tests of aerial work platforms: when are they due? Overview

Inspection table: all work equipment at a glance

Operators who lose track of inspection intervals carry the full liability risk. Government Regulation No. 392/2006 Coll. (work equipment) and Decree No. 508/2009 Coll. on inspections and tests of technical equipment set clear obligations - depending on the work equipment, operating conditions and manufacturer specifications. This page lists the inspection requirements for all common machine types in one table - compact and ready to use.

The following table shows the inspection requirements, the relevant legal basis and the competence of the inspector for each category of work equipment. Before applying it: the risk assessment and manufacturer specifications take precedence - they may require shorter intervals.

Work equipmentInspection intervalLegal basisResponsible inspector
Forklifts / industrial trucksin line with applicable rules and the manufacturer's manualoccupational safety rules, Government Regulation No. 392/2006 Coll.competent person in line with applicable rules
Aerial work platformsinspection once a year, test every two years (Annex 7), unless the manufacturer specifies shorter intervalsDecree No. 508/2009 Coll., Government Regulation No. 392/2006 Coll.certified inspection technician
Cranes (inspection)in line with Decree No. 508/2009 Coll.; for mobile cranes once a year (Annex 7)Decree No. 508/2009 Coll., Government Regulation No. 392/2006 Coll.competent person in line with applicable rules
Cranes (test)depending on crane type; for mobile cranes every two years (Annex 7)Decree No. 508/2009 Coll.authorised person in line with applicable rules
Construction machinery (excavators, wheel loaders, dumpers)in line with applicable rules and the manufacturer's manualGovernment Regulation No. 392/2006 Coll., occupational safety rulescompetent person in line with applicable rules
Telehandlersin line with applicable rules and the manufacturer's manualGovernment Regulation No. 392/2006 Coll.competent person in line with applicable rules
Trailers (commercial)in line with applicable rulesoccupational safety rules, Act No. 8/2009 Coll. on road trafficcompetent person / vehicle workshop
Cars / company vehicles (commercial)in line with applicable rulesoccupational safety rulescompetent person / vehicle workshop

All figures are guide values (minimum requirements). The risk assessment and manufacturer specifications may differ.

Why the legal minimum is not always enough

The legal intervals are lower limits - not recommendations. The inspection frequency actually required depends on:

Risk assessment: The operator must evaluate the operating conditions. Forklifts in multi-shift operation on tight indoor logistics areas have a different risk profile than a forklift that is only occasionally moved in an outdoor storage yard. Anyone working in multi-shift operation should consider six-monthly inspection intervals.

Manufacturer specifications: Operating manuals often prescribe specific inspection intervals that are stricter than the legal minimum. Manufacturer specifications take precedence over the legal minimum - not the other way round.

Intensity of use and environmental conditions: Chemical environments, humidity, extreme temperatures or dust increase wear and require more frequent inspections.

Condition and age: Older work equipment and machines with high operating hours generally require shorter inspection intervals.

Start of the interval and records

When does the inspection interval start? The interval starts on the date of the last passed inspection - not on the purchase date or the date of first commissioning. Exception: some regulations require an acceptance test on first commissioning.

Records: The inspection record consists of:

  1. Inspection sticker on the work equipment showing the date of the next inspection due
  2. Inspection report / logbook with full documentation of all items checked, defects found and measures taken

For cranes: the crane logbook must be kept permanently and stays with the crane.

What happens if the interval is exceeded?

An expired inspection interval is not a formal error that can be fixed retroactively. The consequences:

  • Prohibition of use by the labour inspectorate - immediate shutdown of the work equipment
  • Fine imposed by the labour inspectorate under the applicable occupational safety rules
  • Loss of insurance cover for occupational accidents caused by uninspected work equipment
  • Personal liability of the employer in the event of personal injury

If you find that an inspection date has been exceeded: take the work equipment out of service immediately and have the inspection carried out. Details on the consequences: Inspections of lifting equipment: duties, intervals and procedure →

Inspection intervals for rental machines

When you rent machines from Luibl Rental, you take on the operator duties for the rental period - but not the recurring inspections. Luibl Rental delivers all work equipment with a valid inspection sticker and complete documentation. Managing inspection intervals for these machines is not required at all when renting.

Delivery throughout Slovakia, by low-loader to your site. Rent machines → | Contact →

Frequently asked questions

When is an equipment inspection due?

The inspection is due within the interval set for the work equipment by the applicable rules (Decree No. 508/2009 Coll.) and the manufacturer's specifications. Shorter intervals may be required by the risk assessment, manufacturer specifications or special operating conditions. The requirements per machine type are listed in the table above.

Does the interval run from the purchase date or from the last inspection?

From the last passed inspection. The purchase date is not relevant for the current interval. On first commissioning, a separate acceptance test may be required depending on the regulations.

Which machines need to be inspected more often?

The risk assessment may require shorter intervals. Multi-shift operation, aggressive environments (humidity, chemicals) or high operating hours are typical triggers for six-monthly or quarterly inspections.

Where can I find out when my machine must be inspected?

On the inspection sticker on the machine, in the inspection report / logbook and in the rules applicable to the work equipment (Decree No. 508/2009 Coll., Government Regulation No. 392/2006 Coll.). The manufacturer's operating manual also specifies inspection intervals. If in doubt, ask your safety officer or the competent labour inspectorate.