Periodic inspection of work equipment: duties, intervals and process explained

Employers and operators of machines, vehicles and work equipment have a clear legal obligation: periodic inspection of work equipment is not a recommendation but a binding requirement of Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll. and the occupational safety rules (Act No. 309/2006 Coll.). Anyone who neglects it risks fines, operational interruptions and, in the event of damage, loss of insurance cover.

This guide explains the duties of companies and operators, how inspection intervals are set for each type of work equipment and how to organise inspections cost-effectively - including the practical question of what applies to rental machines.

The term 'UVV-Pruefung' comes from German regulations. In the Czech Republic, it corresponds to the periodic inspection of work equipment under Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll. - in substance, the inspection duties are comparable.

Legal basis at a glance:

Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll. forms the overarching legal framework: it requires operators to keep work equipment in proper condition and to have it inspected regularly. Depending on the type of machine, further rules supplement this framework:

• Act No. 309/2006 Coll. - occupational safety rules (general employer duties)
• Designated lifting equipment - cranes (in line with applicable Czech safety rules and CSN EN standards)
• Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll. - forklifts (periodic inspection)
• Vehicles - cars, trucks and company vehicles (in line with applicable Czech regulations)
• Government Regulation No. 362/2005 Coll. - work at height; aerial work platforms are subject to periodic inspection under Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll.

The inspection duty lies with the operator - not necessarily the owner. What matters is who actually uses the work equipment and is responsible for it:

• Owner is not always the operator: Anyone who buys machines and operates them is the operator. Anyone who rents out machines transfers the operator duties to the renter for the rental period.
• Renter = operator: With rented work equipment, the renter takes on all operator duties - including the daily visual and function check before each use.
• Exception - rental machines from Luibl Rental: The periodic inspection is the lessor's responsibility. Luibl Rental supplies all rental machines with a valid inspection sticker - the daily pre-use check remains with the operator.

Inspection intervals are set by the manufacturer's instructions and the risk assessment. Intensity of use and special risks may require shorter intervals.

Work equipment	Inspection interval (rule)	Legal basis	Inspector
Forklifts	per manufacturer's instructions and risk assessment	Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll.	Competent person
Aerial work platforms	per manufacturer's instructions and risk assessment	Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll., Government Regulation No. 362/2005 Coll.	Competent person
Cranes	per manufacturer's instructions + inspections of designated lifting equipment	Czech safety rules and CSN EN standards	Inspection technician / accredited inspection body
Construction machinery (excavators, wheel loaders, dumpers)	per manufacturer's instructions and risk assessment	Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll.	Competent person
Telehandlers	per manufacturer's instructions and risk assessment	Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll.	Competent person
Cars / company vehicles (business use)	per manufacturer's instructions and risk assessment	applicable Czech regulations	Competent person / vehicle workshop

Figures are for guidance only; the risk assessment and manufacturer's instructions take precedence.

All inspection intervals with legal basis and responsible inspector in detail: Inspection intervals for all work equipment at a glance ->

The inspection must be carried out by a competent person in line with applicable Czech safety rules. Requirements: relevant vocational training, experience with the equipment being inspected and recent professional activity. For cranes as designated lifting equipment, inspections are carried out under the applicable rules by an inspection technician or an accredited inspection body (e.g. TUV, DEKRA).

Luibl Rental does not offer qualification or inspection services to third parties. For external, recognised providers of competent-person qualifications: Who may carry out periodic inspections? ->

Visual inspection

External check for damage, corrosion, missing parts, illegible markings and obvious safety defects - without operating the machine.

Functional test

Check of all operating and safety devices during operation: brakes, controls, safety cut-offs, signalling devices, hoists, emergency lowering and other safety-relevant functions.

Load test (depending on the machine)

For cranes and aerial work platforms, a load test with a defined test load is carried out in certain inspection cycles.

Documentation and sticker

Inspection results are recorded in writing (inspection report, inspection log). If the inspection is passed, the equipment receives an inspection sticker. Records must be kept at least until the next inspection; for cranes, permanently in the lifting equipment log book.

Inspection costs vary by machine type, inspection effort and the inspection organisation commissioned. Guide ranges from the market:

• Forklifts: for example approx. €20-40 per inspection
• Aerial work platforms: for example approx. €130 per unit
• Cranes: approx. €30-460 (depending on crane class and inspection type)
• Construction machinery: for example approx. €20 per machine
• Cars / company vehicles: approx. €80-110 per vehicle (STK roadworthiness test incl. emissions test)

These ranges are for guidance only. Obtain comparative quotes from certified inspection organisations.

Company vehicles used as work equipment should be inspected regularly in addition to the statutory roadworthiness test (STK). This applies to company cars, vans, trucks and trailers in the fleet.

Important: A passed roadworthiness test (STK) does not fully replace the inspection of the work equipment, even if the inspection content partly overlaps. They are two separate requirements.

The inspection of vehicles as work equipment focuses on safety aspects under the occupational safety rules - operational fittings, load securing, special equipment - and complements the STK in content.

Missing inspection records are no trivial matter:

• Fines from the regional labour inspectorate (SUIP) for each violation
• Prohibition of use by the labour inspectorate - the work equipment is taken out of service
• Loss of insurance cover in the event of an occupational accident: business owners are personally liable for damages
• Criminal consequences for personal injury caused by demonstrably uninspected work equipment

Regular inspection does not only protect employees - it is a fundamental part of legally compliant business management.

With rental machines, the lessor and the renter share responsibility - with a clearly defined split:

Luibl Rental as lessor: All work equipment from the Luibl rental fleet is delivered with a valid periodic inspection and a current inspection sticker. Our service technicians inspect the fleet regularly. Delivery is handled by our own low-loader fleet - from Passau throughout the Czech Republic, directly to your site.

You as renter and operator: For the rental period, you bear the operator duties: daily visual and function check before use, safe set-up and proper operation by qualified personnel. You do not have to organise the periodic inspection itself for Luibl rental equipment.

Questions about machine availability or delivery to your region? Send an enquiry ->

Rent machines directly: Rent aerial work platforms | Rent forklifts

Is the periodic inspection required by law?

Yes. The inspection duty for work equipment follows from Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll. and the occupational safety rules (Act No. 309/2006 Coll.). An operator who cannot present a valid inspection record risks fines from the labour inspectorate, a prohibition of use and, in the event of damage, loss of insurance cover.

How often must a periodic inspection be carried out?

Intervals are set by the manufacturer's instructions and the risk assessment. With intensive use, particular hazards or corresponding manufacturer's instructions, the risk assessment may require shorter intervals. Details for all machine types: Inspection intervals at a glance ->

Who may carry out a periodic inspection?

The inspection must be carried out by a competent person - with relevant training, professional experience and recent professional activity. For cranes as designated lifting equipment, inspections are carried out under the applicable rules by an inspection technician or an accredited inspection body (e.g. TUV, DEKRA). Details: Competent person explained ->

How much does a periodic inspection cost?

Costs depend on the machine type and inspection effort. As a guide: forklifts for example approx. €20-40, aerial work platforms for example approx. €130, cranes depending on type approx. €30-460, cars/company vehicles approx. €80-110 per vehicle (STK roadworthiness test incl. emissions test). Obtain comparative quotes from certified inspection organisations.

What happens if the periodic inspection is missing or has expired?

Missing or expired inspection records can lead to fines from the labour inspectorate, a prohibition of use and - in the case of occupational accidents - loss of insurance cover. Personal injury may have criminal consequences. Have overdue inspections carried out without delay.

Who is responsible for the periodic inspection of rented machines?

Luibl Rental supplies all rental machines with a valid periodic inspection and a current sticker. As the renter, you bear the operator duties for the rental period: daily pre-use check and safe operation. Luibl Rental organises the periodic inspection as the lessor - when you rent Luibl machines, it is not your task.