Periodic inspection of forklifts: intervals, costs and scope of inspection

Forklift operators are legally required to have their trucks inspected regularly. The requirements are clearly defined - yet in practice questions keep arising: How often is the inspection due? What exactly is inspected? And what does it cost? This guide answers the key questions about periodic forklift inspections and explains what applies to rental forklifts.

Yes - clearly. Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll. and occupational safety rules (Act No. 309/2006 Coll.) require operators to have forklifts and other industrial trucks inspected regularly by a competent person. 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 complete inspection under Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll.

The intervals for periodic inspection under Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll. are based on the manufacturer's instructions and the risk assessment. The operator sets the specific interval on this basis - and the risk assessment may require shorter intervals:

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

In addition to the periodic inspection, the operator should carry out a visual and functional check before every shift. This is not a periodic inspection but a daily duty of the operating company in line with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable Czech safety rules.

Checklist: scope of the forklift inspection

A complete periodic inspection under Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll. usually covers:

Mast and forks:

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

Lift chains and hydraulics:

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

Brakes and steering:

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

Safety devices:

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

Electrics (electric forklifts):

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

Vehicle frame and wheels:

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

Documentation:

• Completeness of vehicle documents, logbook and inspection report
• Legibility of type plates and markings

The periodic inspection must be carried out by a competent person in line with applicable Czech safety rules and CSN EN standards - a person with relevant training, for example as a mechatronics or automotive technician, proven professional experience with industrial trucks and recent activity in the field of the forklifts to be inspected.

Luibl Rental does not offer inspection services or qualification courses for third parties. For qualification as a competent person, please contact external, recognised training providers. Details on the competent person: Who may carry out periodic 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): for example approx. 40 € per inspection
• Diesel forklifts (3-8 t): for example approx. 40 € per inspection
• Heavy-duty forklifts (>8 t): price depends on the provider
• Reach trucks / narrow-aisle trucks: for example approx. 40 € per inspection

Influencing factors: inspector (internal/external), travel flat rate, possibly service life and age of the machine. Obtain comparative quotes from certified inspection organisations. These figures are guide values without guarantee.

After a passed inspection, the inspector:

1. Issues an inspection report documenting all inspected items, any defects found and the measures taken
2. Usually attaches an inspection label to the vehicle showing the date of the next inspection
3. Makes the entry in the vehicle's logbook

We recommend keeping the inspection report at least until the next inspection, ideally until the end of the vehicle's service life.

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

• Class 1 (immediate shutdown): Defects that pose an immediate risk of accident - e.g. cracked fork tines, 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, defective 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 take place before the vehicle is used again.

Anyone renting forklifts from Luibl Rental receives only inspected vehicles with a valid inspection. The periodic inspection under Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll. is the responsibility of Luibl Rental as the rental company - you as the renter do not have to organise it.

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

The operator of the rental forklift is nevertheless required to carry out a visual and functional check before every shift - this is an operator duty regardless of whether the forklift is rented or owned.

On operator qualification (forklift operator licence, operator training): for this we refer you to external, recognised training providers. Details: Forklift operator licence - all about operator qualification ->

Rent a forklift -> | Send an enquiry ->

How often is the periodic forklift inspection due?

Under Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll., regularly, at intervals based on the manufacturer's instructions and the risk assessment. 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 the periodic inspection of a forklift?

The inspection covers the mast and fork tines, lift chains, hydraulic system, brakes, steering, all safety devices, vehicle frame, tyres and electrics (on electric forklifts). The inspector draws up a complete inspection report and, if the forklift passes, usually attaches an inspection label.

What does a periodic inspection of a forklift cost?

Inspection costs vary by forklift type and effort. As a guide, a technical inspection of a high-lift forklift costs for example approx. 40 €, of a low-lift truck approx. 20 €; for heavy-duty forklifts over 8 t the price depends on the provider. Obtain comparative quotes from accredited inspection organisations.

May I operate a forklift without a valid inspection?

No. A forklift without a valid periodic inspection must not be used. Such use violates Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll. and occupational safety rules (Act No. 309/2006 Coll.), endangers employees and can lead to the loss of insurance cover in the event of damage.

Does a rented forklift need its own periodic inspection?

No - if you rent from Luibl Rental. All rental forklifts are delivered with a valid inspection and complete inspection documentation. The periodic inspection under Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll. is the task of Luibl Rental as the rental company.