Periodic inspections: when are they due? Overview of all inspections
Inspection table: all work equipment at a glance
Operators who lose track of inspections bear the full liability risk. Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll. and occupational safety rules require periodic inspections - depending on the work equipment, operating conditions and manufacturer's instructions. This page summarises the inspections for all common machine types in one table - compact and ready to use.
The following table shows, for each category of work equipment, the inspection framework, the relevant legal basis and the qualification of the inspecting person. Before use: the risk assessment and manufacturer's instructions take precedence - they may require shorter intervals.
| Work equipment | Inspection (minimum framework) | Legal basis | Inspecting person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forklifts | periodically under Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll. and the manufacturer's manual | Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll., occupational safety rules | competent person |
| Aerial work platforms | periodically under Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll. and the manufacturer's manual | Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll., Government Regulation No. 362/2005 Coll. | competent person |
| Cranes (periodic inspection) | in line with applicable rules | designated lifting equipment, occupational safety rules | competent person |
| Cranes (expert examination by crane type) | depending on crane type | designated lifting equipment | authorised person |
| Construction machinery (excavators, wheel loaders, dumpers) | periodically under Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll. and the manufacturer's manual | Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll., occupational safety rules | competent person |
| Telehandlers | periodically under Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll. and the manufacturer's manual | Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll. | competent person |
| Trailers (commercial) | in line with applicable rules | Act No. 361/2000 Coll. (road traffic), occupational safety rules | competent person / vehicle workshop |
| Cars / company vehicles (commercial) | in line with applicable rules | occupational safety rules | competent person / vehicle workshop |
All figures are guideline values (minimum requirements). The risk assessment and manufacturer's instructions may differ.
Why the minimum framework is not always enough
The statutory minimum is a lower limit - not a recommendation. The actual inspection frequency required results from:
Risk assessment: The operator must assess the operating conditions. A forklift in multi-shift operation in tight indoor logistics areas has a different risk profile than a forklift moved only occasionally in an outdoor storage yard. If you work in multi-shift operation, you should consider shorter inspection intervals.
Manufacturer's instructions: Operating manuals often specify concrete inspection intervals that are stricter than the statutory minimum. Manufacturer's instructions take precedence over the statutory minimum - not the other way round.
Intensity of use and ambient conditions: Chemical environments, moisture, 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 proof of inspection
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: on first commissioning, some regulations require an initial inspection.
Proof: Proof of inspection consists of:
- Inspection sticker on the work equipment with the date of the next inspection due
- Inspection report / logbook with full documentation of all points inspected, 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 remedied after the fact. The consequences:
- Prohibition of operation by the State Labour Inspection Office (SUIP) / regional labour inspectorate - immediate shutdown of the work equipment
- Fines under applicable Czech rules for each violation
- Loss of insurance cover for workplace accidents caused by uninspected work equipment
- Personal liability of the business owner in the event of personal injury
If you find that an inspection date has been exceeded: shut down the work equipment immediately and have the inspection carried out. Details on the consequences: Periodic inspection of lifting equipment: duties and procedure →
Inspections for rental machines
When you rent machines from Luibl Rental, you take on the operator's duties for the rental period - but not the periodic inspection. Luibl Rental delivers all work equipment with a valid inspection sticker and complete documentation. Tracking inspection intervals for these machines is not required at all when renting.
We deliver with our own low-loaders from Passau throughout the Czech Republic and Europe. Rent machines → | Contact →
Frequently asked questions
When is a periodic inspection due?
Inspections are due at intervals set by Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll., the manufacturer's manual and the risk assessment. Shorter intervals may result from the risk assessment, manufacturer's instructions or special operating conditions. An overview by machine type is given 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 initial inspection may be required depending on the regulation.
Which machines need to be inspected more often?
Shorter intervals may be required above all by the risk assessment. Multi-shift operation, aggressive environments (moisture, chemicals) or high operating hours are typical reasons for more frequent 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 (Government Regulation No. 378/2001 Coll. and related occupational safety rules). The manufacturer's operating manual also specifies inspection intervals. If in doubt, consult a qualified health and safety specialist or the competent regional labour inspectorate.