Periodic forklift inspection: frequency, costs and scope

Users of forklifts must have their machines inspected periodically. The requirements are clearly defined - but 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 forklift inspection and explains what applies to rental forklifts.

Yes. The Working Conditions Decree, Chapter 7 (work equipment), requires employers to have forklifts and other material handling equipment inspected periodically by a competent person (periodic inspection of work equipment under the Working Conditions Decree). Do not use a forklift without a valid inspection - the consequences can range from business interruption to problems with insurance cover in the event of workplace accidents.

The short answer: every forklift used commercially must undergo a full periodic inspection in line with applicable Dutch health and safety rules.

The Working Conditions Decree requires a periodic inspection. How often it is needed depends on the company's risk assessment, the operating conditions and the manufacturer's instructions - and these may require shorter intervals:

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

In addition to the periodic inspection, it is recommended that the operator carries out a visual and functional check before every shift. This is not an inspection but part of the user's daily care in line with applicable Dutch health and safety rules.

Checklist: scope of a forklift inspection

A full periodic forklift inspection includes at least:

Mast and forks:

• Lift mast for deformation, cracks and wear
• Forks for dimensional accuracy, cracks and bending (min. 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 for smooth operation and play

Safety devices:

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

Electrics (electric forklifts):

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

Chassis and wheels:

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

Documentation:

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

The periodic inspection must be carried out by a competent person in line with applicable Dutch health and safety rules - someone with relevant technical training, proven professional experience with material handling equipment and current knowledge of the forklifts to be inspected.

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

Inspection costs depend on the type of forklift, the inspection body 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 charge and possibly service life and age of the machine. Obtain comparative quotes from certified inspection bodies. These figures are guide values without guarantee.

After a successful inspection, the inspector must:

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

Keep the inspection report at least until the next inspection and in any case for as long as the machine is in use.

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 used.
• Class 2 (rectify defects, then re-inspection): significant defects without an 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 machine is used again.

When you rent forklifts from Luibl Rental, you only receive inspected machines with a valid inspection sticker. The periodic inspection of work equipment under the Working Conditions Decree is the responsibility of Luibl Rental as the rental company - you as the hirer do not need to organise it.

With our own low-loader fleet, we deliver forklifts of every size class on schedule and safely to your place of use - delivery throughout the Netherlands. The range includes electric, diesel and LPG forklifts from leading manufacturers.

Even with a rental forklift, it is recommended that the operator carries out a visual and functional check before every shift - regardless of rental or ownership, this is part of the user's duty of care.

On operator qualification (demonstrable competence of the forklift operator, to be ensured by the employer): for this we refer you to external, recognised training providers. More information: Forklift operator competence - what the employer must ensure ->

Forklift rental -> | Send an enquiry ->

How often does a forklift need to be inspected?

Periodically, under the Working Conditions Decree. Exactly how often depends on the risk assessment, the operating conditions and the manufacturer's instructions; multi-shift operation, intensive use or special conditions may require shorter intervals. The daily visual and functional check by the operator is a separate matter.

What is checked in a forklift inspection?

The inspection covers the mast and forks, lift chains, hydraulic system, brakes, steering, all safety devices, chassis, tyres and electrics (on electric forklifts). The inspector draws up a complete inspection report and, if passed, attaches an inspection sticker.

What does a forklift inspection cost?

Depending on the type of forklift and the effort involved, 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 accredited inspection bodies.

May I operate a forklift without a valid inspection?

No. A forklift without a valid periodic inspection and a current inspection sticker must not be used. Its use contravenes Dutch occupational health and safety legislation (Working Conditions Act and Working Conditions Decree), endangers employees and can lead to 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. The periodic inspection of work equipment under the Working Conditions Decree is the responsibility of Luibl Rental as the rental company.