Periodic inspection of work equipment: when and how often?
Inspection table: all work equipment at a glance
Operators who lose track of inspection intervals bear the full liability risk. The Working Conditions Decree, Chapter 7 (work equipment) requires the periodic inspection of work equipment — depending on the equipment, the conditions of use and the manufacturer's instructions. This page sets out the inspection requirements for all common machine types in one table — compact and ready to use.
The following table shows the inspection interval, the relevant legal basis and the competence of the inspector for each category of work equipment. Before applying it: the risk assessment and the manufacturer's instructions take precedence — they may require shorter intervals.
| Work equipment | Inspection interval | Legal basis | Inspector |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forklifts / industrial trucks | periodic, per manufacturer and risk assessment | Working Conditions Decree, Chapter 7 (work equipment) | competent inspector |
| Aerial work platforms | periodic, per manufacturer and risk assessment | Working Conditions Decree, Chapter 7 (work equipment) | competent inspector |
| Cranes (periodic inspection) | periodic, per manufacturer and risk assessment | Working Conditions Decree, Chapter 7 (work equipment) | competent inspector |
| Cranes (inspection by crane type) | depending on crane type | in line with applicable Dutch health and safety rules | independent inspection body |
| Construction machinery (excavator, wheel loader, dumper) | periodic, per manufacturer and risk assessment | Working Conditions Decree, Chapter 7 (work equipment) | competent inspector |
| Telehandlers | periodic, per manufacturer and risk assessment | Working Conditions Decree, Chapter 7 (work equipment) | competent inspector |
| Trailers (commercial) | periodic | the Dutch Road Traffic Act 1994 and RVV 1990, Working Conditions Decree | competent inspector / approved garage |
| Cars / company vehicles (commercial) | periodic | Dutch occupational health and safety legislation (Working Conditions Act and Working Conditions Decree) | competent inspector / approved garage |
All information is indicative (minimum requirements). The risk assessment and the manufacturer's instructions may differ.
Why a fixed interval is not always enough
General minimum intervals are lower limits — not recommendations. The inspection frequency actually required results from:
Risk assessment: The operator must assess the conditions of use. Forklifts in multi-shift operation on tight indoor logistics areas have a different risk profile from a forklift that is only occasionally moved in an outdoor storage yard. If you work in shifts, you should consider six-monthly inspection intervals.
Manufacturer information: Operating manuals often specify concrete inspection intervals that are stricter than general minimum intervals. The manufacturer's instructions take precedence over the general minimum interval — not the other way round.
Intensity of use and environmental 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 usually require shorter inspection intervals.
Start of the interval and proof
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 use. Exception: for some work equipment, an inspection before first use is required.
Proof: The proof of inspection consists of:
- Inspection sticker on the work equipment showing the date of the next inspection due
- Inspection report / inspection log with full documentation of all items inspected, defects found and measures taken
For cranes: the crane log book must be kept continuously 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 afterwards. The consequences:
- Prohibition of use by the Netherlands Labour Authority (Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie) — immediate shutdown of the work equipment
- Fine under Dutch occupational health and safety legislation (Working Conditions Act and Working Conditions Decree)
- Loss of insurance cover for occupational accidents involving 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: take the work equipment out of service immediately and have the inspection carried out. More on the consequences: Periodic inspection of work equipment: duties, intervals and procedure →
Inspection intervals for rental machines
Anyone renting machines from Luibl Rental takes on the operator's obligations for the rental period — but not the periodic inspection of work equipment. Luibl Rental delivers all work equipment with a valid inspection sticker and full documentation. Managing inspection intervals for these machines is no longer necessary when you rent.
Delivery throughout the Netherlands, delivered by low-loader to your site. Rent machines → | Contact →
Frequently asked questions
When is the periodic inspection due?
The inspection must take place periodically, in line with the manufacturer's instructions, the risk assessment and applicable Dutch health and safety rules. Shorter intervals may be required by the risk assessment, manufacturer's instructions or special conditions of use. The inspection requirements for each 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 inspection interval. Depending on the work equipment, a separate inspection before first use may be required.
Which machines need to be inspected more often?
Shorter intervals usually do not result from a fixed statutory interval but from the risk assessment. Multi-shift operation, aggressive environments (moisture, chemicals) or high operating hours are typical triggers for six-monthly or quarterly inspections.
Where can I find when my machine must be inspected?
On the inspection sticker on the machine, in the inspection report / inspection log and in the Working Conditions Decree, Chapter 7 (work equipment). The manufacturer's operating manual also contains requirements for inspection intervals. If in doubt, consult a safety specialist or the Netherlands Labour Authority (Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie).