Periodic inspection of construction machinery: what applies to excavators and more

Excavators, wheel loaders, crawlers and dumpers are found on almost every site - and all of them are subject to the statutory inspection obligation. The periodic inspection of construction machinery is not a courtesy but a binding requirement under the Code on Well-being at Work, Book IV (work equipment), and the Act of 4 August 1996 on well-being at work. Anyone who lets inspections lapse or neglects the documentation risks liability - including for damage to third parties.

This guide explains the duties of site managers and fleet managers and provides an overview of inspection frequency, inspection scope and documentation requirements.

The inspection obligation for construction machinery follows from the Code on Well-being at Work, Book IV (work equipment), in conjunction with the Act of 4 August 1996 on well-being at work and the applicable NBN EN standards. Basis:

• Code on Well-being at Work, Book IV: employers must keep work equipment in proper condition and have it checked regularly for safe operation
• Act of 4 August 1996 on well-being at work: forms the general framework for prevention by the employer
• NBN EN standards and manufacturer requirements supplement the statutory minimum requirements

The inspection obligation applies to all self-propelled and non-self-propelled construction machinery used commercially - regardless of year of manufacture, engine output or frequency of use:

• Excavators (crawler excavators, wheeled excavators)
• Wheel loaders and compact loaders
• Rollers (soil, asphalt, combination rollers)
• Crawler vehicles and dozers
• Dumpers and dump trucks
• Mobile excavators and hydraulic excavators
• Compaction equipment (vibratory plates, rammers - depending on classification)

Not every machine is subject to the same rules - for special machines and borderline classifications, consult your prevention adviser or the Well-being at Work Inspectorate (FPS Employment).

The inspection frequency follows from applicable Belgian safety rules and the risk assessment. Shorter intervals are appropriate when:

• the risk assessment identifies particular risks
• the manufacturer recommends shorter intervals
• usage is intensive (multi-shift operation, harsh environments)
• a special inspection is ordered after a defect has been found or an accident has occurred

Visual inspection

External inspection of the entire item of work equipment without the machine running: frame for cracks and deformation, access guards, protective devices, markings and inspection stickers, visible leaks, condition of tyres or tracks.

Function test

Testing of all safety-relevant functions during operation: brake and steering system, lifting devices, quick couplers (attachments), warning signals, lighting, safety interlocks, cab and seat belt, overload protection on hoists.

Documentation

All findings, defects and measures are recorded in writing in the inspection report. The report must contain at least the following details: machine identification, inspection date and inspector, items inspected as a checklist, description of defects and measures, sticker number and date of the next inspection. The record must be kept until the next inspection; in practice, a documentation folder that stays with the machine is advisable.

Construction machinery that lifts loads counts as lifting equipment and is inspected by an external technical inspection body (EDTC/SECT) approved by the minister (ARAB/RGPT, Art. 280 and 281). For machinery used exclusively for earthworks, regular checks by a competent person, internal or external, are sufficient (Code, Art. IV.2-14). The inspector usually has:

• Relevant vocational training (e.g. mechatronics technician, agricultural and construction machinery mechanic)
• Professional experience with the class of machine to be inspected
• Recent professional activity with these machines

Luibl Rental does not offer qualification courses for third parties. Qualification as an inspector is obtained exclusively through external, recognised providers. More on the inspector and requirements: Who may carry out the periodic inspection? ->

Inspection costs for construction machinery depend on the machine class, the inspection effort and the inspector. Belgian inspection bodies do not publish general price lists; you receive the price on request:

• Compact construction machinery (mini excavators, vibratory plates): price on request
• Wheel loaders, medium-sized excavators (up to 20 t): price on request
• Heavy construction machinery (>20 t, large excavators, roller trains): price on request
• Special machines (milling machines, tunnel boring machines): on request

Obtain quotes from recognised inspection bodies (external technical inspection bodies, EDTC/SECT) or from the competent person who checks your work equipment.

When you rent construction and earthmoving machinery from Luibl Rental, you receive only periodically inspected work equipment with a current inspection certificate and complete inspection documentation. Luibl Rental organises the periodic inspection - so this inspection effort does not apply to your own fleet.

Delivery is made with our own low-loader fleet - delivered by low-loader to your site, throughout Belgium. We are equipped for machine transport ourselves; no external haulier, no coordination effort for you.

The daily visual and function check before use remains the operator's task - it is part of the user's responsibility, regardless of whether the machine is rented or owned.

Rent construction machinery and equipment -> | Request for your site ->

Is periodic inspection of construction machinery mandatory?

Yes. Under the Code on Well-being at Work (Art. IV.2-14), the employer must have work equipment, including construction machinery, checked regularly by a competent person and record the results in writing. If construction machinery lifts loads, it counts as lifting equipment subject to inspection by an EDTC/SECT (ARAB/RGPT, Art. 280 and 281). Violations can lead to sanctions, a shutdown and, in the event of damage, liability.

How often do excavators and wheel loaders have to be inspected?

For excavators and wheel loaders used only for earthworks, there is no fixed statutory interval: the employer has them checked regularly by a competent person (Code, Art. IV.2-14). If they lift loads, the rules for lifting equipment apply: full examination by an EDTC/SECT at least every 12 months, safety-relevant parts at least every 3 months (ARAB/RGPT, Art. 281). With particularly intensive use, increased hazards or specific manufacturer instructions, shorter inspection intervals may be needed. The employer's risk assessment is decisive.

Who may carry out the periodic inspection of construction machinery?

If the machine lifts loads, an external technical inspection body (EDTC/SECT) approved by the minister. For earthworks only, a competent person, internal or external (Code, Art. IV.2-14), is sufficient - with relevant training (e.g. construction machinery mechanic), proven professional experience and recent activity. Luibl Rental does not arrange inspection services; please contact external, recognised inspection bodies.

What must an inspection report for construction machinery contain?

The inspection report must contain at least: machine identification (type, serial number), inspection date and name of the inspector, all items inspected with results, description of defects found and measures taken, and the sticker number and date of the next inspection. It is kept until the next inspection, preferably with the machine.

Is rented construction machinery already inspected?

All construction machinery from the Luibl rental fleet is delivered with a valid periodic inspection and inspection sticker. Organising the periodic inspection is Luibl Rental's responsibility. The daily pre-use check by the operator remains the user's responsibility.