Forklift inspection in Belgium: rules, costs and scope of inspection

Forklift users must have their machines inspected periodically. The requirements are clearly defined - yet questions keep arising in practice: how often is the inspection due? What exactly is checked? And what does it cost? This guide answers the key questions about forklift inspection and explains what applies to rental forklifts.

Yes. The Belgian well-being at work legislation (Act of 4 August 1996) and the Code on Well-being at Work, Book IV (work equipment) require employers to have forklifts and other material handling equipment periodically inspected by an external technical inspection body (EDTC/SECT). A forklift without a valid inspection must not be used - the consequences range from business interruptions to problems with insurance cover in the event of occupational accidents.

The short answer: every forklift used commercially must periodically undergo a full inspection, at an interval in line with applicable Belgian safety rules.

For a forklift in normal use, Belgian law does not set a fixed inspection interval by an EDTC/SECT. The Code on Well-being at Work (Art. IV.2-14) does, however, require periodic checks by a competent person, internal or external, with the results recorded in writing; in practice this is usually done annually. If the forklift is used as a lifting appliance (e.g. with a work basket for persons), the EDTC/SECT inspections under the ARAB/RGPT (Art. 280 and 281) apply. The actual frequency also depends on the risk analysis - which may require shorter intervals:

• Multi-shift operation or intensive use: shorter inspection intervals
• Aggressive ambient 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 a periodic inspection but a daily check by the user.

Checklist: scope of a forklift inspection

A full periodic inspection in line with applicable Belgian safety rules and NBN EN standards typically covers:

Mast and forks:

• Lift mast for deformation, cracks and wear
• Fork arms for dimensional accuracy, cracks and bending (10% loss of thickness or more = 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 (electric forklifts)
• Steering for smooth operation and play

Safety devices:

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

Electrical system (electric forklifts):

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

Chassis and wheels:

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

Documentation:

• Completeness of machine documents, inspection register and inspection report
• Legibility of rating plates and markings

The periodic check of a forklift in normal use is carried out by a competent person (internal or external) under the Code on Well-being at Work (Art. IV.2-14) - someone with the necessary knowledge of and experience with material handling equipment. If the forklift is used as a lifting appliance, an inspection by an external technical inspection body (EDTC/SECT) is required.

Luibl Rental does not offer inspection services or training for third parties. For the inspection of your own machines, please contact a competent inspection body or an EDTC/SECT. More on who may inspect: Who may carry out the periodic inspection? ->

Inspection costs depend on the forklift type, the inspection body and the effort involved. Belgian inspection bodies generally do not publish price lists; the price is available on request:

• Electric counterbalance forklifts (1.5-3.5 t): price on request from the inspection body
• Diesel forklifts (3-8 t): price on request from the inspection body
• Heavy-duty forklifts (>8 t): price on request from the inspection body
• Reach trucks / narrow-aisle trucks: price on request from the inspection body

Influencing factors: inspector, travel costs, possibly period of use and age of the machine. Obtain comparative quotes from competent inspection bodies or an EDTC/SECT.

After a successful inspection, the inspector typically provides:

1. An inspection report documenting all items checked, defects found and measures taken
2. An inspection certificate on the machine showing the date of the next inspection
3. An entry in the machine's inspection register

Record the results of the checks in writing and keep them for an appropriate period (Code, Art. IV.2-14); the law does not set a fixed retention period in years. If the forklift is used outside the company, material proof of the last check must accompany the machine.

If the inspector finds defects, they are divided into classes:

• Class 1 (immediate decommissioning): defects posing an immediate risk of accident - e.g. cracked fork arms, failing brake. The forklift must not be operated any further.
• Class 2 (rectify defects, then re-inspection): significant defects without immediate risk of accident - e.g. excessive chain wear, faulty 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.

If you rent forklifts from Luibl Rental, you receive only inspected machines with a valid inspection certificate. The periodic inspection is the responsibility of Luibl Rental as the rental company - you as the hirer do not need to organise it.

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

With a rental forklift too, it is recommended that the operator carries out a visual and functional check before every shift - regardless of whether the machine is rented or owned.

Regarding operator qualification (forklift operator training, adequate training ensured by the employer): we refer you to external, recognised training providers. Details: Forklift operator training - what the employer must ensure ->

Rent a forklift -> | Request a quote ->

How often is a forklift inspection due?

For a forklift in normal use, the law does not set a fixed interval: the Code on Well-being at Work (Art. IV.2-14) requires periodic checks by a competent person, in practice usually once a year. If the forklift is used as a lifting appliance, the EDTC/SECT inspections under the ARAB/RGPT apply (full inspection at least every 12 months, safety-relevant parts at least every 3 months). With multi-shift operation, intensive use or special operating conditions, the risk analysis may require shorter intervals. The daily visual and functional check by the operator is a separate, recommended check.

What is checked during a forklift inspection?

The inspection covers the mast and fork arms, lift chains, hydraulic system, brakes, steering, all safety devices, chassis, tyres and the electrical system (on electric forklifts). The inspector issues a full inspection report and, if the machine passes, affixes an inspection certificate.

What does a forklift inspection cost?

Belgian inspection bodies generally do not publish prices; costs depend on the forklift type and the effort involved and are available on request. Obtain comparative quotes from competent inspection bodies or an EDTC/SECT.

May I operate a forklift without a valid inspection?

No. A forklift without a valid periodic inspection must not be used. Using it breaches the Belgian well-being at work legislation and the Code on Well-being at Work, Book IV, endangers staff and can lead to problems with 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 certificate and complete inspection documentation. The periodic inspection by an EDTC/SECT is the task of Luibl Rental as the rental company.