Periodic inspection of aerial work platforms: intervals and inspection points

Aerial work platforms - whether scissor lift, articulating boom lift, truck-mounted platform, spider lift or trailer-mounted platform - are work equipment for work at height and fall under the Code on Well-being at Work, Book IV (work equipment). Periodic inspection by an external technical inspection body (EDTC/SECT) applies to every type of platform - whether the machines are owned or rented.

This guide explains what users of aerial work platforms (also called mobile elevating work platforms) actually have to have inspected, which points are checked and how the daily pre-use check and the periodic inspection relate to each other.

The inspection obligation for aerial work platforms follows from several sets of rules:

• Code on Well-being at Work, Book IV (work equipment): users must keep work equipment in good condition and have it checked regularly
• Periodic inspection by an external technical inspection body (EDTC/SECT): defines the content and scope of the inspection and the competence of the inspector
• NBN EN 280: European standard for aerial work platforms - safety requirements and design rules on which the inspection is based. More on EN 280 ->
• Work at height: for work with personal fall protection equipment, the Code on Well-being at Work sets additional requirements for anchor points

Aerial work platforms are lifting equipment: an EDTC/SECT carries out a thorough and complete examination at least every 12 months, and the safety-relevant parts are inspected at least every 3 months (ARAB/RGPT, Art. 281). In practice, EDTC/SECT bodies therefore inspect aerial work platforms quarterly. An additional or special inspection is advisable in the case of:

• intensive use (multi-shift operation, long-term stationing on site)
• use in corrosive, damp or dusty environments
• specific manufacturer requirements
• after an accident, overload or identified defects (special inspection)

Checks before each shift are not periodic inspections - they are a separate daily task of the operator.

This distinction is crucial in practice:

	Daily pre-use check	Periodic inspection
Carried out by	Operator before each shift	External technical inspection body (EDTC/SECT)
Legal basis	Code on Well-being at Work, Book IV, operating manual	ARAB/RGPT, Art. 280 and 281
Scope	Visual check, short function test	Full visual and functional inspection, load test if needed
Documentation	Shift record (recommended)	Detailed report from the EDTC/SECT
Interval	Before each shift	Safety-relevant parts at least every 3 months, full examination at least every 12 months

Checklist for the daily check (not a periodic inspection, a tip for operators):

• Visual check for external damage, leaks, damaged lines
• Check of all emergency lowering devices
• Function test of travel movements (from above and below) with safe set-up
• Check the inspection certificate - is the periodic inspection still valid?
• Check the ground before driving on

Lifting mechanism and hydraulics

• Hydraulic cylinders of all lifting stages for leaks and tightness
• Hydraulic lines, hoses and connections
• Lifting speed and synchronisation (scissor)
• Overload protection and tilt limiter

Emergency lowering and safety devices

• Emergency lowering system for function (ground controls and platform controls)
• Tilt and overload monitors
• Dead man's switch and safety cut-outs
• Anti-tip and anti-fold protection (articulating boom lifts)

Platform, guardrails and anchor points

• Platform for structural integrity, welds, anti-tip protection
• Fall protection: guardrail, mid-rail, toe board
• Anchor points for personal fall protection equipment (certified to NBN EN 795, load capacity)
• Platform levelling and extension (on telescopic and articulating machines)

Documentation

• Inspection report with all inspection items and findings
• Entry in the inspection register / machine file
• Attaching the inspection certificate with the date of the next inspection

The periodic inspection must be carried out by an external technical inspection body (EDTC/SECT) with experts specifically qualified for aerial work platforms. These inspectors usually have:

• Relevant technical training (e.g. mechatronics, vehicle, agricultural or construction machinery engineering)
• Professional experience with aerial work platforms
• Recent professional practice with this work equipment

Luibl Rental does not offer inspection services to third parties. For an external, accredited inspection, please contact an external technical inspection body (EDTC/SECT). More information: Who may carry out the periodic inspection? ->

Each type of aerial work platform has its own points of attention during inspection:

• Scissor lifts: scissor mechanism, slide guides, synchronisation of the scissors
• Articulating boom lifts: anti-fold protection, all extension stages, platform levelling
• Truck-mounted platforms: additionally tyres, outriggers and vehicle steering (chassis)
• Spider lifts: track drive, contact area, terrain compensation
• Trailer-mounted platforms: stabilisers, coupling and lighting as vehicle equipment

All aerial work platforms from the Luibl rental fleet are delivered with a valid periodic inspection and an up-to-date inspection certificate. As the hirer, you are not responsible for the periodic inspection - that lies with Luibl Rental.

With our own low-loader fleet, we deliver every category of aerial work platform throughout Belgium - scissor lift, articulating boom lift, truck-mounted platform, spider lift or trailer-mounted platform - directly to your site. For specifications and availability: Rent aerial work platforms ->

On the required operator qualification: on handover, Luibl gives the operator a briefing on the machine. Operator qualification for aerial work platforms ->

Send an enquiry ->

How often must an aerial work platform be inspected?

An EDTC/SECT carries out a full examination of the aerial work platform at least every 12 months and inspects the safety-relevant parts at least every 3 months (ARAB/RGPT, Art. 281); in practice, inspection therefore takes place quarterly. In the case of intensive use, special operating conditions or after accidents, the risk assessment may require additional inspections.

What is checked during the periodic inspection of an aerial work platform?

The inspection covers the lifting mechanism and hydraulics, emergency lowering and safety devices, the platform with guardrails and anchor points for personal fall protection equipment, the chassis and outriggers, and all type-specific safety functions. Result: inspection report and inspection certificate.

Does the operator have to check the platform every day?

Yes - but that is not a periodic inspection; it is a daily pre-use check under the Code on Well-being at Work, Book IV, and the operating manual. Before each shift, the operator carries out a short visual and functional check. The periodic inspection by an EDTC/SECT does not replace this daily check, and vice versa.

Who may inspect an aerial work platform?

An external technical inspection body (EDTC/SECT) with experts who have training, professional experience and recent practice with aerial work platforms. Luibl Rental does not offer inspection services; for an external inspection, contact an EDTC/SECT.

Are Luibl rental platforms inspected?

Yes. All rental aerial work platforms are delivered with a valid periodic inspection by an EDTC/SECT. The periodic inspection is the responsibility of Luibl Rental as the rental company.