UVV Inspection: When Is It Due? All Inspection Intervals at a Glance
Interval Table: All Work Equipment at a Glance
Any operator who loses track of inspection intervals carries the full liability risk. The Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV) and the sector-specific DGUV regulations prescribe clear minimum intervals — depending on the work equipment, the conditions of use and the manufacturer's specifications. This page sets out the inspection intervals for all common machine types in a single table — compact and directly usable.
The table below gives the statutory minimum intervals, the governing legal basis and the qualification of the inspector for each category of work equipment. Before applying it: the risk assessment and the manufacturer's specifications take precedence — they can prescribe shorter intervals.
| Work equipment | Inspection interval (minimum standard) | Legal basis | Responsible inspector |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forklifts / industrial trucks | at least 1 × annually | DGUV Regulation 68, BetrSichV | Competent person (TRBS 1203) |
| Mobile elevating work platforms | at least 1 × annually | DGUV Principle 308-009, BetrSichV | Competent person (TRBS 1203) |
| Cranes (annual inspection by qualified person) | at least 1 × annually | DGUV Regulation 52, BetrSichV | Qualified person (TRBS 1203) |
| Cranes (expert inspection by crane class) | specific to crane type | DGUV Regulation 52 | Expert (TÜV/DEKRA/GTÜ) |
| Construction machinery (excavators, wheel loaders, dumpers) | at least 1 × annually | BetrSichV, DGUV rules | Competent person (TRBS 1203) |
| Telehandlers | at least 1 × annually | BetrSichV | Competent person (TRBS 1203) |
| Trailers (commercial) | at least 1 × annually | DGUV Regulation 70, § 29 StVZO | Competent person / specialist garage |
| Cars / company vehicles (commercial) | at least 1 × annually | DGUV Regulation 70 | Competent person / specialist garage |
All figures are guide values (minimum requirements). The risk assessment and the manufacturer's specifications may differ.
Why "At Least Annually" Is Not Always Enough
The statutory minimum intervals are lower limits — not recommendations. The inspection frequency actually required follows from:
The risk assessment: the operator must evaluate the conditions of use. A forklift in multi-shift operation on tight internal logistics areas carries a different risk profile from one that is only moved occasionally in an outdoor store. Anyone working multi-shift operations should consider six-monthly inspection intervals.
The manufacturer's specifications: operating manuals often prescribe specific inspection intervals that are stricter than the statutory minimum. The manufacturer's specifications take precedence over the statutory minimum interval — not the other way round.
Intensity of use and ambient 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 generally require shorter inspection intervals.
When the Interval Starts and How to Prove It
When does the inspection interval start? The annual interval starts on the date of the last inspection passed — not on the date of purchase or the date of first commissioning. Exception: on first commissioning, some bodies of rules prescribe an acceptance inspection.
Proof: the inspection record consists of:
- An inspection label on the work equipment showing the date the next inspection is due
- An inspection report / inspection log with full documentation of all points inspected, defects identified and measures taken
For cranes: the crane inspection log must be maintained permanently and stays with the crane.
What Happens If the Interval Is Exceeded?
An expired inspection interval is not a formal error that can be cured retrospectively. The consequences:
- Prohibition of operation by the occupational safety authority or the responsible insurance association — the work equipment is taken out of service immediately
- Fine under §§ 22 ff. BetrSichV of up to 30,000 € per breach
- Loss of insurance cover for accidents at work involving uninspected work equipment
- Personal liability of the business owner where personal injury occurs
If you find that an inspection date has been exceeded: take the work equipment out of service without delay and have the inspection carried out. Details on the consequences: UVV inspection: duties, intervals & procedure →
Inspection Intervals for Rented Machinery
Anyone renting machinery from Luibl Rental takes on the operator duties for the rental period — but not the recurring UVV inspection. Luibl Rental delivers all work equipment with a valid inspection label and complete documentation. Managing inspection intervals for these machines falls away entirely when you rent.
Delivery across Europe with our own low-loader fleet. Rent machinery → | Contact →
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the UVV inspection due?
The inspection is due at the latest one year after the last inspection passed — for most work equipment. Shorter intervals may be prescribed by the risk assessment, the manufacturer's specifications or particular conditions of use. The exact intervals for each machine type are listed in the table above.
Does the annual interval run from the purchase date or the last inspection?
From the last inspection passed. The purchase date is not decisive for the current inspection interval. On first commissioning, a separate acceptance inspection may be required depending on the applicable rules.
Which machines have to be inspected more often than annually?
No work equipment has a generally prescribed statutory interval of less than one year — but the risk assessment can require shorter intervals. Multi-shift operation, aggressive environments (moisture, chemicals) or high operating hours are typical triggers for six-monthly or quarterly inspections.
Where can I find out when my machine has to be inspected?
On the inspection label on the equipment, in the inspection report / inspection log, and in the DGUV regulation or DGUV principle applicable to that work equipment. The manufacturer's operating manual also contains inspection interval requirements. If in doubt, ask your safety specialist or the responsible employers' liability insurance association.