UVV Inspection for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms: Intervals and Check Points

Mobile elevating work platforms — whether scissor lift, articulating boom lift, truck-mounted platform, spider lift or trailer-mounted platform — count as work equipment for height access and are subject to the statutory inspection duty under the BetrSichV. The recurring inspection under DGUV Principle 308-009 is prescribed for every platform type — regardless of whether the equipment is owned or rented.

This guide explains what operators of mobile elevating work platforms specifically have to have inspected, which points are checked, and how the daily pre-use check and the annual UVV inspection are to be distinguished.

The inspection duty for work platforms follows from several bodies of rules:

• BetrSichV §§ 14–16: operators must keep work equipment in proper condition and have it inspected regularly
• DGUV Principle 308-009: recurring inspections of mobile elevating work platforms — sets out the content, scope and inspector qualification in detail
• DIN EN 280: the European standard for mobile elevating work platforms — safety requirements and design specifications, to which the DGUV Principle refers. DIN EN 280 in detail →
• Fall-arrest PPE requirements: where work is carried out using personal fall protection equipment, supplementary requirements apply to the anchor points

The standard inspection interval under DGUV Principle 308-009 is at least once a year. Shortened intervals are prescribed where there is:

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

Pre-use checks before every shift are not UVV inspections — they are a separate daily operator duty carried out by the operator.

This distinction is decisive in practice:

	Daily pre-use check	Annual UVV inspection
Who carries it out	Operator before every shift	Competent person under TRBS 1203
Legal basis	§ 12 BetrSichV, operating manual	DGUV Principle 308-009, BetrSichV
Scope	Visual check, short functional test	Full visual, functional and where applicable load testing
Documentation	Shift record (recommended)	Inspection report + inspection label (mandatory)
Interval	Before every shift of use	At least annually

Checklist for the daily pre-use check (not a UVV inspection; guidance for operators):

• Visual inspection for external damage, leaks, damaged lines
• Check of all emergency lowering / emergency descent devices
• Functional test of the travel movements (raised and lowered) with the machine safely set up
• Read the inspection label — is the annual inspection still valid?
• Check the ground before driving on

Hoisting gear and hydraulics

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

Emergency lowering and safety devices

• Emergency lowering / descent system for function (from the ground and from the platform controls)
• Tilt and overload monitors
• Dead-man switch and safety cut-outs
• Tip-over and buckling protection (articulating boom lifts)

Basket, guardrails and anchor points

• Work basket for structural integrity, welds, tip-over protection
• Fall protection: guardrail, intermediate rail, toe board
• Anchor points for fall-arrest PPE (certified to DIN EN 795, load capacity)
• Basket levelling and basket extension (on telescopic and articulated equipment)

Documentation

• Inspection report with all inspection positions and findings
• Entry in the inspection log / machine file
• Attaching the inspection label showing the date of the next inspection due

The recurring inspection under DGUV Principle 308-009 must be carried out by a competent person with the relevant qualification for mobile elevating work platforms. Requirements under TRBS 1203:

• Relevant vocational training (for example mechatronics technician, motor vehicle or agricultural and construction machinery mechanic)
• Professional experience in the field of mobile elevating work platforms
• Recent professional activity with this type of work equipment

Luibl Rental does not offer inspection services to third parties. For external, recognised inspectors, please approach the employers' liability insurance associations or accredited inspection organisations. Further reading: Who may carry out the UVV inspection? →

Every type of mobile elevating work platform has particularities relevant to inspection:

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

All mobile elevating work platforms from the Luibl rental fleet are delivered with a valid UVV inspection under DGUV Principle 308-009 and a current inspection label. As the hirer you carry no responsibility for the recurring annual inspection — that rests with Luibl Rental.

Our own low-loader fleet secures Europe-wide delivery of every platform category — scissor lift, articulating boom lift, truck-mounted platform, spider lift or trailer-mounted platform — directly to your site. For equipment specifications and availability: Rent aerial work platforms →

On operator authorisation (the work platform licence / DGUV Principle 308-008): Luibl provides non-binding information on external, recognised training providers. The work platform licence explained →

Send an enquiry →

How often must a mobile elevating work platform be UVV-inspected?

At least once a year under DGUV Principle 308-009. With intensive use, special operating conditions or after accidents, shorter intervals may be prescribed by the risk assessment.

What is inspected in the UVV inspection of a work platform?

The hoisting gear and hydraulics, emergency lowering and safety devices, the basket with guardrails and anchor points for fall-arrest PPE, the undercarriage and outriggers, and all platform-specific safety functions. Result: an inspection report and an inspection label.

Must the operator check the platform daily?

Yes — but that is not a UVV inspection; it is a daily pre-use check under § 12 BetrSichV. The operator carries out a short visual and functional check before every shift. The annual UVV inspection by a competent person does not replace this daily check, and vice versa.

Who may inspect a mobile elevating work platform?

A competent person under TRBS 1203 with relevant training, professional experience and recent activity in the field of mobile elevating work platforms. Luibl Rental does not offer inspection services; for external inspectors, contact accredited inspection organisations.

Are Luibl rental work platforms UVV-inspected?

Yes. All rental platforms are delivered with a valid inspection label under DGUV Principle 308-009. The recurring UVV inspection is the task of Luibl Rental as lessor.