Inspection of Construction Machinery: What Applies to Excavators & Co.

Excavators, wheel loaders, tracked machines and dumpers are on almost every construction site — and all of them are subject to the maintenance and checking duty. This is not a goodwill gesture but a binding requirement under the VUV. Anyone who misses the intervals or neglects the documentation carries the responsibility — including for damage to third parties.

This guide explains which duties fall on site operators and fleet managers and gives an overview of intervals, inspection scope and documentation duties.

A note on scope: the term "UVV inspection", the DGUV regulations and the BG BAU come from German law and do not apply in Switzerland. Nor is there a statutory annual interval here — anyone adopting German inspection plans must convert them to the VUV and EKAS 6512.

The inspection duty follows from:

• VUV Art. 32b: maintenance of work equipment and its checking
• VUV Art. 3–6: employer duties, instruction of employees
• EKAS Guideline 6512: requirements for inspection, maintenance and specialists; requires a planned and documented maintenance plan
• Manufacturer's specifications: in Switzerland the primary source for intervals

In addition, Suva provides information sheets and checklists for construction work; supervision is exercised by Suva, SECO and the cantonal labour inspectorates.

The duty applies to all self-propelled and non-self-propelled construction machines used commercially — regardless of year of manufacture, engine power or frequency of use:

• Excavators (tracked excavators, wheeled excavators)
• Wheel loaders and compact loaders
• Rollers (soil, asphalt, combination rollers)
• Tracked vehicles and dozers
• Dumpers and articulated haulers
• Mobile excavators and hydraulic excavators
• Compaction equipment (vibrating plates, tampers — depending on classification)

Distinction from cranes: where an excavator is used with a load hook to lift loads, the requirements of the Crane Ordinance can apply. If in doubt, consult your safety specialist or Suva.

There is no fixed statutory annual interval. The manufacturer's specifications and the hazard assessment are decisive; in practice an annual cycle has become established. Shorter intervals are indicated where:

• the hazard assessment identifies particular risks
• the manufacturer's specifications recommend shorter intervals
• use is intensive (multi-shift operation, harsh environments)
• an extraordinary check becomes necessary after a defect finding or an accident

EKAS Guideline 6512 requires the chosen interval to be set, justified and documented in the maintenance plan.

Visual inspection

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

Functional inspection

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

Documentation

All findings, defects and measures are recorded in writing in the inspection report. As a minimum, the report must contain: machine identification, inspection date and inspector, the positions inspected as a checklist, a description of defects and measures, and the date of the next check. The records must be maintained in the maintenance plan and produced to the supervisory bodies on request; in practice a documentation folder kept with the machine is recommended.

The inspection must be carried out by a specialist within the meaning of EKAS Guideline 6512. This requires:

• Relevant training (for example construction machinery mechanic, agricultural machinery mechanic, polymechanic)
• Experience in the field of the machine class being inspected
• Current professional activity with these machines

A recognised inspection body is not required for construction machinery — unlike for cranes under the Crane Ordinance.

Luibl Rental does not offer qualification measures to third parties. Qualification is obtained exclusively through external, recognised providers. Details: Who may carry out the inspection? →

Inspection costs for construction machinery vary considerably by machine class, inspection effort and inspector. Guide ranges from the market:

• Compact construction machines (mini excavators, vibrating plates): approx. 150–280 CHF per inspection
• Wheel loaders, medium-sized excavators (up to 20 t): approx. 280–500 CHF per inspection
• Heavy construction machines (>20 t, large excavators, roller trains): approx. 450–900 CHF per inspection
• Special machines (milling machines, tunnel boring equipment): on request

These ranges are guide values without warranty. Obtain quotes from recognised inspection bodies.

Anyone renting construction machinery and earthmoving equipment from Luibl Rental receives exclusively inspected work equipment with a valid inspection record and complete documentation. Luibl Rental takes on the organisation of the periodic inspection — so that inspection workload falls away for your own equipment fleet.

Delivery is handled with our own low-loader fleet — throughout Switzerland and across Europe, dependably scheduled and directly to your site. We are equipped for machine transport ourselves; no external haulier, no coordination effort for you.

The check before work begins remains with the operator, as does instruction under Art. 6 VUV — that is an operator duty and applies regardless of whether the machine is rented or owned.

Rent construction machinery and equipment → | Enquiry for your site →

Is inspection mandatory for construction machinery?

Yes. The VUV obliges the employer to maintain work equipment and have it checked — construction machinery included. Breaches can lead to official measures, premium increases by Suva and reduced benefits in the event of a claim.

Does the "UVV inspection" apply in Switzerland?

No. The term and the DGUV regulations come from German law. In Switzerland, VUV Art. 32b and EKAS Guideline 6512 apply. The technical scope of inspection is comparable; the logic of intervals is not.

How often must excavators and wheel loaders be inspected?

There is no statutory annual interval. The manufacturer's specifications and the hazard assessment are decisive; in practice an annual cycle is customary. What is decisive is an interval set and justified in the maintenance plan.

Who may carry out the inspection on construction machinery?

A specialist under EKAS Guideline 6512 — with relevant training, experience and current activity. A recognised inspection body is not required here, unlike for cranes.

Is rented construction machinery already inspected?

All construction machines from the Luibl rental fleet are delivered with a valid inspection record. Organising the periodic inspection is the task of Luibl Rental. The check before work begins and instruction remain operator duties.