Work Equipment Inspection: When Is It Due? All Intervals at a Glance

Any operator who loses track of inspection intervals carries the full liability risk. One difference from abroad matters here: Swiss law does not prescribe a blanket annual interval. Under VUV Art. 32b and EKAS Guideline 6512, the scope and frequency of checks follow from the manufacturer's specifications and the hazard assessment. The values below are therefore practical guide figures, not statutory minimum intervals.

Work equipment	Inspection interval (practice)	Legal basis	Responsible inspector
Forklifts / industrial trucks	usually 1 × annually	VUV Art. 32b, EKAS 6512	Specialist
Mobile elevating work platforms	usually 1 × annually	VUV Art. 32b, EKAS 6512, SN EN 280	Specialist
Cranes	per the Crane Ordinance, by crane type	Crane Ordinance (SR 832.312.15), VUV	Specialist / recognised inspection body
Construction machinery (excavators, wheel loaders, dumpers)	usually 1 × annually	VUV Art. 32b, EKAS 6512	Specialist
Telehandlers	usually 1 × annually	VUV Art. 32b	Specialist
Trailers (commercial)	roadworthiness test at VTS intervals	SVG/VTS	Road traffic office
Company vehicles (commercial)	roadworthiness test at VTS intervals	SVG/VTS, plus VUV for mounted equipment	Road traffic office / specialist

All figures are practical guide values. The manufacturer's specifications and the hazard assessment are decisive.

A note on scope: a "UVV inspection" in the German sense does not exist in Switzerland. Anyone adopting interval plans from Germany also adopts a legal logic that does not apply here: in Germany the annual interval is the statutory lower limit, whereas in Switzerland it is a company determination that has to be justified.

Because the law does not name a fixed interval, setting it is up to the company. It must be justifiable — and that is exactly what Suva and the labour inspectorate examine if something happens. The basis is:

The manufacturer's specifications: in Switzerland the operating manual is the primary source for inspection intervals, not a statutory minimum. Anyone departing from it must be able to justify that.

The hazard assessment: the employer 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. For multi-shift operations, six-monthly intervals should be considered.

Intensity of use and ambient conditions: chemical environments, moisture, extreme temperatures or dust increase wear and require more frequent checks.

Condition and age: older work equipment and machines with high operating hours generally require shorter intervals.

EKAS Guideline 6512 requires maintenance and checks to be carried out in a planned and documented way. A defined interval in the maintenance plan is therefore mandatory — even though the law does not specify a figure.

When does the interval start? On the date of the last check carried out — not on the date of purchase or the date of first commissioning. Before first commissioning, the machine must be brought into service in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and the instruction under Art. 6 VUV must be given.

Proof: the documentation consists of:

1. An inspection report with full documentation of all points checked, defects identified and measures taken
2. A maintenance plan and control log under EKAS 6512, to be kept at the company and produced to the supervisory bodies on request

For cranes: the inspection documentation must be maintained permanently in accordance with the Crane Ordinance and stays with the crane.

An exceeded interval is not a formal error that can be cured retrospectively. The consequences:

• Official measures by Suva, SECO or the cantonal labour inspectorate: a warning, a formal order and, where compliance is refused, enforcement measures up to stopping the work
• Premium increase by Suva where the occupational safety rules are breached
• Reduction of benefits for accidents attributable to a grossly negligent breach of safety rules; recourse against the employer is possible
• Personal responsibility of the employer where personal injury occurs

If you find that a check date has been exceeded: take the work equipment out of service without delay and carry out the check. Details on the consequences: Work equipment inspection: duties, intervals & procedure →

Anyone renting machinery from Luibl Rental takes on the operator duties for the rental period — but not the periodic inspection. Luibl Rental delivers all work equipment with a valid inspection record and complete documentation. Managing intervals for these machines falls away entirely when you rent.

Delivery throughout Switzerland and across Europe with our own low-loader fleet. Rent machinery → | Contact →

When is the inspection due?

Swiss law does not name a blanket interval. The manufacturer's specifications and the hazard assessment are decisive; in practice an annual cycle is customary for most work equipment. What matters is that the company has set, justified and documented an interval.

Is there a statutory annual interval in Switzerland?

No. Unlike in Germany or Austria, there is no statutory minimum interval of one year. VUV Art. 32b and EKAS Guideline 6512 require maintenance and checking in line with the manufacturer's specifications and the hazard assessment — carried out in a planned and documented way.

Does the interval run from the purchase date or the last check?

From the last check carried out. The purchase date is not decisive for the current interval.

Which machines have to be checked more often?

That follows from the manufacturer's specifications and the hazard assessment, not from a statutory table. Multi-shift operation, aggressive environments (moisture, chemicals) or high operating hours are typical triggers for six-monthly or quarterly checks.

Where can I find out when my machine has to be checked?

In the company's maintenance plan and control log, in the manufacturer's operating manual, and in EKAS Guideline 6512. For cranes, additionally in the Crane Ordinance. If in doubt, ask your safety specialist or Suva. For vehicles, the roadworthiness test interval applies separately.