Lifting Equipment Inspection Standards in Vietnam

Lifting equipment inspection is a mandatory legal procedure for all factories, logistics warehouses, and construction sites, but in reality, it is a step often overlooked by businesses. From overhead cranes, hoists, and forklifts to manipulator systems, operating without a valid safety certificate will put businesses at risk of serious accidents and face strict penalties under Decree 12/2022/ND-CP. So, specifically, which lifting equipment groups are on the mandatory list? What is the implementation cycle, and what does the process entail? Let's clarify this with Vietmani right in this article to proactively control safety and strictly comply with the law.

What is Lifting Equipment Inspection?

Lifting equipment inspection is a mandatory activity prescribed by law (Circular 36/2019/TT-BLDTBXH) to assess the technical safety condition of various lifting machinery (cranes, forklifts, overhead cranes, winches...). The inspection process must be carried out by a unit designated by the Department of Work Safety before being put into use, periodically (usually every 2-3 years), or irregularly after repairs.

Upon completing the inspection process and meeting the requirements, the equipment will be issued safety proofs, including: an Inspection Report, a Certificate, and an Inspection Stamp (with a clearly stated expiration date).

Inspection can be understood as the "final independent check" to ensure the equipment meets safety conditions before being put into use or continuing to operate. This activity helps detect hidden risks that normal maintenance processes might miss, such as structural fatigue cracks, worn steel wire ropes, reduced braking efficiency, or safety mechanism deviations.

However, businesses should note: inspection is not maintenance (which is performed by the operating unit), nor is it installation acceptance. This is a mandatory legal requirement, and the inspection certificate is a crucial basis to prove that the business has fully fulfilled its occupational safety responsibilities during an audit or when an incident occurs.

Which lifting equipment is mandatory to be inspected?

According to current occupational safety and health regulations, not all lifting equipment must be inspected, but all lifting equipment with a risk of serious accidents that falls under the List of machinery and equipment with strict occupational safety requirements must undergo a technical safety inspection before being put into use and periodically during operation.

From practical experience at Vietmani, the following lifting equipment groups are the most common and are mandatory to be inspected if they meet the exact technical conditions:

1. Overhead cranes, gantry cranes, semi-gantry cranes

• Including single-girder, double-girder overhead cranes, suspension cranes, outdoor gantry cranes... all types using motors to lift/lower loads, regardless of large or small capacity, are subject to mandatory inspection.

2. Various types of cranes

• Such as tower cranes, truck cranes, crawler cranes, and pedestal cranes at ports. This is a high-risk equipment group, requiring mandatory initial, periodic, and irregular inspections upon repair or incidents.

3. Hoists, lifting winches

• Electric hoists, chain hoists, electric winches.
• Lifting capacity of 1,000 kg (1 ton) or more: Small hoists below this threshold are usually not subject to mandatory inspection, but Vietmani still recommends businesses conduct regular internal safety checks.

4. Motorised forklifts

• Electric, diesel, and gas forklifts.
• Lifting capacity from 1,000 kg or more: This is a group that many businesses often confuse, especially with electric warehouse forklifts. Note: hand pallet trucks are not subject to mandatory inspection.

5. Manlifts, suspended working platforms

• Including self-propelled manlifts, suspended gondola platforms used in construction and high-altitude maintenance. This group strictly requires inspection as it directly relates to human safety.

6. Freight hoists, passenger/material hoists

• Often used at construction sites, lifting goods along with people. This equipment has very strict safety control requirements.

7. Elevators, escalators, passenger conveyors

• Including freight elevators, home elevators, and escalators in shopping malls and factories.

8. Assistive lifting devices and industrial manipulators

• In recent years, assistive lifting devices and industrial manipulators (manipulators, vacuum lifters, arm manipulators...) have been chosen by many factories to improve ergonomics and reduce the load on workers. However, this is also the equipment group that most easily confuses businesses regarding inspection obligations.
• According to the regulations in Circular 36/2019/TT-BLDTBXH, lifting devices and Industrial Manipulators are mandatory for safety inspection if they are electrically or pneumatically operated (regardless of capacity), or fully manually operated with a capacity of 1,000kg or more. Since most industrial manipulators today use motors/compressed air and have a hoist-like or crane-like structure, they fall under the list of equipment with strict occupational safety requirements; therefore, businesses are forced to conduct initial inspections before use and periodic re-inspections to ensure legality and operational safety.

In the following sections, Vietmani will help you clarify the legal basis, specific inspection processes, and common risks businesses face when missing lifting equipment inspections.

Legal framework applied for lifting equipment inspection

To carry out lifting equipment inspection correctly and adequately, businesses need to clearly understand the applied legal document system, because inspection activities are not based on feelings but are strictly managed by laws, decrees, circulars, and technical regulations.

Law on Occupational Safety and Health 2015

This is the highest legal document governing inspection activities. The Law clearly states:

• Machinery and equipment with strict occupational safety requirements must be inspected before being put into use and inspected periodically.
• The responsibility lies with the business using the equipment, regardless of whether the equipment is newly purchased or rented.
• The inspection certificate is a critical legal basis in the event of an incident or dispute.

Decree 44/2016/ND-CP and Decree 140/2018/ND-CP

These two decrees provide detailed guidance on the implementation of inspections in practice:

• Establishing a socialisation mechanism for inspection activities.
• Stipulating the conditions for an organisation to be permitted to provide inspection services.
• Clarifying responsibilities between management agencies, inspection organizations – businesses using the equipment.

This is the basis for businesses to choose the right inspection unit with sufficient capacity and licensing.

Circular 36/2019/TT-BLDTBXH

This circular promulgates the List of machinery and equipment with strict occupational safety requirements, in which the lifting equipment group accounts for a large proportion, such as:

• Overhead cranes, gantry cranes
• Hoists, lifting winches
• Forklifts, manlifts
• Construction hoists, elevators

In practice, businesses only need to cross-check their equipment with Circular 36 to immediately determine their inspection obligations.

National Technical Regulation System (QCVN, TCVN)

When conducting an inspection, inspectors must base it on mandatory technical regulations and standards, typically including:

• QCVN 07:2012/BLDTBXH – Occupational safety for lifting equipment
• QCVN 25:2015/BLDTBXH – Safety for motorised forklifts
• TCVN 4244:2005 – Lifting equipment (design, manufacturing, and technical inspection)

Although TCVN is a "standard", when cited in QCVN, it becomes mandatory to apply in inspections.

Decree 12/2022/ND-CP – Penalties

This is the document that makes many businesses reconsider the issue of lifting equipment inspection, because:

• Fines have increased significantly compared to before.
• Equipment can be suspended, causing production interruption.
• Serious cases may even involve criminal liability.

The legal framework for lifting equipment inspection in Vietnam today is quite comprehensive and increasingly tightened. Businesses should not approach inspection with a "do it when it's due" mentality, but rather see it as part of a long-term safety management and legal compliance strategy.

=> Read more: Lifting equipment standards in Vietnam

Types of lifting equipment inspections

In operational practice, lifting equipment inspection is not just a one-time event but is divided into various forms corresponding to different stages in the equipment's lifecycle. Understanding and correctly applying each form of inspection will help businesses avoid legal violations, minimise production interruptions, and proactively control safety risks.

Initial Inspection

This form is carried out after the lifting equipment has been completely installed and before it is officially put into use. Initial inspection applies to new equipment, used equipment installed in a new location, or imported equipment purchased from another unit. The purpose of the initial inspection is to confirm that the equipment is installed according to design, meets technical standards, and is fully safe to begin operations. Businesses should note that even if the equipment is brand new or has never been operated, if it hasn't passed the initial inspection, it is still not permitted to be used.

Periodic Inspection

This is carried out when the validity period of the previous inspection expires. This is the most common form of inspection during the operation of lifting equipment. Through periodic inspection, the inspector assesses the degree of equipment degradation after a period of use, thereby determining whether the equipment continues to meet safety conditions. The periodic inspection cycle depends on the type of equipment, lifespan, working environment, and frequency of use. For equipment working under normal conditions, the cycle is usually one to two years; whereas for equipment that has been used for a long time or works in harsh environments, this period may be shortened.

Irregular Inspection

This is a mandatory form in arising situations, but is often overlooked by businesses. Irregular inspections must be carried out after lifting equipment undergoes major repairs, renovations, or upgrades; after an incident or accident occurs; or when the equipment's installation location is changed. In addition, in some cases, inspection agencies or the business using the equipment itself may also request an irregular inspection. The goal of this form is to re-evaluate the overall safety level of the equipment after technical changes, ensuring the equipment poses no hidden risks during subsequent operations.

Lifting equipment inspection process

The lifting equipment inspection process is carried out in a mandatory sequence; each step has its own significance and cannot be skipped. Below is the detailed lifting equipment inspection process:

Step 1: Technical document inspection

The inspector begins by reviewing the entire dossier and the equipment logbook. The documents usually checked include the technical dossier provided by the manufacturer, design and installation drawings, installation acceptance reports, previous inspection results (for periodic inspections), and the maintenance-repair logbook.
The goal of this step is to determine whether the equipment has a sufficient legal and technical basis to proceed with the inspection, while helping the inspector understand the operation history and technical condition of the equipment before the actual physical check.

Step 2: External technical inspection

After the documents meet the requirements, the inspector conducts a visual inspection at the site. The equipment is checked for its load-bearing structure, welds, beams, columns, hooks, steel wire ropes, pulleys, winch drums, as well as electrical or hydraulic systems.
In this step, abnormal signs such as fatigue cracks, warping, wear exceeding allowable limits, oil leaks, or damaged safety mechanisms will be detected. If serious faults exist, the equipment may be required to be fixed before proceeding to the next steps.

Step 3: No-load testing

The lifting equipment is operated in a no-load state to check the performance of moving mechanisms and safety systems. The inspector will have the equipment perform all operations such as lifting-lowering, travelling, and slewing (if any), while simultaneously checking the operation of brakes, limit switches, horns, and warning lights.
The purpose of the no-load testing step is to ensure the equipment operates stably, smoothly, and functions correctly before moving into load testing.

Step 4: Load testing

This is the most critical step in the entire inspection process. The lifting equipment will be tested with a load greater than the allowable working load, including:

• Static load testing to evaluate load-bearing and load-holding capabilities.
• Dynamic load testing to check the safe operation capability when the equipment moves with a load.

Through load testing, the inspector evaluates structural stability, braking efficiency, and safety levels when the equipment works under conditions close to reality. If it fails this step, the equipment will not be issued an inspection certificate.

Step 5: Conclusion & Certification

After completing the inspection and testing steps, the inspector will conclude the inspection results. If the equipment passes, an inspection report is made, an inspection stamp is affixed in a highly visible location, and the inspection certificate is issued within the prescribed time limit.
Conversely, if the equipment fails, the technical shortcomings will be clearly recorded in the report so the business can rectify them and request a re-inspection. According to regulations, lifting equipment that fails inspection is strictly prohibited from being put into use.

Cycle and expiration of lifting equipment inspection

After completing the initial inspection, lifting equipment is not used "indefinitely" but must continue to be inspected according to specific cycles and time limits. This is the content businesses are often most subjective about, yet it serves as an important basis for inspection agencies to identify violations.

As a general rule, the lifting equipment inspection cycle is not fixed for all cases but depends on multiple factors such as equipment type, lifespan, working environment, and usage frequency. For common lifting equipment like overhead cranes, gantry cranes, cranes, hoists, and forklifts, under normal working conditions and while the equipment is still in a good usage phase, the periodic inspection duration is usually 02 years. This is the most commonly applied timeframe in practice.

However, when the equipment has been used for over 10-12 years (depending on the type and applied regulations), or works in harsh environments such as high lifting frequencies, corrosive environments, high temperatures, heavy dust, or chemicals, the inspection cycle will be shortened to 01 year, or even 06 months in some special cases. This shortening is not arbitrary but is based on the inspector's assessment of the actual technical condition of the equipment and is clearly recorded in the inspection report.

For elevators, escalators, and manlifts, the standard inspection cycle is also 01-02 years, but for equipment serving public works, crowded buildings, or those used for a long time, the inspection period is often shorter to ensure a higher level of safety.

One point businesses need to pay special attention to is that the inspection expiration is calculated based on the date written on the stamp or inspection certificate, not the calendar year or internal plans. When it expires, and the equipment continues to operate, the business will be considered as using equipment without valid inspection, even if the equipment had previously passed inspection. Therefore, businesses should proactively monitor the expiration date of the inspection stamp, plan for inspection before it expires, and view this as part of the lifting equipment safety management process, rather than handling it reactively during audits.

Cost of lifting equipment inspection

When planning an inspection, businesses not only need to know the process and duration but also accurately estimate the cost to avoid exceeding the budget and to choose a suitable inspection unit. Under current law, lifting equipment inspection costs follow a floor price set by the State and may incur some additional surcharges (travel, test load rental, overtime work...).

Reference price list for lifting equipment inspection (For reference only; actual prices may be adjusted based on the workload, region, and agreement between the business and the inspection unit)

Equipment Group	Load Capacity / Specifications	Reference Inspection Cost
Hoists, Winches	< 1 ton	VND 300,000 – 500,000 / inspection
	1 – 5 tons	VND 500,000 – 900,000 / inspection
	> 5 tons	VND 900,000 – 1,500,000 / inspection
Overhead Cranes, Gantry Cranes	Load capacity ≤ 10 tons	VND 1,000,000 – 1,800,000 / inspection
	10 – 20 tons	VND 1,800,000 – 2,600,000 / inspection
	> 20 tons	VND 2,600,000 – 4,000,000 / inspection
Cranes (Port / Specialised)	Small/medium load capacity	VND 1,200,000 – 3,000,000 / inspection
	Large load capacity	VND 3,000,000 – 5,500,000 / inspection
Forklifts (Powered)	≤ 2 tons	VND 700,000 – 1,200,000 / inspection
	2 – 5 tons	VND 1,200,000 – 2,000,000 / inspection
	> 5 tons	VND 2,000,000 – 3,500,000 / inspection
Construction Hoists, Suspended Working Platforms	Under 10 floors	VND 1,000,000 – 2,500,000 / inspection
	Over 10 floors	VND 2,500,000 – 4,000,000 / inspection
Elevators / Escalators	Residential buildings, small projects	VND 1,500,000 – 3,000,000 / inspection
	Shopping malls / High-rise buildings	VND 3,000,000 – 6,000,000 / inspection

Notes:

• The prices above are average market references in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi during the 2025–2026 period.
• The actual price may vary depending on the inspection unit, the volume of equipment to be inspected, site conditions, and time requirements (overtime/weekends).

Risks & penalties when lifting equipment is not inspected

In practice, many businesses only truly care about lifting equipment inspection when there is an audit or after an incident occurs. However, failing to inspect or improperly inspecting is not just an administrative error, but poses massive safety, legal, and financial risks.

Occupational safety risks

Lifting equipment handles heavy loads; without periodic inspections, it is difficult to detect hidden damage such as structural fatigue cracks, worn steel wire ropes, degraded braking efficiency, or safety mechanism failures. When an incident occurs, the consequence is not just equipment damage but also direct threats to workers' lives, causing production disruptions and severely impacting the business's reputation.

Administrative penalties (According to Decree 12/2022/ND-CP)

According to current regulations, the act of using mandatory lifting equipment that has not been inspected, has an expired inspection, or failed inspection but is still operated, will be severely penalised. Specifically, under Decree 12/2022/ND-CP, the fine amounts are:

• For individuals: up to 50 – 75 million VND.
• For organisations/businesses: double the individual penalty.
• Aside from fines, remedial measures may also be applied.

Additional handling measures

Besides fines, businesses may face remedial measures and supplementary penalties. Authorities have the right to suspend the operation of the lifting equipment, seal it, and force a halt to its use until an inspection is completed. This suspension usually leads to production line interruptions, project delays, and entails operating costs much larger than getting timely inspections.

More seriously, if uninspected lifting equipment causes a major accident or fatality, the business's responsibility does not stop at administrative fines. Employers or direct managers may face criminal liability according to the law. Additionally, lacking a valid inspection record places businesses at a major disadvantage when dealing with insurance, potentially leaving them with no compensation for damages.

What do businesses need to prepare before an inspection?

To ensure the lifting equipment inspection process goes smoothly, passes on the first try, and does not disrupt production activities, businesses need proactive preparation rather than waiting until inspection day to handle it. From Vietmani's practical experience, below are the items businesses should review before inviting an inspection unit:

Prepare technical documents and paperwork

• Technical dossiers and equipment logbooks provided by the manufacturer.
• Design drawings, installation drawings (if any).
• Installation acceptance reports.
• Previous inspection certificates and reports (for periodic inspections).
• Maintenance, servicing, and repair logbooks.

A complete dossier helps inspectors evaluate quickly and accurately, avoiding having the inspection halted at the very first step.

=> Read more: What does an equipment dossier include? Comprehensive & technical standard checklist

Check the technical condition of the equipment

• Perform an overall check of load-bearing structures, welds, beams, and columns.
• Check crane hooks, steel wire ropes, pulleys, and winch drums.
• Check the braking system and lifting/lowering mechanisms.
• Check electrical and hydraulic systems (if any).
• Fix minor issues early, such as loose bolts, screws, oil leaks, or lack of lubrication.

Prepare test loads and site conditions

• Arrange appropriate test loads for the equipment's capacity per inspection requirements.
• Ensure the testing area is: Safe, clear of unauthorised personnel, and has enough operational space.
• Clear the site, set up barriers, and display warning signs if necessary.

Arrange coordination personnel

• Assign someone who thoroughly understands the equipment to coordinate with the inspector.
• Arrange for an equipment operator during the no-load and load testing phases.
• Ensure the operator has received occupational safety training.

Plan the inspection schedule

• Proactively contact the inspection unit before the current inspection expires.
• Schedule the inspection appropriately to avoid peak production hours and prevent rushed, out-of-hours inspection surcharges.
• Check the expiration date on the inspection stamp in advance to avoid operating past the deadline.

Choosing a reputable lifting equipment inspection unit

Selecting a lifting equipment inspection unit directly affects the legality of the inspection results, the safety level during operation, and the risk during audits and checks. In reality, not all units offering inspection services have the proper authority and technical capacity.

Below are typical units you can reliably choose in Vietnam:

• Centre for Occupational Safety Verification Zone I – covers a broad inspection scope, serving various industrial and lifting equipment, with standards widely recognised in the industry.
• Centre for Occupational Safety Verification Zone II – provides inspections for the Southern and Central Highlands regions, including overhead cranes, forklifts, hoists...
• Centre for Occupational Safety Verification Zone III – serves industrial businesses in the Southern region, with the capacity to inspect many types of strict-requirement equipment.
• Vinacontrol – a highly experienced and reputable unit for lifting equipment inspection nationwide.
• Vinacontrol CE Ho Chi Minh – an inspection branch fully licensed to inspect lifting equipment according to regulations.
• LDT Joint Stock Company – a business providing lifting equipment safety inspection services on a national scale.
• UNITEST – Inspection and Technical Consulting Co., Ltd. – provides equipment testing services and related technical consultation.
• Viet Nam Inspection And Training Joint Stock Company – a business operating in the fields of occupational safety, technical inspection & safety training.

Notes when choosing an inspection unit:

• Must be licensed for occupational safety technical inspection, especially for lifting equipment, per Circular 36/2019/TT-BLDTBXH.
• Has an inspection scope suited to your equipment type (overhead cranes, forklifts, hoists, construction hoists...).
• A systematic, transparent inspection process with standard-compliant reports and stamps.
• Clear consultation regarding document preparation, test loads, and incurred costs.

Conclusion

Through the analysed points, it can be seen that lifting equipment inspection is not simply a mandatory procedure to cope with audits, but a crucial foundation in safety management and sustainable operations for a business. Properly understanding which equipment requires inspection, correctly applying the process and cycle, and choosing a reputable inspection unit will help businesses proactively prevent risks, avoid legal violations, and completely minimise workplace accidents.

In reality, the majority of incidents and violations stem from a subjective mentality or a lack of information, whereas the cost of inspection is vastly lower than the cost of rectifying consequences when accidents happen or fines are issued. Therefore, instead of waiting for audits or incidents to occur, businesses should treat lifting equipment inspection as an inseparable part of their safety management system and long-term operational planning.

We hope that through this article, your business will experience a smooth inspection process. If you find this content helpful, please share it so more people can know about it.