Lifting Equipment Inspection Standards in Vietnam

In factory, logistics, or construction environments, lifting equipment inspection is a mandatory requirement under the law. However, in reality, it is often overlooked or misunderstood. Equipment such as overhead cranes, hoists, forklifts, and construction hoists all operate with heavy loads. If not fully inspected, they pose potential accident risks and entail significant legal consequences for businesses.

At Vietmani, during our consultation and work with factories, contractors, and safety departments, we notice many recurring questions: Which equipment must be inspected? How often? What does the process entail? And what are the penalties for non-compliance? This is especially relevant since Decree 12/2022/NĐ-CP came into effect, introducing much stricter sanctions. This article, compiled by Vietmani, aims to help businesses understand correctly, act correctly, and proactively control risks related to lifting equipment inspection.

What is Lifting Equipment Inspection?

Lifting equipment inspection is the activity of evaluating and confirming the technical safety level of equipment used to lift, lower, or move loads during operations. This is done by reviewing records, inspecting the physical condition, and conducting practical tests in accordance with technical regulations issued by state agencies. The inspection results are documented via minutes, a certificate, and a valid inspection stamp.

You can understand inspection as the "final independent check" to ensure the equipment meets safety conditions before being put into use or continuing operation. This activity helps detect potential risks that standard maintenance might miss, such as structural fatigue cracks, steel cable wear, reduced braking efficiency, or misalignment of safety mechanisms.

However, businesses must note that inspection is not maintenance (which is performed by the operating unit) and is not installation acceptance. This is a mandatory legal requirement, and the inspection certificate is the crucial basis for proving that the business has fulfilled its occupational safety responsibilities in the event of an inspection or incident.

Which Lifting Equipment Must Be Inspected?

According to current Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) regulations, not every lifting device requires inspection. However, all lifting equipment with a risk of causing serious accidents that falls under the List of machines and equipment with strict occupational safety requirements must undergo technical safety inspection before use and periodic inspection during operation.

Based on practical experience at Vietmani, the following groups of lifting equipment are the most common and must be inspected if they meet the technical criteria:

1. Overhead Cranes, Gantry Cranes, Semi-Gantry Cranes. Includes single-girder, double-girder, suspension cranes, outdoor gantry cranes, etc. All types using motors for lifting/lowering, regardless of load capacity (large or small), are subject to mandatory inspection.

2. Cranes of Various Types Such as tower cranes, mobile cranes, crawler cranes, and pedestal cranes at ports. This is a high-risk group that requires mandatory initial, periodic, and extraordinary inspections upon repair or incident.

3. Hoists and 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 mandatory, but Vietmani still recommends businesses perform internal safety checks periodically.

4. Powered Forklifts

• Electric, diesel, and gas forklifts.

• Lifting capacity of 1,000 kg or more: This is a group where many businesses get confused, especially with electric warehouse forklifts. Note: Manual pallet jacks (hand trucks) do not require mandatory inspection.

5. Aerial Work Platforms and Suspended Access Equipment includes self-propelled boom lifts/scissor lifts and gondolas used for construction or high-altitude maintenance. This group requires mandatory inspection as it directly involves human safety.

6. Construction Hoists (Material/Personnel) Often used at construction sites to lift goods accompanied by people. This equipment has very strict safety control requirements.

7. Elevators, Escalators, Conveyors for People Includes freight elevators, home elevators, and escalators in shopping malls and factories.

8. Assistive Lifting Devices and Manipulators In recent years, assistive lifting devices (manipulators, vacuum lifters, arm manipulators, etc.) have been chosen by many factories to improve ergonomics and reduce the load on workers. However, this is also the group where businesses are most confused about inspection obligations.

According to Circular 36/2019/TT-BLĐTBXH, lifting devices and Industrial Manipulators must undergo safety inspection if they are electrically or pneumatically operated (regardless of load), or manually operated with a load of 1,000kg or more. Since most industrial manipulators today use motors/compressed air and have structures similar to cranes or hoists, they fall under the strict safety requirement list. Therefore, businesses must perform initial and periodic inspections to ensure legal compliance and operational safety.

Legal Framework for Lifting Equipment Inspection

To perform inspections correctly and fully, businesses need to understand the applicable legal system. Inspection activities are not based on intuition but are strictly managed by laws, decrees, circulars, and technical regulations.

Law on Occupational Safety and Hygiene 2015

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

• Machines and equipment with strict safety requirements must be inspected before use and periodically.
• Responsibility lies with the business using the equipment, regardless of whether it is purchased new or rented.
• The inspection certificate is a key legal basis in case of incidents or disputes.

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

These decrees guide the implementation of inspections in practice:

• Establish a mechanism for the socialisation of inspection activities.
• Regulate conditions for an organisation to be allowed to provide inspection services.
• Clarify responsibilities between: Management Agency, Inspection Organization – Equipment User.
• This is the basis for businesses to choose a capable and licensed inspection unit.

Circular 36/2019/TT-BLĐTBXH – The "Backbone" Document

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

• Overhead cranes, gantry cranes.
• Hoists, winches.
• Forklifts, aerial lifts.
• Construction hoists, elevators.
• In reality, businesses only need to compare their equipment against Circular 36 to immediately determine their inspection obligations.

National Technical Regulation System (QCVN, TCVN)

When conducting inspections, inspectors must base their work on mandatory technical regulations and standards, typically including:

• QCVN 07:2012/BLĐTBXH – Occupational safety for lifting equipment.
• QCVN 25:2015/BLĐTBXH – Safety for powered forklifts.
• TCVN 4244:2005 – Lifting equipment (design, manufacture, and technical inspection).

Although TCVN are "standards," when referenced in QCVN, they become mandatory for inspection.

Decree 12/2022/NĐ-CP – Sanctions

This document causes many businesses to rethink lifting equipment inspection because:

• Fines have increased significantly compared to the past.
• Equipment may be suspended, causing production interruptions.
• Serious cases may incur criminal liability.

Current legal frameworks in Vietnam are quite comprehensive and are increasingly tightening. Businesses should not approach inspection with a "do it when due" mindset but view it as part of a long-term safety governance and compliance strategy.

=> Read more: Lifting equipment standards in Vietnam

Types of Lifting Equipment Inspection

In operational reality, inspection is not a one-time event but is divided into different types corresponding to stages in the equipment's lifecycle.

Initial Inspection

Performed after the equipment is fully installed and before official use. This applies to new equipment, used equipment installed at a new location, or imported/repurchased equipment.

• Goal: Confirm the equipment is installed according to design/specs and is safe to operate.
• Note: Even if the equipment is brand new, it cannot be used without this initial inspection.

Periodic Inspection

Performed when the validity of the previous inspection expires. This is the most common form. Inspectors assess the degradation of the equipment after a period of use to determine if it remains safe.

• Cycle: Usually 1–2 years for normal conditions. For old equipment or harsh environments, this may be shortened.

Extraordinary Inspection

Mandatory in specific situations but often overlooked. It must be done after:

• Major repairs, renovations, or upgrades.
• Accidents or incidents.
• Relocation of the equipment.
• Requests by inspection agencies or the business itself.
• Goal: Re-evaluate safety after technical changes to ensure no risks during subsequent operation.

Lifting Equipment Inspection Process

The process follows a mandatory sequence; no step can be skipped.

Step 1: Technical Document Review

The inspector reviews the equipment's history and records (manufacturer's technical files, design/installation drawings, acceptance minutes, previous inspection results, maintenance logs).

• Goal: Determine if there is a sufficient legal and technical basis to proceed.

Step 2: External Technical Check

Visual inspection at the site. Checking load-bearing structures, welds, beams, columns, hooks, cables, pulleys, drums, and electrical/hydraulic systems.

• Goal: Detect cracks, deformation, excessive wear, leaks, or safety mechanism damage. Serious faults may require rectification before proceeding.

Step 3: No-Load Test

Operating the equipment without a load to check movement mechanisms and safety systems (lifting/lowering, travelling, rotating, brakes, limit switches, alarms).

• Goal: Ensure stable and correct operation.

Step 4: Load Test (The most important step)

Testing with loads exceeding the rated capacity:

• Static Load Test: To assess load-bearing capacity and holding ability.
• Dynamic Load Test: To check safe operation while moving with a load.
• Goal: Assess structural stability and braking efficiency under near-real conditions. Failure here means certification is denied.

Step 5: Conclusion & Certification

• Pass: Minutes are drawn up, an inspection stamp is affixed, and a certificate is issued.
• Fail: Technical defects are recorded for the business to fix before re-inspection. Uncertified equipment must absolutely not be used.

Inspection Cycle and Validity

After the initial inspection, equipment cannot be used "indefinitely."

• Standard Cycle: Typically 02 years for common equipment (cranes, hoists, forklifts) in good condition/normal environments.
• Shortened Cycle: 01 year or 06 months for equipment used for 10–12+ years, or in harsh environments (high frequency, corrosion, heat, dust, chemicals). This is determined by the inspector based on actual conditions.
• Elevators/Person-lifting equipment: Usually 1–2 years, but shorter for public/high-traffic units.

Crucial Note: Validity is calculated by the date on the stamp, not the calendar year. Using expired equipment is a violation, even if it passed previously. Businesses should plan inspections before the expiry date.

Inspection Costs

Costs generally follow a state-regulated floor price plus surcharges (travel, load rental, overtime).

Reference Price List (VND - Estimated for 2025–2026): (For reference only; actual prices depend on volume, location, and agreement)

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

Risks & Penalties for Non-Inspection

Ignoring inspection isn't just an administrative error; it carries safety, legal, and financial risks.

1. Safety Risks: Undetected wear, cracks, or brake failures can lead to fatal accidents and severe equipment damage.

2. Administrative Penalties (Decree 12/2022/NĐ-CP):

   • Individuals: Fine of 50 – 75 million VND.

   • Organisations: Double the individual fine (up to 150 million VND).

3. Additional Measures:

   • Suspension of equipment operation (halting production).

   • Sealing of equipment.

   • Criminal Liability: Managers/employers can face criminal charges if uninspected equipment causes serious accidents or death.

   • Insurance: Denial of compensation claims due to a lack of a valid inspection.

What Should Businesses Prepare Before an Inspection?

To ensure a smooth "pass" on the first try:

1. Prepare Documents: Manufacturer records, drawings, acceptance minutes, previous certificates, and maintenance logs.
2. Check Technical Condition: Pre-check structures, hooks, cables, brakes, and fix minor issues (loose bolts, leaks).
3. Prepare Load & Site: Arrange test weights matching requirements, clear the area, and set up barriers.
4. Personnel: Assign a technician to coordinate and a trained operator to run the machine during tests.
5. Scheduling: Contact the inspection unit before the current stamp expires to avoid production downtime.

Choosing a Reputable Inspection Unit

Not all providers have the authority or capacity. Select units licensed under Circular 36/2019/TT-BLĐTBXH. Trusted entities in Vietnam include:

• SII: Technical Safety Inspection Centre Region I (Northern/National).
• SCI: Technical Safety Inspection Centre Region II (Southern/Highlands).
• SCIII: Technical Safety Inspection Centre Region III (Southern Industrial).
• Vinacontrol / Vinacontrol CE: Long-standing reputation.
• LDT, UNITEST, VIETSAFE: Other licensed private providers.

Criteria: Valid license, suitable scope, transparent process, and clear consultation.

Conclusion

Lifting equipment inspection is not merely a procedure to cope with inspectors, but a foundation for safety management and sustainable operation. Understanding which equipment needs inspection, following the correct process, and adhering to cycles helps prevent risks and legal violations.

In reality, most incidents stem from complacency. The cost of inspection is far lower than the cost of fixing an accident or paying fines. Therefore, businesses should view inspection as an inseparable part of their long-term safety system.

Vietmani hopes this article helps your business achieve a smooth inspection process. If you find this content useful, please share it so others can be informed!