VGP and lifting equipment: the full guide (aerial platforms, cranes, forklifts, accessories)

What is a VGP?

A VGP is a check carried out at a fixed interval so that “any deterioration likely to create a hazard is detected in good time” (article R4323-23 of the French Labour Code). For lifting equipment, the order of 1 March 2004 (arrêté du 1er mars 2004) sets its content: an examination of the appliance’s state of preservation (article 9) and functional tests of its brakes and safety devices (article 6, b and c), with no overload test (article 22).

It replaces neither maintenance nor the operator’s pre-use check: see What is a VGP?.

Who is concerned: the employer, the equipment, the inspector?

• The employer: they “carry out or have carried out” the inspections (article R4323-23). The 2004 order places them on the head of the establishment where the appliance is put into service or used (article 1).
• The equipment: any machine that moves a load, or people, with a “significant change of level” (article 2 of the order), and the accessories placed between the appliance and the load. A standard pallet truck, which only lifts the load clear of the ground, is excluded: list in Is a VGP mandatory?.
• The inspector: a “competent person” (personne qualifiée), employed by the establishment or not, competent in risk prevention and in the regulations; the list of these people is kept available to the labour inspectorate (article R4323-24).

How often, depending on the machine?

Article 23 of the order of 1 March 2004 sets 12 months as the general rule, 6 months for the appliances listed in article 20-II and for powered appliances that lift people or raise a work station, and 3 months for hand-powered appliances that raise a work station.

• These are maximums: a VGP may be brought forward, never postponed.
• An excavator equipped for lifting has two VGPs: 6 months for lifting, 12 months as an earthmoving machine.
• A telehandler with forks, work basket or jib is inspected in each of its configurations (INRS, ED 6339).
• For an exact date, use the VGP deadline calculator; for the whole fleet, the free Excel VGP tracker.

Commissioning, re-commissioning, suitability check: what is the difference?

The commissioning inspection takes place before first use in the company, for a new, second-hand or rented appliance (article R4323-22; order, articles 13 to 15). Re-commissioning is required after a change of site or configuration, dismantling and reassembly, a major repair of an essential component or an accident caused by its failure (article R4323-28; order, article 20). An article 20-II appliance moving to another site is exempt under conditions, including a VGP less than 6 months old. Details: re-commissioning a lifting appliance.

The suitability check (examen d’adéquation) verifies that the appliance suits the planned work and the risks (article 5-I). It is part of commissioning and re-commissioning, and remains the user’s job for a rented appliance: see the suitability check.

What does the VGP report contain, and where should it be kept?

The inspector hands over a provisional report at the end of the visit, then the final report within four weeks (order, article 3). It identifies the appliance, the inspector, the date and the findings: how to read a VGP report.

The result is recorded in the safety register (article R4323-25), “without delay” for lifting equipment. A report by an external inspector is attached to it or, failing that, the register states its delivery date and where it is filed (R4323-26). The register and reports may be kept on any medium, so as a digital safety register (R4323-27). Documents for the last five years are kept and, in any event, those of the last two inspections (D4711-3).

Alongside this, each appliance has its maintenance log, recording servicing and repairs until it is scrapped (order of 2 March 2004).

Findings: what to do, and when must the appliance be stopped?

A finding (réserve, or observation) is a defect noted in the report. The employer “must act on all the observations”, whether the report is provisional or not; “depending on the nature of the observation, the equipment may be kept in service or taken out of service” (INRS, ED 6339). No text sets a numbered deadline: a defect affecting safety (brake, limiter, rope) means stopping the appliance until it is repaired. Method and evidence: clearing VGP findings.

If the VGP date has passed, the appliance is no longer up to date with its inspections. The employer is exposed to a criminal fine (article L4741-1 of the Labour Code) and, after an accident, to far heavier liability. The prudent reflex: stop using it and have it inspected as soon as possible. See overdue VGP: what to do.

Rented equipment: who is responsible?

The user company remains responsible for the inspections being properly carried out (INRS, ED 6339). In practice it is accepted that the rental company performs the VGPs, but the user must check at each handover that they have been done and, on long rentals, see to their renewal together with the rental company (INRS, ED 6419). Prévention BTP gives the rental company the follow-up and scheduling of these inspections.

Article 15 of the order requires the instructions, copies of the commissioning and latest VGP reports, and the VGP history to be on the appliance or close by. On receipt, the user carries out the suitability check and functional tests. Details (and INRS note NT 39): VGP for rented equipment. For rental companies, see also CMMS for aerial platform rental.

How much does a VGP cost, and how do you track it?

There is no official rate: each inspector sets its own quote. The factors are explained in VGP cost.

For tracking, three levels: a free Excel tracker for a small fleet, free VGP software to compare no-cost options, then VGP tracking software once several people and sites are involved. If you also manage maintenance and breakdowns, see VGP software or CMMS.

What Trackary does, and does not do, for VGPs

• One record per machine, configurable inspection deadlines (VGP and others) and alerts before the date.
• VGP reports attached to the machine; each finding tracked until it is cleared, with clearance traced by a reason (and a photo if needed).
• An expired VGP marked “blocking” shows the machine as “Out of service” on the home screen; an unfavourable inspection whose findings are not cleared stays blocking.
• Trackary AI, the built-in AI assistant, reads an imported VGP report (PDF, photo) and suggests findings, dates and inspection body, each line with the excerpt of the document it comes from (page number for a PDF); nothing is saved before you approve it.
• CSV or Excel export, import of an Excel fleet file.
• Trackary does not carry out the VGP: that is the job of a competent person or an inspection body. It certifies nothing and does not transfer the employer’s responsibility.
• Trackary costs €14 excl. VAT per active machine per month (€11 above 50 machines), unlimited users, with a 30-day free trial, no credit card required.