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Legislation mobile work equipment
The digger falls under the category of mobile work equipment: these are all machines for transport off the public road.
What does the law say (RD 04/05/1999, art. 14.1)?
"Self-propelled mobile work equipment may only be operated by workers who have received adequate training for the safe operation of this work equipment."
Employee
As an employee, you may only operate the digger if you have received adequate training.
It is the employer who must ensure that their employees have received the proper training.
The Decree speaks of adequate training, but the duration, content or approach are not specified.
At Praxis, we adapt our training to your needs and activities. We go for a practical approach with limited theory.
Repeat or not?
According to the law, this training must be repeated at regular intervals. The law does not define what 'regular intervals' are.
Certification systems such as BeSaCC use a 5-year cycle to renew mobile work equipment certificates. Following this example, at Praxis we also opt for a validity period of 5 years.
Self-employed
The legislator does not oblige the self-employed to follow digger training. Except when it involves 'work with third parties'.
The self-employed are then obliged to follow crane training if they carry out their work on temporary or mobile construction sites. The same rules as for employees then apply.
Safety function
As a digger operator, you perform a safety function and are therefore obliged to hold a certificate of medical fitness that must be renewed annually.
Young people
Young people and even students of legal age may not operate the digger.
May I organise digger training myself?
According to the law, it is not laid down who may give crane operator training. In principle, every employer may organise their own training, under a number of conditions.
- The training must be of sufficient quality
- The content and participation of the training must be demonstrable
- Certifications by an independent body are important for your insurance
Because of these conditions, most companies choose to follow their training at a recognised body, such as Praxis.
Digger training at Praxis
Join one of our open digger training courses for experienced and inexperienced participants.
Prefer crane training on site at your company? Then contact us on 0491 180 180 or via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
More info
Do you want to reread the legislation? Then click here.
26/04/2018