Inspecting mobile containers

Mobile containers are work equipment used by the fire service. The same basic principles therefore apply as for all other equipment relevant to operations. What may appear to be a simple metal frame on four castors is actually highly specialised work equipment, subject to strict legal requirements.

The regulations of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) provide the legal basis:

• DGUV Regulation 49 “Fire Brigades” requires the body responsible for the fire brigade – usually the local authority – to ensure that all equipment in use is safe. It calls for visual inspections after each use and regular inspections by competent persons.
• DGUV Principle 305-002 (May 2021, updated version December 2021) specifies the type, scope and records of inspections. It replaces the term “expert” with “person competent to carry out inspections”, indicating that inspections require specific professional qualifications.
• Technical recommendation by AGBF-Bund and DFV provides the technical framework for designing and using non-powered mobile containers.

Important: Responsibility must not be left to chance. Inspections must be organised, carried out, documented and monitored. The competent person should be appointed in writing.

This article describes the legal position in Germany (DGUV Regulation 49, DGUV Principle 305-002). Fire brigades in Austria and Switzerland are subject to their own regulations, although the core requirements are comparable.

Austria

In Austria, mobile containers are work equipment subject to inspection under the Work Equipment Ordinance (AM-VO). Under Section 8(1)(13) AM-VO, a recurring inspection by a competent person is required at intervals of at least one year – broadly comparable to the German requirement.

Some federal states impose stricter requirements. For example, the guideline issued by the Upper Austrian State Fire Brigade Association (OÖLFV) requires a static tipping angle of at least 20° for fully loaded mobile containers, compared with the 10° minimum specified in the AGBF-Bund recommendation. Fire brigades in Austria should therefore always check their state fire service command's requirements as well.

Switzerland

In Switzerland, the fire service is organised at cantonal level. There is no uniform national inspection framework for mobile containers comparable to the German DGUV system. The regulations of the Swiss Fire Service Association (SFV) and the Association of Swiss Professional Fire Brigades (VSBF) provide a common reference framework. For technical requirements concerning design and inspection, the AGBF technical recommendation is often used in practice because there is no separate Swiss standard.

Swiss fire brigades should follow the guidance of their cantonal fire service inspectorate and use the requirements in the SFV equipment services manual to document inspections.

Conclusion for all three countries: The technical requirements for a safe mobile container are essentially the same everywhere: brake testing, visual inspection, documentation and removal from service if defects are found. What differs is the legal framework imposing these requirements. Anyone unsure which regulations apply should contact the responsible accident insurance provider or state fire service command.

The answer is clear: there are two levels of inspection.

1. Visual inspection after each use

A visual inspection for obvious damage and defects is required after each use. Typical items to check include:

• Deformation of the frame
• Damage, sharp edges, splinters or burrs
• Loose fastenings
• Visible damage to castors or brakes

This visual inspection can be carried out by instructed fire service personnel and does not necessarily have to be documented.

2. Recurring inspection at least every 12 months

A complete visual and functional inspection by a person competent to carry out inspections is required at least every 12 months. This is the main mandatory inspection and must be documented.

Who may inspect the equipment, and how do they become competent?
A competent person needs professional training, practical experience and knowledge of the relevant regulations and common defects. For mobile containers, DGUV Principle 305-002 typically identifies the equipment officer trained under FwDV 2 as a qualified inspector. The inspector should be appointed in writing and receive regular further training.

🎓 Training: The “Inspection and Maintenance of Mobile Containers” seminar at CAMPUS MUNK Group prepares equipment officers and inspectors for this task, from the legal basics to conducting a practical brake test. Those responsible for both mobile containers and portable fire service ladders can choose the combined “Inspection and Maintenance of Portable Fire Service Ladders and Mobile Containers” seminar.

Despite clear regulations, there are many shortcomings in fire service practice. The requirement itself is not overlooked, but rather the thoroughness of the inspection.

Another often underestimated risk: home-built equipment. Anyone who builds a mobile container themselves legally becomes the manufacturer, with all the obligations under the German Product Safety Act (ProdSG). A risk assessment, proof of conformity and documentation are then mandatory. If home-built equipment causes personal injury, insurance cover often lapses.

A mobile container must be removed from use immediately if it is no longer safe. Clear criteria for immediate removal from service include:

• Cracks in frame components or welds
• A defective or insufficiently effective dead man's brake
• Damaged wheels or wheels that do not turn freely
• Missing or loose fastenings
• Missing markings or an illegible type plate

Rule of thumb: A mobile container may only be used again after proper repair and restoration of its original strength. Makeshift repairs are not an option for load-bearing frames, welds or braking systems.

Regular inspections must be documented; this is not an optional extra. A legally compliant inspection report contains at least:

• Type and scope of the inspection
• Date of the next inspection
• Defects identified and measures taken
• Inspection basis (e.g. DGUV Principle 305-002)
• Inspection result: ready for use, yes or no
• Name, date and signature of the inspector

Inspections, defects, repairs and authorisation for use should form a complete, traceable record. Digital solutions can help keep track of inspection deadlines and history.

To operate mobile containers safely, make these points part of everyday practice:

• Visual inspection after each use
• Annual inspection by a competent person
• Brake test with a realistic load on a level, dry surface
• Check wheels, brakes, frame, welds and fastenings
• Check restraint systems, closures and markings
• Document inspections clearly on an inspection sheet or in an inspection log
• Consistently remove containers from service if safety-related defects are found
• Carry out professional repairs before returning equipment to service

Mobile containers are robust assets in fire service operations. But they remain work equipment subject to inspection. What matters is not just that inspections take place, but how thoroughly they are carried out. In particular, the brake test is often underestimated, even though it is vital for operational safety.

Organising visual inspections, annual inspections, brake tests and documentation properly significantly reduces risks and keeps the mobile container where it belongs: ready for use rather than a source of problems.

🎓 Build your knowledge: CAMPUS MUNK Group offers practical seminars specifically for fire brigades, including the “Inspection and Maintenance of Mobile Containers” seminar and the combined seminar for fire service ladders and mobile containers. Equipment officers and inspectors learn everything they need to carry out thorough inspections that meet legal requirements.

Article last updated: October 2026