Basic Ladder Inspection

Inspecting a Ladder

Ladders are used everyday across the globe, yet are often neglected when it comes to inspection. The Work at Height Regulations state that all equipment for work at height must be inspected at intervals. Detailed visual inspections should be carried out every 3, 6 or 12 months, depending on the level of use, by a competent person. Findings from these detailed inspections should be recorded. Ladders should always receive a visual inspection before use, by the user. These pre-use checks ensure that you are using safe equipment, and help prevent accidents caused by damaged or faulty equipment. Pre-use checks should be carried out to spot any obvious defects that make the equipment unsafe.

Pre-use checks should be carried out:

• By the user;
• At the beginning of the working day;
• After something has changed, e.g. if a ladder has been dropped

Employers are responsible for making sure any Ladders or Stepladders are suitable for the task that they are to be used, and also to ensure that they are in a safe, usable condition. If you find your Ladder to fail your check, DO NOT USE the equipment and notify your employer.

This guide is to help you understand what to look out for:

Feet / End Caps

• All present & fixed to the ladder
• Still possess adequate “tread”
• Stile / Rail Ends remain intact & undamaged
• No distortion or cracks
• Rivets / Bolts present & secure
• Free from contamination (i.e, oil, mud)

Rungs / Treads

• All present & remain secure to the Ladder
• Free from twits, bends or bowing
• No significant denting
• Anti-slip properties still effective
• Any rivets / fixings still present & secure
• Free from oil or other contaminants

Stiles / Rails

• Free from cracks or splits
• Straight & True - No bowing or twists
• All rivets / bolts present & secure
• No creasing or buckled sections
• Any stops or restraints present & secure
• Free from corrosion or contaminants

Guide Brackets

• All present & secure
• No missing rivets / bolts
• All fixings present
• Corrosion free with no bending or cracks

Rung Hooks

• All present & secure
• No play or looseness
• All rivets / bolts present & secure
• Corrosion free with no bending or cracks
• Still seat correctly on the rung

Rung Locks

• All present & secure
• No deformation or corrosion
• Function correctly

Platforms

• Free from bending, folding or twisting
• No cracks or splits
• Free from strength compromising dents
• Support bars present & secure
• Free from excessive play

Braces / Struts

• All present & secure
• No loose or missing fixings
• No cracks or splits
• No significant bending or bowing

Labels

• Attached & legible