8 Top Tips for Checking Ladders

  1. Identify each ladder you own for checking and inspection purposes. Number each ladder and keep a record of it. As a minimum, the record should identify the ladder, give the date of the inspection and the name of the person carrying out the inspection, along with their signature.
  2. Decide how often you wish to formally inspect your ladders, e.g. three-monthly or six-monthly. Note that this formal checking is in addition to your pre-user checks.
  3. For general ladders, look for: loose steps or rungs; loose nails, screws, bolts or other metal parts; cracked, split or broken uprights and damaged or worn non-slip bases.
  4. For extension ladders, look for: loose, broken or missing extension locks; defective locks that do not seal properly when the ladder is extended and deterioration due to exposure to weather.
  5. For trestle ladders, look for: loose hinges; loose or bent hinge spreaders; broken stop on hinge spreaders; the centre section guide for extension being out of alignment and the ladder being wobbly.
  6. For stepladders, these should not be wobbly, have loose or bent hinge spreaders, broken, split or worn steps, or loose hinges.
  7. Ladders which have been modified, painted or shortened should be removed from use.
  8. Defective ladders, including those with corrosion and dents, must be removed from use and marked to ensure further use is prohibited. Repair work should only be carried out by a competent person.

A blatant disregard of ladder checks will highly increase the chances of fatal falls, prosecution and hefty fines. Make sure you carry out these vital checks.

Contact us if you require assistance.

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