How Often Should Ladders Be Inspected at Work?

Ladders and stepladders are everyday pieces of workplace equipment. Because they are so familiar, it can be easy to assume that if a ladder looks reasonably sound, it is safe to use.

But damage, wear and deterioration aren’t always immediately obvious.

This raises an important question for employers and employees: how often should ladders be inspected at work?

There isn’t one simple inspection interval that applies to every ladder in every situation. The frequency and extent of checks should reflect how the equipment is used, the conditions it is exposed to and the manufacturer’s instructions.

What is particularly important is that ladders are checked before use and that damaged equipment is taken out of service.

What’s the Difference Between a Pre-Use Check and an Inspection?

These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but it is useful to distinguish between them.

A pre-use check is a straightforward visual check carried out before using a ladder.

The objective is to identify obvious problems that could make the equipment unsafe.

A more detailed inspection may form part of an employer’s planned maintenance and equipment management arrangements.

Both have an important role.

A ladder could have been perfectly serviceable when it was last formally inspected but damaged yesterday. A dated inspection record therefore shouldn’t replace checking the equipment before it is used.

When Should a Pre-Use Check Be Carried Out?

Workers should check a ladder before using it.

Another check may also be appropriate where something has happened that could have affected its condition.

For example, consider a ladder that has:

• Been dropped.
• Fallen from a vehicle.
• Been struck by equipment.
• Been moved between sites.
• Been stored in poor conditions.
• Been used by numerous people.
• Potentially suffered damage.

The important principle is simple: don’t assume a ladder is safe merely because someone else has recently used it.

What Should You Look for When Checking a Ladder?

The precise checks will depend on the type of ladder and manufacturer’s instructions, but there are several common areas to consider.

Stiles

The vertical sides of the ladder should be examined for signs of bending, splitting, cracking or other damage.

Damage to the stiles can affect the structural integrity of the entire ladder.

Rungs and Steps

Look for damaged, loose, bent or missing rungs and steps.

Surfaces should also be sufficiently clean to provide suitable footing. Mud, oil and other contamination can increase the risk of slipping.

Feet

Missing or damaged feet can make a ladder unstable and more likely to slip.

Check that the feet are present and in suitable condition before positioning the ladder.

Locks and Hinges

Stepladders and other folding equipment can incorporate hinges, locking bars and similar components.

These should operate correctly and shouldn’t show obvious signs of damage.

Fixings

Loose, missing or damaged fixings should not simply be ignored.

If something doesn’t look right, the ladder should not be used until its condition has been properly assessed.

What Should Happen if a Ladder Is Damaged?

A damaged ladder shouldn’t be left somewhere another employee could unknowingly pick it up and use it.

It should be clearly identified as unsuitable and removed from use.

The organisation can then determine whether it should be appropriately repaired or disposed of.

Trying to improvise a repair can create additional risks. Tape, makeshift replacement feet or other temporary fixes shouldn’t be used as substitutes for equipment that is actually safe for the task.

Should Ladder Inspections Be Recorded?

For planned formal inspections, keeping appropriate records can help businesses manage their access equipment and demonstrate that checks are taking place.

Records can also help identify recurring problems.

For example, if ladders used by a particular team are repeatedly being damaged, the business may need to investigate how they are transported, stored or used.

However, paperwork alone doesn’t make a ladder safe.

An inspection sticker or previous record should never encourage an employee to ignore visible damage.

Does Heavy Use Affect Inspection Frequency?

It can.

A ladder used occasionally in a clean indoor environment isn’t necessarily exposed to the same conditions as equipment used every day on construction, maintenance or industrial sites.

Factors that may influence inspection arrangements include:

• Frequency of use.
• Number of users.
• Working environment.
• Exposure to weather.
• Transportation between sites.
• Storage conditions.
• Type of work undertaken.
• Previous damage.

Employers should therefore develop inspection arrangements that reflect how their ladders are actually used.

Don’t Forget Ladder Storage

Inspection and maintenance aren’t the only considerations.

Poor storage can itself damage equipment.

Ladders should be stored appropriately so that they aren’t likely to be:

• Struck by vehicles.
• Crushed by other equipment.
• Bent through poor support.
• Exposed unnecessarily to damaging conditions.
• Used by unauthorised people.

Good storage can help extend equipment life and make defects less likely.

Can Employees Inspect Their Own Ladder Before Use?

Employees using ladders should understand how to carry out an appropriate pre-use check and recognise obvious defects.

This is one reason Ladder Safety Training is valuable.

Training shouldn’t simply concentrate on climbing technique. Workers also need to understand how to select, position and check access equipment before they start work.

Someone who doesn’t know what a damaged component looks like may unknowingly use unsafe equipment.

Ladder Safety Goes Beyond Inspection

Even a ladder in perfect condition can be dangerous when used incorrectly.

Workers should also consider:

• Whether a ladder is suitable for the task.
• Ground conditions.
• Safe positioning.
• Overreaching.
• Maintaining stability.
• Carrying tools and materials.
• The duration of the work.
• Whether alternative access equipment would be safer.

Checking the ladder is therefore only one part of working safely at height.

Flexible Ladder Safety Training

How Often Should Ladders Be Inspected at Work?
For businesses that regularly use ladders and stepladders, training employees can help reinforce consistent working practices.

Ladder Safety Training supplied on USB provides a reusable in-house training resource. It includes training videos, question and answer test sheets, certificate templates and training record templates.

The USB can be accessed using a compatible PC, laptop or Mac, making it useful for training new starters and providing refresher sessions when required.

Online Ladder Safety Training is also available for employees who need to complete their training individually or remotely.

Final Thoughts

So, how often should ladders be inspected at work?

Rather than relying on one arbitrary interval, employers should establish appropriate inspection arrangements based on the equipment, its use, working conditions and relevant manufacturer’s guidance.

Workers should also carry out appropriate pre-use checks and know how to recognise signs of damage.

Most importantly, if there is any doubt about a ladder’s condition, it shouldn’t be used.

Effective Ladder Safety Training helps employees understand that checking their equipment isn’t an administrative exercise. It is a practical step that can prevent a defective ladder from contributing to a serious fall.