- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- For stepladders, these should not be wobbly, have loose or bent hinge spreaders, broken, split or worn steps, or loose hinges.
- Ladders which have been modified, painted or shortened should be removed from use.
- 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.
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