Ladders - Inspection

When should you inspect ladders?

Most jurisdictions require that ladders be inspected before use. Contact the government department responsible for occupational health and safety in your area for more information.

• context Inspect new ladders promptly upon receipt.
• context Inspect ladders before each use.
• context Check the condition of ladders that have been dropped or have fallen before using them again.
• context Inspect ladders before storing to make sure they are in good condition to store, or need repair, replacement or removal from the site.

What should you look for when inspecting any ladder?

• context missing or loose steps or rungs (they are loose if you can move them by hand)
• context damaged or worn non-slip feet
• context loose nails, screws, bolts or nuts
• context worn or loose or faulty spreaders, locks, and other metal parts in poor repair
• context rot, decay or warped rails in wooden ladders
• context cracks and exposed fibreglass in fibreglass ladders
• context cracked, split, worn or broken rails, braces, steps or rungs
• context sharp edges on rails and rungs
• context rough or splintered surfaces
• context corrosion, rust, oxidization and excessive wear, especially on treads
• context twisted or distorted rails. Check ladders for distortion by sighting along the rails. Using a twisted or bowed ladder is hazardous.
• context damage or wear on other items such as spreaders, locking devices, hinges, springs or ropes. Check that these items are working properly before using the ladder.
• context missing identification labels

What other things should I look for when inspecting stepladders?

• context wobble
• context loose or bent hinges and hinge spreaders
• context broken stop on a hinge spreader
• context loose pail shelf

What should you look for when inspecting extension ladders?

• context loose, broken, or missing extension locks
• context defective locks that do not set properly when the ladder is extended
• context sufficient lubrication of working parts
• context defective cords, chains and ropes
• context missing or defective pads or sleeves

What should you do after inspecting any ladder?

• context Tag any defective ladders and take them out of service.
• context Clean fibreglass ladders every three months. Spray lightly with a clear lacquer or paste wax.
• context Protect wooden ladders with a clear sealer or wood preservative.
• context Replace worn or frayed ropes on extension ladders.
• context Lubricate pulleys on extension ladders regularly.
• context Tag and take out of service any ladder that is has defects, or is broken or bent. Destroy ladders that cannot be repaired safely by a person authorized by the manufacturer. Ladders should be destroyed in a way that makes them useless.