Check your ladder before every use, and have a competent person carry out a detailed visual inspection regularly. For ladders used at work we recommend every 3 to 6 months, and recording it.
Pre-use check: what to look for
- Stiles: not bent, split or dented.
- Feet: present, not worn or damaged.
- Rungs and steps: not bent, loose or missing.
- Locks and catches: work smoothly and engage fully.
- Step ladder spreaders and platforms: not bent, split or buckled.
Check again if the ladder is moved to a new area, dropped or knocked. If you find a defect, don't use the ladder. Label it and take it out of use.
Detailed visual inspection
This is a more thorough check using the manufacturer's instructions, usually carried out by a trained person. Employers should keep a record. Ladder inspection tags make it easy to show the last check date.
Replacement parts
Worn feet and some other parts can be replaced. See Ladder accessories and spare parts.