Ladder Safety

Ladder Safety Checklist

All ladders should be checked before use; any ladders with defects should not be used and should be either repaired or disposed of to avoid accidents in the future.

On all building sites ladders for access to scaffolding etc. should be inspected and tagged as safe by a competent person, no unauthorized persons will remove or untie any ladders.

A general checklist for various ladders is as follows:-

Standard Straight Ladder        

  • Loose styles.
  • Damaged or loose screws/bolts holding the ladder together.
  • Cracked, broken, split or splintered stays or rungs.
  • Bent metal stays or rungs
  • Damaged/worn non-slip devices (feet)
  • Signs of repairs such as duct tape should be checked.
  • Check ladders that have been painted carefully, this may hide defects and a general rule is that no ladders should be painted.

Stepladders

  • Loose/bent hinge spreaders.
  • Loose hinges Damaged or loose screws/bolts holding the ladder together.
  • Cracked, broken, split or splintered stays or rungs, signs of repairs.

Extendable Ladders

  • Broken or damaged extension locks
  • Damaged rope pulley (if used)
  • Check for damaged rungs, stays as per the previous ladder types.

A competent person should carry out the checks and sign that the ladder is safe to use. (Many organizations use ladder safety inspection stickers and this good practice should be used by all companies).

Further information can be found on http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/ladders.htm

step ladder
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