Importance Of Mandatory Ladder Inspection Before Every Use

It is the duty of every worker to ensure that the ladder he is about to use is safe and in good working order. Falls from ladders are responsible for about 20% of all worker injuries and deaths. That is why it is mandatory by law to have a periodic ladder inspection. Ladder inspection has to be carried out by competent people who will check for visible defects. If the ladder has been damaged during use or suffered damage due to exposure or other reasons, it is all the more important to carry out this inspection. There is a ladder inspection checklist that has to be followed correctly to ensure that it is safe for use.

Regular Safety Meetings

Generally, a ladder inspection is carried out before initial use at the start of each shift. It can be inspected more frequently, too, if there is cause for concern for worker safety. Safety training is absolutely essential for all workers who are required to use a ladder, including common sense safety topics. There should be safety meetings on a regular basis and toolbox talks to drive home to all workers the importance of frequent ladder inspections.

Adhering To the Checklist

Very often, workers may prefer to brush aside what they think are stupid questions and risk their safety. One way to ensure that even the most stupid questions are addressed is to have frequent short meetings just to ensure that all safety regulations are being followed. The supervisor or the team leader can also personally check that his team is following instructions correctly. As part of the ladder inspection checklist, the feet of the ladder must be checked to ensure that foot pads are present and the feet assembly is in a safe condition. This will prevent inadvertent falls due to overbalancing or slipping and losing balance.

Items In the Checklist

The rope and pulley assembly of an extension ladder along with the rungs, lock, rope, and rails, have to be checked to ensure it is all working properly. The ladder dawgs or locks must not slip at any cost. A damaged ladder must be tagged and removed from use. No attempt must be made to repair it with screws and bolts or electrical tape. The top cap, the side rails, and the locking braces on a step ladder must be rigorously checked to ensure it is all in good working condition. The labels on the ladder must be clearly readable. Dirt and grease on the rungs must be cleaned before use. The manufacturer’s recommendation must be followed during the ladder inspection process and when it is in use. A step ladder must never be used as an extension ladder.

Being Compliant with Legislation

The ladder inspection checklist helps you to evaluate if your ladders are in compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005. There is a detailed checklist that can be used to inspect every part of the ladder. Ladders should be inspected every three months if they are used daily. If they are used weekly, a six-month inspection is sufficient. Annual inspections are sufficient for infrequently used ladders. However, it is mandatory that the worker checks the ladder thoroughly before each use.