Most of the incidents like falls from height occur because of ladders and stepladders. Sometimes it leads to severe injuries. This is the reason you have to inspect your ladders after a certain time. 

It is essential that ladders are inspected regularly to ensure that they are safe to use. Ladders are inspected routinely based on their use, durability, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

Generally, this is one time in 3 months for portable ladders and once a year for fixed ladders. Because ladder falls frequently result in serious injuries, any issue that undermines you should remove the stability or integrity of a ladder from service.

How Often Are Ladders Required to Be Inspected?

Only a professional individual trained in ladder safety should execute ladder inspections. A competent person possesses the technical knowledge, training, and skill required for ladder work.

The necessity of the inspections is linked to the large proportion of incidents which occur when operating at height. Ladders must be examined for visible flaws by a qualified individual on a regular basis and after any incident that could jeopardize their safe usage.

Inspections of a ladder are an essential part which you have to do every 3 to 6 months depending on its uses. It should be inspected every three months. You should perform weekly inspections every six months.

Though there are different types of ladders, they need different types of inception. Like the ladder stands for big guys, it needs to be scrutinized to avoid incidents. 

Each ladder has its inspection and maintenance needs, depending on the product and brand. When you’re inspecting a portable ladder, there will be a 36-point list. On the other hand, an attic ladder has 18 parts to examine, and you must maintain hinges and springs.

Portable ladders can have some structural deficiencies after several uses. Such as broken rungs, damaged or split rails, and rusted or defected parts. They must be instantly marked to readily identify them as damaged or tagged with “Do Not Use” and removed from service until serviced. 

Inspections of ladders should involve checking for readable signs which have not been repainted or destroyed. Inspect the rungs and steps for mud or grime to avoid slip or fall dangers. Observe the manufacturer’s instructions for correct inspection and usage of the particular ladder.

How to Inspect Your Ladder?

It would be best to inspect your ladders’ safety by verifying the following items. A lack of structural rigidity and broken or loose parts should not be present on a ladder. 

Ladders that are broken should be discarded. The rungs or stairs must be snug and secured against the side rails. It would be best to connect all hardware and fittings safely and smoothly.

You must inspect detachable parts to ensure they do not bind or have excessive free play. All labels of your ladder should be in good condition and legible.

Oil, grease, and other slippery materials must not be present on ladders. If your ladder is exposed to harsh chemicals should be removed.

You must set the ladder base on a stable and level surface. On uneven ground, ladder levelers should be utilized to ensure equal rail support. The slip-resistant substance on the ladder base is required.

There are some more parts of a ladder that you should inspect while doing this- 

• Wobble part
• Hinge spreaders and hinges that are loose or bent
• Hinge spreader with a broken stop
• loose pail shelf

What Should You Do After Inspecting Any Ladder?

If there are any faults on your ladder, you should not use it. Mark and repair if there are any defective ladders. It would be best if you clean fiberglass ladders every three months. 

Using a clear lacquer or paste wax, lightly coat the surface. Use a clear sealant or wood preservative to maintain wooden ladders. Periodically lubricate ladder pulleys.

Any defective, broken, or bent ladder should be marked and removed from service. Destroy ladders that a manufacturer-authorized person cannot securely repair. Ladders should be demolished in such a way that they are rendered unusable.

After inspecting ladders, you have to be careful about it when you find some damage. Never perform interim or improvised repairs. Ladders that are bowed or bent should not be straightened or straightened.

Ladders should almost always be replaced rather than mended. You must check them regularly to verify that they are safe.

Wrapping Up

If you use ladders for work, it is your responsibility to check that they are efficient and safe and inspect them as needed. Accidents caused by the use of a defective ladder can result in hefty fines. It can also cause significant, life-altering injuries.

If you supervise people who use ladders, you must make sure ladder inspections are done correctly and frequently. This will safeguard both your staff and your company.