Ladders - pre use checks - things to look for

Every time you use a ladder you should do a pre-use check beforehand to make sure that it is safe for use.

A pre use check should be carried out by:

The user;
At the beginning of the working day; and
After something has changed i.e. ladder dropped or moved from a dirty area to a clean area (check state or condition of feet)

The benefit of conducting daily pre-use checks is that they provide the opportunity to pick up any immediate/serious defects before they cause an accident.

1. Leaning ladders

         Stiles need to be in good condition

             Do not use the ladder if they are bent or split - the ladder could collapse.

         Check the stiles

             Do not use the ladder if they are bent or damaged - the ladder could buckle or collapse.

         Check the feet

             Do not use the ladder if they are missing or worn or damaged - the ladder could slip.

         Check the rungs 

             Do not use the ladder if they are bent,  missing or loose - the ladder could become unstable.

2. Step ladders pre-use checks - things to look for

         Check the locking bars 

             Do not use the ladder if they are bent or the fixings are worn or  damaged - the ladder could collapse.

         Check the feet 

             Do not use the ladder if they are missing  or worn or damaged - the ladder could slip.

         Check the stepladder platform 

             Do not use the ladder if it is split or  buckled - the ladder could become unstable or collapse.

         Check the steps or treads 

             Do not use the ladder if they are contaminated - they could be slippery.

         Check the steps 

             Do not use the ladder if the fixings are  loose - they could collapse.

         Check the stiles 

             Do not use the ladder if they are bent or  damaged - the ladder could buckle or collapse.