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.