Ladders - pre use checks - things to look for
It is good practice to check your ladder before you use it. If your ladder is not up to scratch you could fall from it. You don’t have to fall far to land hard. Last year nearly 100 workers a month suffered broken bones or head injuries following a fall from a ladder. Most of them didn’t fall very far, below head height. Take a moment to check your ladder, not a fall.
If your ladder is not up to scratch tell your manager or supervisor straight away -
Do not use your ladder.
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.
