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.