Consult the Ladder Manufacturer Regarding Specific Use Cases.
- If you are ever unsure of where or when a ladder can be used, always consult the manufacturer before use.
- For example, if you need to use a ladder in a corrosive or chemical environment, first make sure to consult the manufacturer to ensure you choose the correct ladder for the conditions.
What should I check before using a ladder?
Before using a ladder, you should have access to user instructions from the manufacturer in case you need to refer to them. You should always carry out a ‘pre-use’ check to spot any obvious visual defects to make sure the ladder is safe to use.
What is pre-use ladder checklist?
Pre-use ladder checklist are important steps you need to check the ladder is safe. At the beginning of the work day it is critical to run through ladder safety checks for any obvious visual defects.
Are your ladders suitable for your job?
Employers need to make sure that any ladder or stepladder is both suitable for the work task and in a safe condition before use. As a guide, only use ladders or stepladders that: have no visible defects. They should have a pre-use check each working day;
What is a ladder inspection?
Ladder inspection is the process of inspecting ladders for safety and to ensure that they are in good working condition.
Who should inspect a ladder before use?
Pre-use checks make sure that a ladder is safe to use and are for the immediate benefit of the ladder user. These checks do not need to be recorded. Any problems or issues should be reported to a manager. Detailed visual inspections are the responsibility of the employer.
Who should check a ladder?
Safe use of ladders and stepladders A pre-use check should be carried out: by the person using the ladder. at the beginning of the working day. after something has changed, eg a ladder has been dropped or moved from a dirty area to a clean area (check the state or condition of the feet)
When should ladders be checked?
every three to six monthsLadder inspections are an essential part of owning them and using them safely. Ladders should be checked by the user before every use and on a regular basis by a competent person every three to six months. The first rule of ladder safety is to do consistent checks and pre-checks.
What things do you check in a ladder before using it at work?
Inspect the top cap, all steps, side rails, and locking braces on a step ladder before using. Loose locking braces or spreaders can cause the ladder to wobble and become unstable. Ladder inspections should include making sure that labels are readable and haven't been painted over or damaged.
Can anyone inspect a ladder?
Who can conduct inspections? Ladder inspections should only be conducted by a competent person trained in ladder safety. A competent person is someone who has the necessary technical expertise, training and experience in ladder work.
Does OSHA require ladder inspections?
Ladders shall be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use.
How often should ladders be inspected HSE?
Detailed inspection – a formally recorded inspection should be undertaken at least every 6 months.
How do you perform a ladder inspection?
0:263:00Werner Ladder - Ladder Inspection - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMost injuries can be avoided simply by taking the time to thoroughly inspect your equipment beforeMoreMost injuries can be avoided simply by taking the time to thoroughly inspect your equipment before using it never climb a ladder without carefully looking for missing damaged or loose components. Be
Are pre use checks a legal requirement?
A risk-based approach may be used to extend inspection intervals and may also provide justification for not re-inspecting an item if it is not reasonable to do so. However, the inspection prior to first use is still required and should be recorded in your formal safety management system.
What is the first test you should perform before using a rolling ladder?
Before stepping foot on a rolling ladder, personnel will want to check for any rust, cracks or corrosion that could compromise the ladder's structural integrity. All bolts and rivets should be tightly secured, and the locking mechanism should be checked to ensure that it is fully operational.
What are the five steps to ladder safety?
Here are five basic rules for ladder safety.Use the right ladder for the job. It is important to choose a ladder that has the proper load capacity for the job. ... Inspect the ladder before and after use. ... Set the ladder up correctly. ... Climb and descend the ladder with caution. ... Be safe and use common sense when using a ladder.
What is a general safety guideline for ladder use?
Make sure the climbing and gripping surfaces are clean and free of oil, grease, and other slip hazards. Make sure that your shoes are clean of any substances which could cause you to slip. Use the ladder at a correct angle and make sure it's secured. Make sure you use your ladder on firm and level surfaces.
What are the OSHA requirements for ladder?
The minimum clear distance between side rails for all portable ladders must be 11.5 inches (29 cm). edge of a landing area must be no less than 7 inches (18 cm) and no more than 12 inches (30 cm). A landing platform must be provided if the step-across distance exceeds 12 inches (30 cm).
How often should ladders be inspected HSE?
Detailed inspection – a formally recorded inspection should be undertaken at least every 6 months.
How do you check safety ladders?
The check should include:the stiles – make sure they are not bent or damaged, as the ladder could buckle or collapse;the feet – if they are missing, worn or damaged the ladder could slip. ... the rungs – if they are bent, worn, missing or loose, the ladder could fail;More items...
How often inspect portable ladder?
Inspect ladders before each use. Check the condition of ladders that have been dropped or have fallen before using them again. Inspect ladders before storing to make sure they are in good condition to store, or need repair, replacement or removal from the site.
What to do if Your Ladder is Damaged?
If you discover your ladder is damaged, don’t use it. You don’t want to become injured because you chose to use a damaged ladder instead of replacing it.
What are the components of a ladder?
There are several components to a ladder that you need to inspect. Depending on the type of ladder and the accessories you have added, you want to make sure you inspect all the components of the ladder. This may include: 1 Rungs or Steps 2 Shelves 3 Locks and Pulleys 4 Rails 5 Ropes 6 Connections and Fasteners 7 Feet 8 Wheels
What Should Be Inspected Before Using a Ladder?
Before using a ladder, first check if it’s possible to perform the job or work without the use of a ladder. Since ladders can be incredibly dangerous, avoiding their use can minimize the number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities. If using a ladder cannot be avoided, it’s important to inspect the following before proceeding with the task:
How to inspect a ladder?
Step 2: Start at the bottom of the ladder and check the supports, fasteners, and anchors.
What is Ladder Inspection?
Ladder inspection is the process of inspecting ladders for safety and to ensure that they are in good working condition. As an equipment frequently used to accomplish a variety of tasks, maintaining the safety of ladders through regular inspections is important to help prevent ladder-related incidents and comply with regulations mandating the safe use of ladders in the workplace.
What is a Ladder Inspection Checklist?
A ladder inspection checklist is a tool guide used in assessing the working condition of a ladder. It helps ensure that a ladder passes safety and quality standards before use and that it is being used correctly by trained workers. Performing regular ladder inspections help reduce the likelihood of injuries caused by equipment malfunction and improve overall worker safety.
How to inspect a portable ladder?
Portable Ladder Inspection. Step 1: Lay the ladder flat on the ground. Step 2: Start at the base of the ladder and inspect the feet, foot pads, and shoes. Step 3: Inspect the ladder rails and rungs for any damage such as dents or cracks. Step 4: Check if the connections of the rungs to the rails are secure.
What is an OSHA ladder inspection form?
This OSHA Ladder Inspection Form was converted with iAuditor. Use this as a guide in purchasing, maintenance, and usage of ladders to ensure worker safety. Maximize iAuditor’s features by capturing photos of ladders before use and highlight specific hazards by annotating defects. Record observations regarding ladder usage and assign appropriate actions to your supervisor to notify them about potential hazards detected while working on ladders.
What is iAuditor by SafetyCulture?
iAuditor by SafetyCulture is a mobile inspection platform that empowers workers to proactively catch ladder safety concerns using ladder inspection checklists. Streamline inspection recordkeeping with easy and secure access to inspections reports anytime, anywhere.
How to check a ladder?
The check should include: 1 the stiles – make sure they are not bent or damaged, as the ladder could buckle or collapse; 2 the feet – if they are missing, worn or damaged the ladder could slip. Also check the ladder feet when moving from soft/dirty ground (eg dug soil, loose sand/stone, a dirty workshop) to a smooth, solid surface (eg paving slabs), to make sure the actual feet and not the dirt (eg soil, chippings or embedded stones) are making contact with the ground; 3 the rungs – if they are bent, worn, missing or loose, the ladder could fail; 4 the locking mechanism – does the mechanism work properly? Are components or fixings bent, worn or damaged? If so, the ladder could collapse. Ensure any locking bars are fully engaged; 5 the stepladder platform – if it is split or buckled, the ladder could become unstable or collapse; 6 the steps or treads on stepladders – if they are contaminated, they could be slippery; if the fixings are loose on the steps, they could collapse.
How often do ladders need to be inspected?
Ladders that are part of a scaffold system still have to be inspected every seven days as part of the scaffold inspection requirements; are suitable for the intended use, ie are strong and robust enough for the job; have been maintained and stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
What should be included in a pre-use check?
Pre-use checks. The check should include: the stiles – make sure they are not bent or damaged, as the ladder could buckle or collapse; the feet – if they are missing, worn or damaged the ladder could slip.
When should pre-use checks be carried out?
Pre-use checks – these should be carried out by the user, at the beginning of the working day/before starting a task, and repeated every time something changes – like the ladder being dropped or moved to a different area.
Can a ladder collapse?
If so, the ladder could collapse. Ensure any locking bars are fully engaged; the stepladder platform – if it is split or buckled, the ladder could become unstable or collapse; the steps or treads on stepladders – if they are contaminated, they could be slippery; if the fixings are loose on the steps, they could collapse.
Do step ladders have defects?
As a guide, only use ladders or stepladders that: have no visible defects. They should have a pre-use check each working day; have an up-to-date record of the detailed visual inspections carried out regularly by a competent person. These should be done in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
How to know if a ladder is working?
Before using a ladder of any kind, look it over for any loose/missing bolts or screws . Try opening and closing the ladder (step ladder) or extending/retracting the ladder (extension ladders) to see if the ladder operates as it should . Stand the ladder up and shake the ladder with your hand. This will help you identify any loose or missing bolts and/or screws.
What to look for when using a ladder?
The first thing to look for are any bent, missing, or otherwise broken rungs. Using a ladder that has a missing or damaged rung is extremely dangerous. If the ladder has a missing or damaged rung it should be thrown away.
What are the parts of a ladder?
Each of the following items should be checked on a ladder before using it: 1 Ladder rungs (steps) 2 Ladder bolts, screws or attachment parts 3 General Rust or decay 4 Weakened or damaged areas 5 Cracks or splits 6 Twisted or distorted rails 7 Instruction/Safety stickers. 8 Ladder accessories and attachment parts
What does it mean when a ladder is rusty?
While it depends on the amount of rust or decay, a rusty metal ladder or a wooden ladder with decaying wood is a sign of a damaged ladder that should not be used. When reviewing any ladder that has rust or decay occurring on the ladder, especially on the rungs or key parts of the ladder I suggest erroring on the safe side and getting a new ladder.
Why do metal ladders have ridges?
Metal ladders have rungs with grooves or ridges on each rung to help with gripping. Over time, the grooves get worn down and don’t provide the traction/grip as it should to ensure your safety. If this is the case, it’s time to get a new ladder!
Why are ladders weakened?
Ladders that have been left outside in the rain, snow or blistering sun may develop weakened areas in the ladder. This may be hard to notice and inspect.
Why inspect an accessory?
Inspect the accessory to ensure that it has not be damaged and is still in good working order.
When Should You Inspect A Ladder?
You should perform a ladder inspection every time you plan to get on a ladder. Inspections should always be completed before use. Ladder inspections should also be performed immediately after a ladder is dropped or tipped over.
Ladder Inspection Requirements: What to Look For
In any general-use application, there are ladder inspection requirements that all users should follow before climbing up. Use these requirements as a guide when completing your ladder inspection.
Additional Inspection Requirements for Step Ladders
In addition to the above inspection requirements, if you are using a step ladder, make sure to ask yourself:
Additional Inspection Requirements for Extension Ladders
In addition to the above inspection requirements, if you are using an extension ladder, make sure to check that:
What Should You Do If You Discover Signs of Damage During Your Ladder Inspection?
If you discover any signs of damage during your ladder inspection, the ladder should NOT be used.
What should you look for when inspecting any ladder?
missing or loose steps or rungs (they are loose if you can move them by hand)
Can you take a defective ladder out of service?
Tag any defective ladders and take them out of service.
Is a twisted ladder dangerous?
twisted or distorted rails. Check ladders for distortion by sighting along the rails. Using a twisted or bowed ladder is hazardous.
Does CCOHS guarantee accuracy?
Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.
Do you inspect ladders before use?
Inspect ladders before each use. Check the condition of ladders that have been dropped or have fallen before using them again. Inspect ladders before storing to make sure they are in good condition to store, or need repair, replacement or remove from the site.