Safety first: How to tell if your ladder might need inspecting
Posted on 23rd Dec, 2016 | By Lorretta Tatham
If you’re a professional tradesman, you’ll know just how vital your ladder is in everyday work. Ladders are useful for a variety of tasks and relatively easy to use and handle too – especially if you’ve had a bit of training. However, it’s always important to know when your access equipment isn’t safe. If you’re not in the habit of inspecting your ladders regularly or you’re not sure how to do so, it’s worth asking for help. And if in doubt, you can always call the professionals here at Browns Ladders.
In the meantime, here’s a quick ladder inspection checklist:
- Check the rungs and stiles.
- Check the state of the feet.
- Ensure the locking mechanism still works.
- Make sure there are no loose parts.
- Inspect the ladder material.
Now that you’re acquainted with the basics, allow us to run you through them in a little more detail.
Assessing the risks: Checking your ladder for faults
Whatever the job, it’s always important to assess the risks. We recommend not only assessing the risks of the task ahead but also assessing the risks of your equipment too. You’ll want to make sure that your ladder is in good working order and that there are no loose or damaged parts, as described below.
- Check the rungs and stiles
Rungs and stiles provide stability and security when using a ladder. If any of the rungs or stiles are bent, damaged or missing, the ladder should be removed from use.
- Check the feet
The feet ensure the stability of a ladder and help prevent slips and falls. If the feet are missing, worn or damaged, the ladder should not be used.
- Check the locking mechanism
The locking mechanism sits at the heart of ladder safety, ensuring it doesn’t collapse. If the mechanism doesn’t engage fully, the ladder is not safe for use.
- Check for loose parts
Loose nails, screws, bolts or parts all carry risks and can result in a ladder collapsing. Should there be any loose parts, your ladder should be removed from use.
- Check the appearance of the ladder material
Over time, ladders can deteriorate – cracking or splitting. If any part of the ladder shows deterioration, it should not be used.
If your ladder fails to meet any of the standards described above, it’s worth booking an inspection.
Independent Ladder Safety Inspections at Browns Ladders
Our highly trained experts can independently assess your equipment on your behalf, ensuring its safe to use. We can assess your equipment on-site and inspect up to 50 items in one day, taking the stress out of the process for you. We also carry out repairs on any damaged items on your request – meaning you get the full package.
Depending on the frequency of use of your kit, we’ll advise on how often you should repeat inspections. Each item inspected will also be given a tag and an individual reference, confirming its status.
Give us a call on 01282 615517 to book your next ladder inspection. You’ll be in safe hands, joining the likes of leading companies including Walkers Snack Foods, Warburtons Bakeries and Silentnight Beds.
To ensure optimum safety when working from a ladder, we recommend our Ladders and Steps Training Course. Discover our ladders and steps course today.
Have you ever had your access equipment inspected by the Browns Ladders team? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience. Tell us in the comments below or tweet us @BrownsLadders
