Calculations follow commonly used HSE practices. Always confirm with your organizationβs definitions and local regulations.
References: OSHA 1904,
ISO 45001,
ILO OSH.
Ladders are among the most commonly used access tools in construction, maintenance, and industrial facilities. However, defective or poorly maintained ladders can lead to serious accidents such as falls, fractures, and head injuries. A Ladder Inspection Checklist provides a systematic way to verify the condition of portable ladders (step, extension, platform, trestle, etc.) before use.
Using a digital ladder inspection checklist tool ensures consistency, documentation, and compliance with safety standards such as OSHA 1910.23, ANSI A14 series, and local workplace regulations.
β What Is a Ladder Inspection Checklist?
A Ladder Inspection Checklist is a structured document or digital tool used to verify the physical condition, stability, labeling, and safe usability of a ladder.
It helps:
Identify damaged or defective ladders before accidents occur.
Determine whether a ladder is fit for use, restricted, or must be removed from service.
Record inspection details for compliance and audits.
Assign responsibility to the inspector and user with clear documentation.
π Key Components of a Ladder Inspection Checklist
A complete ladder inspection checklist should cover:
1. General Condition
No cracks or bends on side rails.
No structural deformation or dents.
Ladder is clean and free of oil, grease, or slippery materials.
Rivets, fasteners, and connections are intact.
2. Steps / Rungs
All steps/rungs secure, undamaged, and without cracks.
Anti-slip treads in good condition.
End caps are present and secure.
No missing rungs.
3. Rails / Spreader / Locks
Hinges, spreader bars, and locking mechanisms intact.
Extension ladder locks/dogs engage properly.
Rope and pulley (if present) in good condition.
No sharp edges or burrs.
4. Feet / Stabilizers
Ladder feet are present and non-slip pads intact.
Shoes pivot freely and provide stable contact.
Stabilizers or outriggers installed (if required).
Wall/roof pads at the top for extension ladders.
5. Labels / Tags / Use
Ladder ID tag is present and legible.
Duty rating label is visible.
Safety warnings (βDo not stand on top stepβ) are intact.
Ladder stored in safe conditions (dry, shaded, away from corrosive environments).
π How to Use the Ladder Inspection Checklist
Fill Meta Information
Site, location, inspectorβs name, date/time, ladder ID, type, and height.
Check Each Section
Mark β OK or β Issue for each item.
Critical issues (e.g., cracks, missing rungs) automatically mark ladder as Do Not Use.
Overall Status
Green (Pass): All checks OK. Next inspection in 7 days.
Yellow (Caution): Non-critical issues noted. Restricted use until rectified. Next inspection in 3 days.
Red (Do Not Use): Critical defect found. Ladder must be tagged and removed from service.
Add Comments/Notes
Mention defects, repairs needed, or usage restrictions.
Sign-Off and Next Inspection Date
Inspector signs off.
System automatically calculates the next due inspection.
Download Report
Export an A4 PDF report for records, audits, and compliance.
π Example Usage
Example 1 β Construction Site
Finding: Cracked side rails on an extension ladder.
Action: Ladder removed from service, tagged βDo Not Useβ, and replaced immediately.
Example 2 β Factory Maintenance
Finding: Anti-slip feet worn out.
Action: Labeled as Caution (Yellow). Allowed for limited use until replacement parts installed.
Example 3 β Office Facility
Finding: Step ladder clean, intact, with labels present.
Action: Marked Pass (Green), next inspection scheduled in 7 days.
π Why Is a Ladder Inspection Checklist Important?
β Prevents accidents caused by defective ladders. β Ensures compliance with OSHA, ANSI, and ISO standards. β Creates documented proof for audits, safety meetings, and incident investigations. β Improves workplace safety culture by promoting proactive checks.
π’ Real-World Applications
Construction Projects β Daily pre-use ladder checks by supervisors.
Factories & Plants β Weekly inspections of all maintenance ladders.
Warehouses & Logistics β Checking platform ladders for stock picking.
Office & Corporate Maintenance β Safe use of step ladders for routine work.
π Common Mistakes in Ladder Inspections
β Skipping inspections because the ladder βlooks fine.β β Ignoring missing labels or ID tags. β Allowing continued use of ladders with temporary fixes (e.g., tape on rails). β Not recording inspections (no documentation during audits).
π Best Practices
β Always tag ladders with inspection results (Green, Yellow, Red). β Train workers on how to identify ladder defects. β Store ladders in proper conditions (clean, dry, upright). β Use digital inspection checklists for auto-generated reports. β Remove damaged ladders immediately.
β Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How often should ladders be inspected? π Before each use (visual check) + formally once every 7 days (documented).
Q2: Who should inspect ladders? π Competent persons such as site supervisors, safety officers, or trained maintenance staff.
Q3: What should be done with defective ladders? π Remove from service, tag as Do Not Use, and repair/replace.
Q4: Can I use a ladder with missing anti-slip feet? π No. The ladder must be repaired before further use.
π― Final Thoughts
A Ladder Inspection Checklist is not just about ticking boxesβit is about ensuring that every ladder in use is safe, stable, and compliant.
By using our digital Ladder Inspection Checklist tool, you can: β Perform structured inspections. β Automatically calculate inspection results. β Export neat A4 PDF reports for records. β Enhance compliance and reduce accidents.
π‘ Pro Tip: Always integrate ladder inspections with your overall Permit-to-Work (PTW) and Daily Safety Reports for a complete safety management framework.
