Guide
Ladder inspection checklist
A ladder inspection checklist asks whether this ladder is fit to use, and whether a ladder is the right equipment today. A sound ladder leaned along a whole elevation is still the wrong plan.
Inspection is not the same as selection
The Work at Height Regulations 2005, regulation 12, require inspection of work equipment used for work at height. Regulation 13 requires inspection of places of work at height. Regulation 7 is about selecting the equipment. A ticked checklist does not answer regulation 7.
The checklist on this page is the pre-use inspection: stiles, feet, rungs and treads, locking bars, platform, labels, and damage or corrosion. A failed item is when the ladder is taken out of use. HSE INDG455 is the guidance for that check. It does not decide that a ladder is the right equipment.
No law requires a document called a RAMS. The duty is to assess risk under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, regulation 3, and to plan the work safely.
Library entries on RAMSPack are marked draft – awaiting competent review. The sheet on this page is blank until you fill it in. It is not HSE approved.
Pre-use ladder inspection
Check this ladder before it is used. A sound ladder is still the wrong equipment when the job needs a platform. HSE INDG455, Safe use of ladders and stepladders, is guidance on that check. It is not the law. Inspection of work equipment used for work at height is the Work at Height Regulations 2005, regulation 12.
Ladder identity or mark: ____________________
Inspector: ____________________
Date: ____________________
- Stiles: straight, not split, bent, or crushed.
- Feet: fitted, and not worn smooth or missing.
- Rungs and treads: present, secure, and not slippery.
- Locking bars: on a stepladder, they engage and are not bent.
- Platform: where the ladder has one, it is secure and not cracked.
- Labels: the manufacturer label is still readable.
- Damage and corrosion: no cracks, corrosion, unofficial repairs, or paint hiding damage.
- When to take it out of use: any failed item. Label it and do not put it back into use.
Generate a RAMS for the job that needs this ladder