Inspect your ladder before you climb
Work from the feet upwards. A missing rung, a loose fixing or a faulty lock is reason to take a ladder out of use.
Open full-size diagram ↗Look for damage
- Split tread. Take the ladder out of use if any rung is cracked, loose or missing.
- Side rails. Look along both rails for bends and cracks.
- Foot pads. Check every pad for wear, damage or grit underneath.
Start at the feet
Look underneath each foot. Remove trapped grit and check for missing or worn pads. Oil on a shoe or wet tile under a foot can let a sound ladder slide. Choose a clean, firm and level spot.
Look along both rails
Sight along each side for bends or cracks. Check every rung or tread for movement, damage and slippery residue. On platform models, inspect the deck and its supports too.
Check the moving parts
On the ground, open the ladder as directed in its manual. Check hinges, spreaders and locks for damage and full engagement. Inspect it again if it falls or conditions change.
Take a damaged ladder out of use
Keep it away from anyone who might climb it. At work, tag it and report the defect to the person in charge. Arrange a competent assessment before putting it back into service.