How Often Should Workplace Ladders Be Inspected?

There is no single fixed inspection interval that is right for every workplace ladder or stepladder. The appropriate programme depends on how often the equipment is used, the conditions it is exposed to, manufacturer instructions and the employer's risk assessment.

Pre-use checks: before the ladder is used

HSE guidance says ladders and stepladders should have a pre-use check each working day. The user should look for obvious defects before starting work and should check again after something happens that could have affected the ladder, for example if it has been dropped.

These simple pre-use checks do not normally need to be formally recorded. Any defect should be reported and the ladder should not be used if its safety is in doubt.

Detailed visual inspections: recorded and carried out regularly

HSE also says employers should have an up-to-date record of detailed visual inspections carried out regularly by a competent person and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

HSE's wider work-equipment guidance states that equipment exposed to deterioration that could result in a dangerous situation should be inspected at suitable intervals and after events or exceptional circumstances that may have jeopardised its safety.

So is there a legal 3-monthly, 6-monthly or annual rule?

Not as a universal rule for every portable workplace ladder. A business may choose a fixed inspection cycle as part of its own safe system of work, but the interval should be justified by risk, use, environment and manufacturer information rather than presented as a blanket legal requirement.

Ladders that form part of a scaffold system are different: HSE guidance states they are inspected every seven days as part of the scaffold inspection requirements.

What can make more frequent inspections sensible?

• Heavy or daily use
• Outdoor storage or exposure to weather
• Construction, industrial or harsh environments
• Frequent transport between sites
• Previous defects or damage
• Use by multiple employees or contractors
• Exposure to dirt, chemicals or contamination
• Any incident, drop or event that could affect condition

What should a detailed ladder inspection look for?

HSE identifies common defects including damaged or worn feet, twisted or dented stiles, cracked or loose rungs, damaged tie rods, cracked welded joints, loose rivets and damaged stays. The exact checks depend on the ladder type and any manufacturer requirements.

Accessories and stability devices should also be checked in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

What should be recorded?

A practical ladder inspection record can include:

• Unique asset or ladder number
• Type and manufacturer where known
• Site or storage location
• Date of inspection
• Condition of stiles, rungs, feet and fittings
• Condition of locking or stability devices
• Defects identified
• Pass, fail or removed-from-use outcome
• Inspector name
• Recommended follow-up action

What happens if a ladder fails?

A ladder with a safety-critical defect should be taken out of use until the responsible person decides whether it should be replaced or otherwise dealt with appropriately. An inspection system is only useful if failed equipment is clearly identified and prevented from returning to service unintentionally.

Ladder inspections in South Yorkshire

HPM Compliance provides workplace ladder and stepladder inspection support for commercial clients across Rotherham, Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley, Mexborough and surrounding areas, with documented asset records and clear inspection outcomes.

See our Ladder Inspections service page for service information.

This guide provides general information only. It does not replace a site-specific risk assessment, manufacturer instructions, applicable legislation or competent health and safety advice.