Ladders are simple tools, which is why they are so often used when damaged or used the wrong way. A short check before each use, a more thorough periodic inspection by a competent person and a firm rule that damaged ladders are taken out of service will prevent most ladder failures. This checklist covers portable stepladders, extension ladders and fixed ladders.
Rules and standards
Provincial occupational health and safety rules, including the Alberta OHS Code and the regulations in BC and Ontario, set requirements for the design, use and maintenance of ladders at work. Portable ladders sold for workplace use in Canada are commonly built to CSA Z11, and many provincial rules require ladders to meet a recognized standard. Fixed ladders are covered by building codes and OHS rules for their design, cages, landings and fall protection. Check the current requirements in your province.
Before relying on a ladder, ask whether it is the right means of access at all. A ladder is often chosen because it is handy, when a platform, mobile scaffold or aerial work platform would be safer. See the fall protection hierarchy.
Choosing the right ladder
- Rated for the user plus tools and materials, as shown on the manufacturer's label
- Rated for industrial or commercial use where it will be used at work
- Non-conductive (fibreglass) where there is any chance of contact with electrical equipment
- Long enough that the user does not stand on the top cap or top step of a stepladder, or on the top rungs of an extension ladder
- Labels, ratings and instructions present and readable
Pre-use check: all portable ladders
- Rails straight, with no cracks, splits, dents, bends or corrosion
- Rungs and steps tight, undamaged and free of oil, mud, paint or ice
- Rivets, bolts and other fasteners present and tight
- Feet and slip-resistant pads present, in good condition and swivelling freely where designed to
- No burn marks, chemical damage or signs of exposure to fire
- Fibreglass not showing blooming, exposed fibres or cracks
- No makeshift repairs, splices or added parts
- Labels readable
Stepladders
- Spreader bars or locking arms working and locking fully open
- Top cap secure and undamaged
- Rear rails and braces undamaged
- Ladder stands steady on all four feet with no wobble
- Pail shelf, if fitted, folds and locks correctly
Extension ladders
- Rung locks (pawls) engage fully and hold
- Rope and pulley in good condition, rope not frayed or worn
- Guide brackets secure and the fly section slides freely
- Required overlap between sections can be achieved at the working length
- Feet pivot and are in good condition for the surface
Fixed ladders
- Rungs, rails and brackets secure, with no corrosion, cracks or loose anchors
- Cage or ladder safety system in place and undamaged where required
- Rest platforms and landings secure, where the ladder length requires them
- Rail extensions or grab bars at the top to help users step on and off
- Access gates or chains at the top working
- Clear space behind rungs for the user's feet
- Ladder safety systems (rail or cable) inspected according to the manufacturer's instructions
Remove damaged ladders immediately. A ladder that fails any check should be tagged "do not use" and removed from the work area right away. Ladders should not be repaired in the shop unless the manufacturer's instructions allow the repair. If a ladder cannot be properly repaired, destroy it so it cannot be reused.
Setup and use
Many ladder incidents happen on sound ladders that are set up or used badly. Before climbing:
- Set the ladder on a firm, level surface; do not use boxes or blocks to level it
- Set extension ladders at the angle recommended by the manufacturer, commonly about four up for every one out
- Extend the ladder above the landing so the user has something to hold when stepping off
- Secure the ladder at the top, bottom or both to stop it slipping or sliding
- Keep clear of overhead power lines
- Barricade the base where people or vehicles pass, and do not set up in front of a door unless it is locked or guarded
- Maintain three points of contact while climbing, and face the ladder
- Carry tools on a belt or hoist them up, not in your hands
- Keep your belt buckle between the rails; move the ladder rather than overreach
- One person on the ladder at a time, unless it is designed for more
Periodic inspection and records
In addition to pre-use checks, have a competent person inspect all ladders on a regular schedule and after any incident, fall or exposure to heat or chemicals. Number each ladder, record the inspection date and result, and keep the record. A ladder register makes it easy to see which ladders are due and to retire old ones. Our guide on building a maintenance schedule covers setting up recurring tasks like this.
How ehZee can help
Our ladder and scaffolding inspections include portable and fixed ladders, ratings, condition and inspection records. We report which ladders should be removed from service and what to fix first. For temporary work platforms, see a scaffold inspection checklist.
Common questions
Can we use aluminum ladders around electrical equipment?
No. Metal ladders conduct electricity. Use non-conductive fibreglass ladders where there is any chance of contact with energized equipment or lines, and keep all ladders clear of overhead power lines.
How often should ladders be inspected?
Before every use by the user, and periodically by a competent person on a schedule set by your program and your province's rules. Inspect again after any incident or damage.