Maintenance and Inspection

When it comes to safety on the worksite, regular maintenance and inspection of your ladders is a non-negotiable. When you use a ladder without first checking for damage or missing components, you create unnecessary risk that could negatively impact yourself and those around you on site.

Our Ladder Audit form that you can download here can help you determine if your ladder is ready for use on the jobsite.

Check out more of our top tips for effective ladder maintenance:

• Check for loose or missing bolts or rivets

• Check ladder feet for excessive wear

• Check ropes are not fraying and are securely attached

• Check that ladder stiles/rungs/treads are straight

• Check spreaders are in good order

• Check that the ladder is free from dust, water, grease and corrosion

• Clean a ladder with mild soapy water and ensure it is dry prior to use

• Check timber ladder for splits, rot, and insect infestation

• Never paint a timber ladder use a clear varnish suitable for exterior or marine environments so that defects are not hidden

• If a ladder does have any defects take it out of service immediately. Either send it to a ladder repairer or destroy the ladder so it cannot be used and replace it

• Ladder repairs must be carried out by a competent person - Contact Us

• Store ladders in a dry, covered location

• Exposure to excessive heat may weaken a ladder. Have the ladder checked by a competent person - Contact Us

• If the ladder has sustained a blow or impact carefully check the ladder for defects prior to next use

• Fibreglass ladders will degrade over time and fibres may become exposed. Wash the ladder with a commercial solvent and apply enough coats of polyurethane or clear acrylic lacquer to encapsulate the fibres