Ladder inspection checklist
Updated · Reviewed by Israel Margulies, founder and CEO of High Point GPS
A checklist for inspecting portable and fixed ladders before use: rails, rungs and steps, feet, locks and hardware, ropes on extension ladders, labels, and what to do with a ladder that fails. Mark each item and tag a defective ladder out of service.
OSHA's general industry rule, 29 CFR 1910.23(b)(9), has ladders inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more often as necessary, to find visible defects that could cause injury. Under (b)(10), a ladder with structural or other defects is immediately tagged "Dangerous: Do Not Use" or similar and removed from service until it's repaired or replaced.
Construction sites follow 29 CFR 1926.1053, which has a competent person inspect ladders periodically and after anything that could affect their safe use. This checklist follows the federal text; it isn't legal advice.
Ladder inspection
Fields: Ladder ID / tag · Type (step, extension, fixed) · Material and length · Location · Inspected by · Date
Rails and rungs
- Side rails straight, no cracks, bends or splits
- Rungs and steps tight, not bent or worn
- No grease, oil, mud or paint hiding defects
- Fiberglass: no blooming, cracks or exposed fibers
Feet and hardware
- Feet and pads present and not worn
- Spreaders lock (stepladders)
- Rung locks and pulley work (extension ladders)
- Rope not frayed or worn (extension ladders)
- Rivets, bolts and hinges tight
Labels and use
- Duty rating and instruction labels readable
- Right ladder and rating for the job
- Fixed ladders: cages, rungs and anchors secure
- If it fails. Tag the ladder "Dangerous: Do Not Use", remove it from service, and repair or replace it before anyone uses it again.
Fill it in the right way
- Give every ladder an ID tag so its inspections can be tracked.
- Inspect before the first use in each shift, and after a fall, a strike or anything that could damage it.
- Check rails, rungs, feet, locks, hardware, ropes and labels, and mark each item.
- Tag any ladder that fails "Dangerous: Do Not Use" and take it out of service right away.
- Repair it as the maker allows, or replace it.
- Keep the checklists so you can show the ladder's history.
Tips
- Never paint a wooden ladder; paint hides cracks.
- Metal ladders and power lines don't mix: use fiberglass near electricity.
- Store ladders flat or on racks, out of the weather, so they don't warp.
- A ladder that's been dropped or blown over gets inspected before the next use, not at the next scheduled check.
Do it in FleetZap
- Put a QR label on each ladder; the user scans it to do the check on a phone without an account.
- Failing an item opens a repair work order for the shop and notifies the right people.
- Checklists can include pass/fail, reading, photo and signature steps, with required steps that block closing.
- Inspection due dates can be tracked as compliance items with reminders.
- FleetZap records checks and repairs; it doesn't certify compliance.
Sources
FleetZap Maintenance
Work orders, PM, parts, compliance, assets and KPIs. Explore FleetZap Maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
How often do ladders need to be inspected?
Under OSHA 1910.23(b)(9), before initial use in each work shift and more often as necessary. Construction ladders are inspected by a competent person periodically and after any event that could affect safe use (1926.1053).
What do you do with a defective ladder?
Tag it "Dangerous: Do Not Use" or similar right away and remove it from service until it's repaired or replaced (1910.23(b)(10)).
What should a ladder inspection cover?
Side rails, rungs or steps, feet, spreaders and locks, hardware, ropes and pulleys on extension ladders, and the labels.
Do ladder inspections have to be written down?
The rule requires the inspection; a written record is the easiest way to show it was done. Many companies keep a checklist per ladder.