Ladder inspection checklist
A ladder inspection checklist confirms a ladder is safe before use. Most ladder falls happen below 3 metres on ladders that should have been tagged out. Inspect before every use and remove any ladder that fails.
Ladder inspection checklist
Company: ____________
Site: ____________
Date: ____________
| Stiles straight, not bent, cracked, or split | N/A · Action | |
| Rungs tight, not bent, worn, or missing | N/A · Action | |
| Feet present, not worn, with anti-slip intact | N/A · Action | |
| Spreaders and locks working (step ladders) | N/A · Action | |
| No loose rivets or damaged welds | N/A · Action | |
| Industrial rated (not domestic) for work use | N/A · Action | |
| Fibreglass used near electrical work, not aluminium | N/A · Action | |
| Clean and free of grease, mud, or paint that hides damage | N/A · Action | |
| Correct height for the task; no standing on the top rungs | N/A · Action |
Completed by: ____________________
Signature: ____________________
swmspack.com · Free printable checklist. Not legal advice; adapt to your site.
Common questions
▸How often should ladders be inspected?
Before every use, plus a documented periodic inspection. A ladder that fails inspection should be tagged and removed from service immediately.
▸Can I use a domestic ladder on site?
No. Construction work requires industrial-rated ladders. Domestic ladders are not built for the loads and use of a site.
Need the SWMS itself, not just a checklist?
A checklist confirms controls are in place; a SWMS is the document the law requires before high risk construction work starts. Generate a site-specific one for your trade.