How often should a ladder be inspected?

Before each use, by the person using it. Many companies also run a periodic check and tag. Follow the maker's instructions and your company's policy.

When should a ladder be taken out of service?

When a rail is bent or cracked, a rung is loose or damaged, a lock doesn't hold, the feet are worn, or it's been repaired in an unsafe way. If you're not sure, take it out and ask.

Is a fiberglass ladder safer near electricity?

Fiberglass doesn't conduct as well as metal, but damp or dirty fiberglass can. Follow your employer's procedures for work near electrical hazards. Don't treat any ladder as insulated unless it's rated for it.

Free template

A ladder inspection checklist for step, straight and extension ladders.

Look at the rails, the rungs and the feet before you climb. If you find damage, take it out of service. Print the sheet or save it as a PDF.

Also calledLadder safety checklist, Step ladder inspection form, Extension ladder inspection

See the sheet All free tools

Free to print, copy and change. It’s a starting point. Add the lines your equipment and your rules need.

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Ladder inspection checklist

Date

Location

Inspector name

Ladder ID or tag

Ladder type

Material

Structure

PassFailN/A

Side rails are straight, with no cracks, bends or dents
Rungs or steps are tight, secure and free of cracks
Rungs and steps are clean and slip-resistant
Spreaders and locks work, on a step ladder
Rung locks, rope and pulley work, on an extension ladder

Feet and hardware

PassFailN/A

Feet or shoes are intact and grip
Bolts, rivets and hardware are tight
Labels and duty rating are readable

Condition

PassFailN/A

No oil, grease or mud on the rungs
No paint or coating hiding a crack or damage
No sign of an unsafe repair or modification
Metal ladders are not used near electrical hazards

Defects found and action taken

Taken out of service? Yes NoReported to

Inspector signature

Date

Supervisor review

Date

A starting point. Adapt it to your equipment, your procedures and the rules that apply to you.Free template from portalbaseai.com

How to use it

Three habits that make it worth filling out.

Step 1
Check before you climb
A two-minute look at the rails, rungs and feet catches most of what goes wrong.
Step 2
Take a damaged ladder out of service
Tag it and remove it. Don't leave it where someone can pick it up.
Step 3
Match the ladder to the job
Check the duty rating and the height, and that the ladder type fits the task.

Do this on a phone instead of paper.

Run this check on a phone, with a photo on any failed step, no signal needed. A failed step opens a repair and the record is kept for you.

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Common questions

How often should a ladder be inspected?: Before each use, by the person using it. Many companies also run a periodic check and tag. Follow the maker's instructions and your company's policy.
When should a ladder be taken out of service?: When a rail is bent or cracked, a rung is loose or damaged, a lock doesn't hold, the feet are worn, or it's been repaired in an unsafe way. If you're not sure, take it out and ask.
Is a fiberglass ladder safer near electricity?: Fiberglass doesn't conduct as well as metal, but damp or dirty fiberglass can. Follow your employer's procedures for work near electrical hazards. Don't treat any ladder as insulated unless it's rated for it.

Related and more free tools

Free tool

A ladder inspection checklist for step, straight and extension ladders.

Ladder inspection checklist

Structure

Feet and hardware

Condition

Three habits that make it worth filling out.

Check before you climb

Take a damaged ladder out of service

Match the ladder to the job

Do this on a phone instead of paper.

Get new free tools by email.

Common questions

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