Ladder Inspection for Daily Use
A safety talk focused on daily ladder inspection, including rails, rungs, feet, labels, locks, spreaders, contamination, damage, and removing unsafe ladders from service.
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Key Hazards
- Falls caused by damaged or defective ladders
- Broken, bent, cracked, or loose rungs and rails
- Missing or damaged ladder feet
- Failed spreaders, locks, or extension mechanisms
- Slippery rungs from mud, grease, oil, ice, or water
- Unsafe ladders returned to service instead of removed
2–3 Minute Talk Script
Ladder inspection should happen before use, not after a problem appears. A damaged ladder can fail suddenly and cause a serious fall, even during a short task.
Workers should inspect side rails, rungs, steps, feet, locks, spreaders, ropes, pulleys, labels, and hardware before using a ladder. Any damage should be taken seriously.
Rails and rungs should be straight, secure, and free of cracks, bends, splits, corrosion, or missing parts. A ladder that twists, flexes, or feels unstable should not be used.
Ladder feet are important because they help prevent slipping. Missing, worn, broken, or contaminated feet can make the ladder unsafe even if the rest of the ladder looks good.
Step ladders should have working spreaders and locking mechanisms. Extension ladders should have working locks, ropes, pulleys, and rung engagement systems where applicable.
Rungs and steps should be clean and dry enough to provide traction. Mud, grease, oil, ice, paint, or water can cause a slip while climbing or standing.
Labels and ratings should be readable. Workers should know the ladder’s duty rating, intended use, and whether it is appropriate for the task and environment.
Unsafe ladders should be removed from service immediately. Tagging, marking, or physically separating the ladder prevents another worker from using it by mistake.
Safety Reminders
- Inspect ladders before each use.
- Check rails, rungs, steps, feet, locks, and spreaders.
- Look for cracks, bends, corrosion, missing parts, and loose hardware.
- Make sure rungs and steps are clean and dry.
- Confirm ladder labels and ratings are readable.
- Do not use ladders that feel unstable or damaged.
- Remove unsafe ladders from service immediately.
Ask the Crew
- Has the ladder been inspected before use today?
- Are rails, rungs, feet, spreaders, and locks in good condition?
- Are steps or rungs contaminated with mud, oil, ice, or water?
- Is the ladder rated and appropriate for the task?
- Has any damaged ladder been tagged or removed from service?