Quick Answer
Portable ladders should be inspected before use for damaged rails, loose rungs, missing feet, oil or grease, cracked parts, bent hardware, missing labels, and setup problems. OSHA's ladder rules require ladders to be capable of supporting intended loads and to be used only for the purpose for which they were designed.
A practical ladder inspection program gives workers a simple way to identify defects, tag unsafe ladders, remove them from service, and choose the right ladder for the job.
Portable Ladder Inspection Checklist
| Check area | What to inspect | Remove from service if |
|---|---|---|
| Side rails | Cracks, bends, splits, corrosion, and deformation. | Rails are cracked, bent, or structurally questionable. |
| Rungs or steps | Loose, missing, slippery, or damaged steps. | A rung is loose, broken, or contaminated. |
| Feet | Missing pads, worn feet, or poor contact with the floor. | The ladder cannot sit securely. |
| Spreaders and locks | Step ladder spreaders, locks, hinges, and braces. | Parts do not lock or move correctly. |
| Labels | Duty rating and safety labels are readable. | Rating or use information is missing or unreadable. |
| Cleanliness | Oil, grease, mud, or debris on climbing surfaces. | Slip hazards cannot be cleaned effectively. |
Setup and Use Checks
- Choose the ladder type and height that fit the task.
- Place ladders on stable, level surfaces.
- Keep traffic cones or warning devices nearby when work occurs in aisles or doorways.
- Do not stand on top caps or steps not intended for standing.
- Tag damaged ladders and physically remove them from service.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not keep a damaged ladder available because the defect appears minor. Do not use a ladder as a bridge, shelf, or work platform unless it is designed for that purpose. Do not place ladders where forklifts, pallet jacks, doors, or foot traffic can strike them without controls.
FAQ
How often should portable ladders be inspected?
Inspect ladders before use and after any incident that could affect safe condition, such as a fall, impact, or overload.
What should happen to a damaged ladder?
Tag it clearly, remove it from service, and repair or discard it according to site policy and manufacturer guidance.
Do ladders need inspection tags?
Tags are a practical way to document condition and prevent use of defective ladders, especially in shared warehouses and maintenance shops.
About Mick Chan
Mick Chan is a safety supply specialist who helps businesses choose practical PPE, facility safety, and emergency readiness products for real workplace conditions. His guidance focuses on simple, usable safety programs that are easier for teams to follow every day.
Final CTA
Support safer ladder work with ladder inspection tags, traffic cones, caution tape, gloves, safety glasses, hard hats, and facility safety supplies from eSafetySupplies.com.
Sources: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23 Ladders.