Safety

Ladder inspection checklist

The check before a portable ladder is used each shift: rails, rungs, feet, locks and labels, with a tag-out step for any ladder that fails.

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OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23(b)(9) requires ladders to be inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more often as necessary, for visible defects that could cause injury.
Under 1910.23(b)(10), a ladder with structural or other defects is tagged “Dangerous: Do Not Use” or similar and removed from service until it is repaired or replaced.
Add the checks your ladder types need from the manufacturer’s label, such as spreaders on stepladders or the locks and rope on extension ladders.

1
Scan the ladder’s tag
☐ Visited
Checkpoint scan
2
Ladder type
Stepladder · Extension · Straight · Platform
☐ Stepladder ☐ Extension ☐ Straight ☐ Platform
Choice
3
Labels and duty rating legible
☐ Pass ☐ Fail
Pass / fail

4
Side rails straight, with no cracks, splits or bends
☐ Pass ☐ Fail
Pass / fail
5
Rungs or steps secure, not bent or missing
☐ Pass ☐ Fail
Pass / fail
6
Rungs and steps free of oil, grease and mud
☐ Pass ☐ Fail
Pass / fail
7
Feet and slip-resistant pads in place
☐ Pass ☐ Fail
Pass / fail
8
Spreaders or rung locks work and lock fully
☐ Pass ☐ Fail
Pass / fail
9
Rivets, bolts and hardware tight
☐ Pass ☐ Fail
Pass / fail
10
Extension ladders: rope and pulley not frayed or worn
☐ Pass ☐ Fail
Pass / fail

11
Result
Safe to use · Tagged “Do Not Use” and removed
☐ Safe to use ☐ Tagged “Do Not Use” and removed
Choice
12
Photo of any defect
☐ Photo taken
Photo
13
Inspector
______________________
Signature

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In Vardian, readings are checked against their limits as they are entered, and photos and signatures attach to the check itself.

From the sheet to the round

Build a template as a Vardian form, and each line becomes a checkpoint that knows its limit.

We'll set it up in Vardian with your checkpoints and limits during a demo.