Falls from ladders are one of the leading causes of workplace injury. A pre-use inspection takes under five minutes and catches defects that could cause a ladder to collapse, slide or tip during use. The majority of ladder incidents trace back to a defect that was visible before the ladder was set up.
This guide covers the visual inspection process for step ladders, extension ladders and platform ladders. It applies to timber, aluminium and fibreglass ladders used in any industry.
Before you start
Download or print a ladder inspection checklist so you have a structured record of every check. You will also need an inspection tag and a pen. Carry out the inspection in a clean, dry area with good lighting.
Never inspect a ladder while it is set up at height. Ensure your compliance program includes ladder inspections as part of the routine pre-use check for plant and equipment.
Step-by-step inspection
1. Check the label and load rating
Locate the manufacturer's label, usually riveted to a stile near the base. It must be legible and show the manufacturer's name, model, date of manufacture and rated load capacity. In Australia, industrial ladders carry a 120 kg rating and heavy-duty ladders 150 kg. In the US, Type I is rated to 250 lb and Type IA to 300 lb. If the label is missing or the load rating is unclear, remove the ladder from service.
2. Inspect stiles and side rails
Run your hands along both stiles from top to bottom. For aluminium or steel ladders, check for cracks, dents, bends and corrosion. For timber ladders, look for splinters, rot and separated glue joints. Fibreglass ladders: look for chips, crazing and UV degradation. Any stile damage that reduces cross-section means the ladder must be taken out of service.
3. Check rungs and steps
Test each rung for looseness by stepping on it and applying a slight twist. Rungs should feel solid with no movement at the stile connection. Look for cracks, bending, deformation and missing anti-slip tread. A single loose or damaged rung is enough to fail the entire ladder.
4. Inspect feet and safety shoes
Rubber feet (safety shoes) must be present on both stiles and not worn smooth. The tread pattern should still be visible and the rubber should be pliable, not hard or cracked. Swivel feet should rotate freely. Check for debris packed into the foot tread, as this reduces grip.
5. Check locking mechanisms and spreaders
Step ladders: open the ladder fully and confirm the spreader bars lock into position with no wobble. Extension ladders: operate the rung locks (gravity pawls) by extending and retracting the fly section. Locks must snap positively onto each rung. Check the rope and pulley for fraying or stiffness. Platform ladders: the platform latch must engage securely and guard rails must lock upright.
6. Record and tag
Attach or update the inspection tag with the date, inspector name and pass or fail result. If the ladder fails any check, tag it out of service and remove it from the work area. Record the inspection using a digital inspection form for automatic record-keeping.
Common defects and actions
| Defect | Action |
|---|---|
| Cracked stile or side rail | Destroy and replace, do not repair |
| Missing or loose rung | Remove from service immediately |
| Worn or missing rubber feet | Replace feet before next use |
| Bent or broken spreader bar | Remove from service, do not force open |
| Frayed extension rope or cable | Replace rope before next use |
| Corroded rivets or fasteners | Remove from service for assessment |
| Illegible label or load rating | Remove from service, cannot verify capacity |
| UV damage to fibreglass (crazing, blooming) | Remove from service, retire if severe |
Inspection focus by ladder type
| Ladder type | Material focus | Mechanism check | Special consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step ladder | Spreader bars, platform | Locking hinges | Must open fully flat, no wobble |
| Extension ladder | Rung locks, rope or cable | Pulley, overlap sections | Minimum 3-rung overlap when extended |
| Platform ladder | Guard rails, platform surface | Gate latch, rail locks | Platform must sit level when locked |
| Fibreglass ladder | UV crazing, chips, blooming | Same as base type | Check electrical insulation rating |
Where ladders are used alongside other fall protection equipment, complete a fall protection inspection checklist covering harnesses, lanyards and anchor points.
Regulatory requirements
In Australia, WHS Regulations Part 4.4 classify ladders as plant. Employers and PCBUs must ensure ladders are maintained and inspected before each use. AS/NZS 1892 sets the design and construction standard for portable ladders, covering load ratings, materials and testing.
In the US, OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1053 covers ladders in construction, while 29 CFR 1910.23 applies to general industry. Both require employers to inspect ladders for visible defects before each use and to remove defective ladders from service. Most manufacturers recommend retiring aluminium ladders after 10 years and fibreglass ladders after 5 to 7 years, regardless of visible condition.
Going digital with MapTrack
Paper inspection tags fall off and fade in the weather. With MapTrack, every ladder gets a QR code or barcode tag. Workers scan the tag to launch the inspection form on their phone, complete the check and submit the result. The system captures the inspector, timestamp and GPS location automatically.
Build your ladder inspection form using digital forms with pass/fail fields, photo capture and mandatory sign-off. When a ladder is overdue for inspection or approaching its retirement date, MapTrack triggers automated alerts to the responsible person. Every record is stored centrally, searchable and ready for audits.
For related inspection guides, see how to inspect scaffolding and how to inspect a harness.
