Free ladder inspection checklist
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A ladder inspection checklist is a structured form used to verify the safe condition of portable ladders before use and at regular intervals. It covers step ladders, extension ladders and platform ladders. This page explains what to include in a ladder inspection, how to use the template, and provides a free PDF-ready checklist aligned with AS/NZS 1892 requirements.
Last updated: 2026-02-21 · MapTrack
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How to use: Fill in ladder details → mark P/F/N/A for each item → note defects → record result → sign off → save as PDF or print.
- ✓PDF-ready. Open and print to PDF
- ✓Covers step, extension and platform ladders
- ✓P/F/N/A columns across 7 inspection sections
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See the first part of the checklist below. Enter your email above to download the full ladder inspection checklist (PDF-ready, 2 pages).
What is a ladder inspection checklist?
A ladder inspection checklist is a systematic list of checks used to verify that a portable ladder is in safe, serviceable condition before use. It documents the ladder's identity, the inspector's details and the condition of each structural and functional component - rails, rungs, feet, locking mechanisms, labels and general condition. The completed checklist provides evidence that the ladder was inspected and identifies any defects requiring attention.
In Australia, portable ladder safety is governed by the AS/NZS 1892 series of standards and by WHS legislation in each state and territory. Employers have a duty to ensure plant (including ladders) is without risk to health and safety, which includes maintaining and inspecting equipment regularly. Documented ladder inspections support compliance with this duty and reduce the risk of falls from height. One of the leading causes of serious injury and death in Australian workplaces.
Benefits of using a ladder inspection checklist
- Prevent falls from height: identify structural defects, damaged rungs, missing feet or faulty locks before a worker uses the ladder.
- Compliance evidence: documented inspections demonstrate compliance with WHS legislation and AS/NZS 1892 requirements during audits or investigations.
- Consistency: a standardised checklist ensures every inspector checks the same items, regardless of experience level.
- Asset management: records help track when ladders were last inspected, their condition history and when they should be retired from service.
- Identify repetitive damage: a history of inspections can reveal ladders that are frequently damaged, suggesting a need for different equipment or better storage.
- Duty of care: demonstrates that the employer and site manager have taken reasonable steps to ensure ladders are safe to use.
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you move from paper or static PDFs to digital forms in MapTrack, you get:
- Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
- Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
- Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
- Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
- Ability to share forms digitally.
- Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
- Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
- Electronic signatures.
- Edit forms later without reprinting.
- Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
- Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
Book a demo to see digital ladder inspections and asset management in MapTrack.
What to include in a ladder inspection checklist
Our free ladder inspection checklist covers:
- Ladder details: type (step / extension / platform), make/model, serial number, asset/ID number, maximum load rating, height and material.
- Inspector details: name, date, site/location and inspection type (pre-use or formal).
- Rails and stiles: no cracks, bends, dents or corrosion on either rail; welds and rivets intact; rails straight and parallel.
- Rungs and steps: all rungs present and secure; no bending, cracking or corrosion; non-slip surfaces (serrated metal, rubber treads) intact and not worn; correct and uniform spacing.
- Feet and base: rubber feet or spikes present and in good condition; swivel feet functional and locking; base spreaders (step ladders) intact.
- Locking mechanisms: spreader arms or braces (step ladders) lock fully and securely; rung locks / fly section locks (extension ladders) engage correctly; hinge locks secure.
- Labels and ratings: compliance label (AS/NZS 1892 mark) legible; duty rating and maximum load clearly visible; warning labels in place.
- Storage and general condition: no paint obscuring metal surfaces; no oil, mud or chemical contamination; stored correctly (horizontal or vertical rack, not leaning); no signs of heat or UV damage.
- Overall result: Pass/Fail with a defect register for failed items.
- Declaration and signatures: inspector and supervisor sign-off.
How to conduct a ladder inspection
- Record the ladder details (type, make, serial number, asset ID, max load, height) and inspector details at the top of the form.
- Lay the ladder flat on a level surface or stand it against a wall in its normal working position (as applicable to the ladder type) for the inspection.
- Work through each section in order: rails and stiles, rungs/steps, feet and base, locking mechanisms, labels and ratings, storage and condition. Mark P (Pass), F (Fail) or N/A for each item.
- For any Fail item, describe the defect in the Notes column. Do not use the ladder until the defect has been assessed and the ladder repaired or replaced.
- If the ladder fails, tag it immediately with a "Do Not Use" tag and remove it from the work area.
- Record the overall result and list all failed items in the defects register.
- Sign and date the declaration. The supervisor reviews and countersigns.
In MapTrack, ladder inspections can be completed on mobile by scanning a QR code on the ladder. Failed items trigger notifications and can create work orders for repair or disposal. Book a demo to see how.
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Back to download formHow often should ladders be inspected?
Ladders should be visually inspected by the user before each use. This is a quick visual check for obvious damage, missing feet or defective locks, and takes less than a minute. In addition to this daily pre-use check, a formal documented inspection by a competent person should be conducted at least quarterly, and always after an incident involving the ladder.
Ladders used in high-frequency or high-risk environments (construction sites, mining, industrial) should be formally inspected more often. Fibreglass (FRP) ladders used in or near electrical work must be inspected regularly for UV degradation, chips or cracks that could compromise their insulating properties. Always follow the most stringent applicable requirement from the manufacturer, the site safety plan, AS/NZS 1892.5 and your state or territory WHS regulator.
Frequently asked questions
- What should a ladder inspection checklist include?
- A ladder inspection checklist should cover: ladder details (type, make, model, serial number, asset number, maximum load rating, height); rails and stiles (cracks, bends, corrosion, damage); rungs and steps (condition, secure, non-slip surfaces, correct spacing); feet and base (rubber feet or spikes present and intact, swivel feet functional); locking mechanisms (spreaders, hinge locks, rung locks on extension ladders); labels and ratings (compliance label legible, duty rating and maximum load visible); and storage and condition (cleanliness, storage method, no damage from improper storage). Space for overall result, defects and sign-off is also required.
- How often should ladders be inspected?
- Under Australian WHS legislation and the relevant Australian Standards (AS/NZS 1892 series), ladders must be inspected before each use and at regular intervals. The pre-use inspection (visual check before each use) should be performed by the user. A formal documented inspection by a competent person should be completed at least quarterly or in line with the manufacturer's recommendations, and after any incident involving the ladder (fall, dropped, overloaded, or used in or near chemicals or electrical hazards).
- What Australian Standards apply to ladder inspections?
- The AS/NZS 1892 series covers portable ladders. Specifically: AS/NZS 1892.1 covers metal ladders; AS/NZS 1892.3 covers fibreglass reinforced plastic (FRP) ladders; AS/NZS 1892.5 covers portable ladders, selection, safe use and care. These standards specify design requirements, load ratings, construction and labelling. The Work Health and Safety Regulations and relevant Codes of Practice in each state and territory also apply to the safe selection, use and maintenance of ladders.
- When should a ladder be taken out of service?
- A ladder should be immediately removed from service if any of the following are found: cracked, bent or deformed rails or stiles; broken, bent or missing rungs or steps; missing or damaged non-slip surfaces; damaged or missing rubber feet or base components; non-functioning spreaders, locks or hinges; illegible or missing compliance labels; corrosion that affects structural integrity; previous repairs that are not manufacturer-approved; or any other defect that could compromise stability or safety. A defective ladder must be tagged and quarantined until repaired or disposed of.
- Is this ladder inspection checklist free to use?
- Yes. Download and use the ladder inspection checklist for free. Open the file in your browser and use Print → Save as PDF. No MapTrack account is required. If you want to conduct digital ladder inspections linked to each ladder asset with defect history and automated inspection reminders, MapTrack can do that. Book a demo to see how.
Need digital ladder inspections linked to each asset?
Build a ladder inspection form in MapTrack in minutes. Workers scan a QR code on the ladder to complete the inspection on mobile. Failed items trigger alerts and the inspection history lives on the asset.