Ladder and stepladder safety

The Working at Height Regulations

If you use a ladder, stepladder or kickstool to access items at height at work, this activity is subject to the Working at Height Regulations.  These Regulations require the ladder/stepladder/kickstool to be maintained in good condition and be fit for purpose and a risk assessment must be carried out.

Ladder and stepladder inspection

Ladders and stepladders should be regularly inspected to ensure they are in a safe condition. In offices an annual inspection is usually sufficient. More frequent inspections may be needed if ladders and stepladders are used frequently or in environments where they could become damaged more easily. Stepladder Inspection Guidance.

Ladders and stepladders should be marked or tagged with the last date of inspection. If they fail an inspection, they must be marked to indicate that they are not safe to use and taken out of use.

The Stepladder Register gives guidance on how to inspect stepladders and includes forms that can be used for recording checks.

Training in safe use

It is important that staff who use ladders and stepladders as part of their work are given instruction in their safe use. Regular users should attend a ladder safety course or be given formal instruction by a competent supervisor.

Refer to the HSAS website on induction and training (link to the left of this page) for details of our courses. Alternatively contact HSAS for details on training supervisors to deliver courses.