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Ladder Inspection Protocols
Welcome back, let’s Build Smart & Build Safe! Many companies treat ladder safety as a matter of "common sense." However, ladder-related incidents remain a leading cause of lost-time injuries and significant insurance claims in the construction industry. Relying on a worker's intuition is not a substitute for a rigorous, documented inspection protocol.
Under OSHA 1926.1053, ladders must be inspected by a competent person for visible defects periodically and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use.
Structural Integrity and Fatigue
A ladder's structural strength is compromised long before it actually breaks. During a formal inspection, the following physical markers indicate that a ladder must be removed from service immediately:
Side Rails: Inspect for cracks, bends, or "heat checks" (fine surface cracks) on fiberglass models. Any deformity in the rails significantly reduces the load-bearing capacity and can lead to sudden collapse.
Rungs and Steps: Verify that all rungs are level and securely attached. Check the rivets; any movement or "play" in a joint is a sign of structural fatigue.
The Spreader Bar: On stepladders, the spreader bar must lock into a straight position. If it is bent or the locking hinge is loose, the ladder may walk or fold during use.
The Interface: Feet and Rungs
The stability of a ladder depends entirely on the friction between the feet and the ground, and the grip between the worker and the rungs.
Component | Inspection Standard |
Safety Feet | Rubber or plastic pads must be present and have visible tread. If the tread is worn down to the metal or fiberglass, the ladder is a slip hazard. |
Traction Surfaces | Rungs must be free of grease, oil, wet paint, or mud. These materials act as lubricants that defeat the slip-resistant design of the ladder. |
Hardware | Bolts and nuts must be tight. Rung locks on extension ladders must seat fully and move freely without excessive force. |
Implementation: The Red Tag
A defect identified during an inspection is only mitigated if the ladder is physically prevented from being used. Intellectual honesty regarding equipment condition requires a strict "Red Tag" system:
Identify: Mark the ladder clearly with a "Danger: Do Not Use" tag.
Isolate: Move the ladder to a secure area or a locked "bone yard" to prevent accidental use by a subcontractor or worker unaware of the defect.
Destroy: If a ladder has structural damage, it cannot be repaired. It must be cut into pieces or otherwise rendered unusable before disposal to ensure it does not end up back on a job site.
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-The Safety Man
