OBO SHEM Ladders - Maintenance Shop Inspection Checklist

Are all ladders used by employees at their workplace in overall good condition?

Are ladders free of sharp edges, splinters, splits, decay, and broken rungs, spreaders, locking clamps, or side rails?

Are wooden ladders unpainted to prevent hiding any damage, or cracks in the wood?

Are the joints between the steps and side rails tight, are the hardware and fittings securely attached, and do the movable parts operate freely without binding or undue movement?

Do stepladder spreaders or locking devices securely hold the front and back sections of the ladder in the open position?

Are ropes for extension ladders in good condition (not frayed or badly worn)?

Are the rungs or steps clean (free of mud, grease or oil)?

Are the steps uniformly spaced, 1 foot (0.3 meter), and parallel and level when the ladder is in position for use?

If there are any damaged ladders on the site, are they tagged for destruction or repair and kept out of service?

Is the use of ladders while working with AC-powered tools, or when working on or near an electrical system or circuit, limited to wood or fiberglass ladders only (no metal ladders)?

Are ladders rated to support a minimum of 250 pounds (113 kilograms), or do they have a type 1 duty rating? A type 1A ladder that can support 300 pounds (135 kilograms) is preferred.

Are stepladders a maximum of 20 feet (6 meters) long?

Are straight ladders a maximum of 30 feet (9 meters) long?

Are extension ladders a maximum of 60 feet (18 meters) long?

Is the straight or extension ladder placed at a pitch of 1:4 (i.e., 1 foot or 0.3 meter out for each 4 feet or 1.3 meters up)?

Is the straight or extension ladder placed to prevent slipping and is the top of the ladder tied in position?

For any ladder placed in front of a doorway, is the door locked or blocked from the other side so that it cannot be opened and hit the ladder?

Are ladders tall enough to reach the objects the workers need to retrieve?

Are ladders not placed on boxes, barrels, tables, or other materials to gain additional height?

Are workers staying (at a minimum) lower than two steps from the top on a stepladder, or four steps from the top on a single section or extension ladder?

Are workers not climbing on the bracing on the back legs of the stepladder?

Is there no more than one person on the ladder at the time?

Are provisions made to not carry tools and materials by hand (e.g., are tool belts, a rope and pail provided)?

If a ladder is used to provide access to an elevated platform or roof, do the side rails extend at least 36 inches (91 centimeters) above the platform or roof edge?

Are rolling stairs available and used instead of a ladder when possible?