Portable Ladder Inspection Walk-Through
Construction and general industry · Ver en español
Talking points
- Side rails: check for cracks, dents, bends, and corrosion on metal ladders. On fiberglass ladders, look for chips, cracks, and a chalky or faded surface that indicates UV degradation.
- Rungs and steps: each must be firmly attached, undamaged, and free of oil, grease, or mud. A loose rung is an immediate removal-from-service condition.
- Hardware: verify that rung locks, spreader bars, rivets, and bolts are all intact and functioning. On extension ladders, check the rope and pulley — the rope must not be frayed or knotted.
- Feet and shoes: rubber feet must be present and in good condition. Missing or worn feet cause the ladder to slide on smooth surfaces. On adjustable-leg ladders, verify the locking mechanism.
- Labels: ANSI A14 ladder standards put the duty rating, manufacturer, and maximum load markings there — if you cannot read them, treat the ladder as unrated. If you cannot read the duty rating, you cannot verify that the ladder is suitable for your weight plus tools.
Ask the crew
Grab the nearest ladder and inspect it together right now — side rails, rungs, hardware, and feet. Does it pass?
Standards this talk is built on
A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.
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Sign-in sheet
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| Name | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|
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