Inspection of ladders & steps

March 5, 2024
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Unkategorisiert

Flying high – but safely!

Ladders & steps are simply practical tools – quickly lifting something out of the top corner of the cupboard, replacing a lamp or painting the balcony: When things need to be done quickly, ladders and steps are often used carelessly and little attention is paid to their condition. After all, why should you? It was still in good condition last time.

But even small defects can have serious consequences – often very painful ones.

Careless use and unnoticed defects are the most common causes of accidents in the home and at work. In particular, “self-made” climbing aids such as tables, chairs, boxes, pallets, etc. offer anything but a secure footing and quickly lead to falls.

You can do something to prevent this from happening…

Safe work equipment through regular inspections

Ladders and steps (in accordance with the Austrian Occupational Safety and Health Act (ASchG) and the Work Equipment Ordinance (AM-VO) in accordance with ÖNORM EN 131) must be used and regularly inspected by a competent person to ensure that they are in proper condition (in accordance with ÖNORM EN 131). The frequency of the inspections depends on the operating conditions, which can mean weekly or even daily inspections if the equipment is used and stressed accordingly. An inspection min. 1x per year by an engineer, civil engineer, inspection body or competent person with appropriate documentation and marking of the ladder (inspection sticker in accordance with ÖNORM EN 131) is always advisable.

If the periodic inspections are carried out by a competent person, the inspection must be carried out every 4 years by a civil engineer, engineering office, approved inspection body or accredited inspection and monitoring body.

Documentation is an important part of the inspection. On the one hand, it is advisable to systematically record all ladders in the company and to document the inspections in a ladder inspection book; on the other hand, visible documentation in the form of clearly legible ladder operating instructions and an inspection sticker on the ladder also provides the user with the necessary safety. This should also be communicated to users in the regular instructions for handling ladders and steps.

However, private individuals are also well advised to pay a little attention to their condition and functional safety if they want to avoid pain, hospitalization and permanent disability.

If you want to solve this issue easily and professionally, follow the link and register at – MyBuilding24 – so that you are spared a nasty crash in the truest sense of the word.

Practical tips on the correct use of ladders and steps:

Before each use, the user should check the condition of the ladder or for damage/defects, e.g. whether the rungs, joints and stiles are in good condition
Wear non-slip and sturdy shoes
Observe the safety and operating instructions and only use in accordance with them (see sticker on the ladder)

Ensure that the ladder has a valid inspection sticker

Observe the load limits (load capacity usually 150 kg) (especially for “more robust” persons, when using 2 persons at the same time or additional weight)
Avoid manipulating heavy weights on the ladder so that the components are not overloaded. Above a certain load, a scaffold, platform, industrial truck (ant) or forklift truck, for example, is the appropriate work equipment
If possible, only use work equipment with the “CE” and ” GS” marks

Ensure a firm, level and non-slip surface under the ladder
The ladder should be stable and provide a sure-footed grip, especially on the top standing surface
Fully open the stepladders so that the tensioning straps are taut
The right ladder should always be used (depending on the work to be carried out). Depending on the load, height and duration, a decision should be made as to whether a single ladder, a stepladder or scaffolding should be used
For a firm hold, an angle of 65° – 75° is the right angle for a single ladder to prevent it from tipping over or slipping away when fully loaded
Always tie the single ladder to the top if possible
Mark damaged ladders and remove them from use/dispose of them immediately so that they cannot be used
Store ladders protected from the weather