Ladder Inspection Checklist
Document Control Company: [COMPANY NAME] · Logo: [COMPANY LOGO] · Address: [COMPANY ADDRESS] Prepared by: [RESPONSIBLE PERSON] · Date: [DATE] · Approved by (signature): _________________
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Ladder Safety |
| Recommended Industry | All |
| Document Type | Checklist |
| Access Level | Starter |
| Last Reviewed | 2026-06-29 |
| Last Updated | 2026-06-29 |
How to Use This Template
Inspect each ladder before use and on a periodic schedule. Check every item below. If any item is marked Fail, remove the ladder from service immediately, tag it "DO NOT USE," and report it. Keep completed checklists on file. Train employees to perform this inspection.
Ladder ID / #: [____] Type: ☐ Step ☐ Extension ☐ Fixed ☐ Other: ____ Location: [LOCATION] Inspected by: [NAME] Date: [DATE]
Inspection Items
| # | Item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rails free of cracks, bends, splits, or corrosion | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 2 | Rungs/steps tight, not bent, missing, or slippery | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 3 | Feet/safety shoes present and not worn or damaged | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 4 | Spreaders/locks (step ladder) work and lock fully | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 5 | Rope, pulley, and rung locks (extension) functional | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 6 | No loose, missing, or damaged hardware/rivets | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 7 | Free of grease, oil, mud, or other slip hazards | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 8 | Labels and duty rating legible and present | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 9 | Correct duty rating for the load (worker + tools) | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 10 | Non-conductive ladder used near electrical hazards | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 11 | No makeshift repairs; structurally sound overall | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Result
☐ PASS — Ladder is safe to use. ☐ FAIL — Remove from service immediately, tag "DO NOT USE," and report. (Use the Defective Ladder Tag.)
Action taken: [DESCRIBE] Reported to: [NAME] Date removed from service: [DATE]
Reminder — safe setup (verify at use): correct angle for extension ladders, secured top and bottom, extends above the landing where required, on stable level ground, three points of contact when climbing. (See the Ladder Setup Guide.)
Company Customization Needed
- Add or remove inspection items to match the ladder types you use.
- Define your inspection frequency (before each use and periodic) and who is authorized to inspect.
- Specify your tag-out and reporting process for defective ladders.
- Review and customize based on applicable federal, state, local, client, and project-specific requirements.
Last Reviewed / Last Updated
- Last Reviewed: 2026-06-29
- Last Updated: 2026-06-29
- Next Review Due: [SET DATE]
Disclaimer
This document is a general safety template and educational resource. It is not legal advice, does not replace a site-specific hazard assessment, and does not guarantee compliance with OSHA or any federal, state, or local requirement. Employers are responsible for reviewing, customizing, implementing, training employees on, and maintaining their own safety programs and records. Consult a qualified safety professional, legal counsel, or regulatory authority when needed.
Template ID: ladder-inspection-checklist · Editable master (Markdown). Export to Word/PDF for distribution. Access level: Starter.