A ladder inspection checklist is a simple habit that prevents serious accidents. It helps you inspect a ladder fast before you climb, and it gives you a clear routine for regular inspections when the ladder is used often.

This article gives you two practical checklists:

• A before-every-use ladder inspection checklist you can complete in under a minute

• A monthly inspection that a competent person can complete and record for maintenance and safety

Along the way, you will also see how to set up at ground level, how to handle defects, and how to keep your ladder secure for safe use. If you want extra ladder safety guidance and product-specific instructions, the best starting point is the Lock Jaw Ladder Grip website, including the instructions for use and the ladder safety blog.

Why Should You Use a Ladder Inspection Checklist Every Time?

Falls from a ladder can happen fast, and they can cause injury even from a short duration climb. A quick inspection helps you spot problems before they turn into slips, lost balance, or structural failure.

A ladder inspection checklist matters because it helps you:

• Determine if the ladder is suitable for the task before you start

• Check the overall condition before your weight goes on the rungs

• Find damage early, when repairs or replacement are still simple

• Reduce risk for workers who use extension ladders and other portable ladder types

• Comply with safe use expectations that most workplaces require

It also creates a consistent routine. When inspection becomes normal, people are less likely to ignore warning signs like loose parts, corrosion, grease on the rungs, or cracks in the rails.

Who Should Complete Ladder Inspection and What Is a Competent Person?

Before every use, the person who will climb should do the pre-use check. That is the fastest way to catch obvious issues right before the ladder is carried into position.

Monthly inspections should be completed by a competent person. In simple terms, a competent person is someone who has the training, experience, and authority to inspect equipment, identify defects, and take action. That action might include tagging the ladder out of service, arranging maintenance, or replacing it.

In many workplaces, a health and safety executive or safety executive will set the inspection process, but the ladder user still has responsibility to inspect before climbing and to report problems immediately.

What Should You Check Before Every Use at Ground Level?

The goal of a pre-use ladder inspection is to spot obvious visual defects and anything that could make the ladder unsafe today. Do it at ground level, in good light, before you carry the ladder to the work area.

What Quick Checks Should You Do for Overall Condition?

Use this quick ladder inspection checklist before every use:

• Do the side rails look straight with no bends, dents, or cracks?

• Are the rails free from damage that could weaken the structure?

• Are the rungs or steps present, straight, and not split or worn?

• Are the connections between rungs and rails tight, with no movement?

• Are rivets, bolts, and fixings present and secure, with no missing items?

• Are spreaders (on step ladders) straight, locked, and not damaged?

• Are feet intact and not loose, worn, or uneven?

• Is the base area clean and stable, so the ladder will sit secure?

• Is the ladder free from mud, paint, water, or grease that could cause slipping?

• Is the ladder free from corrosion, rot, or visible deterioration?

If any part looks questionable, stop. Do not “test it” by climbing. Inspection is meant to prevent accidents, not to discover them the hard way.

What Hands-On Checks Should You Do Before Climbing?

After the quick visual check, use your hand to confirm key parts are solid:

• Grip each side rail and gently flex it to see if it feels weak or unstable

• Press on each rung to confirm it does not move or creak

• Check locks, hinges, or moving parts to confirm they engage fully

• Check that the ladder does not wobble on a flat surface

This takes seconds, but it helps ensure the ladder is safe for climbing.

How Should You Inspect Extension Ladders as Part of a Portable Ladder Inspection Checklist?

Extension ladders have extra failure points because they slide, lock, and extend. Your portable ladder inspection checklist should include the normal checks plus extension-specific checks.

What Should You Check on Rails, Rungs, and Side Rails?

• Side rails: no cracks, bends, dents, or separation

• Rungs: no missing rungs, no loose rungs, no sharp edges, no damage

• Rails and rung joints: no movement where parts meet

• Labels and warnings: readable and present so instructions are not lost

What Should You Check on Rope, Locks, and Feet?

• Rope: not frayed, not cut, and attached correctly

• Locks: engage fully on both sides, not loose, not sticking

• Pulleys or moving parts: move smoothly and do not bind

• Feet: grips are intact, not worn smooth, not loose

• Guides: no twisting or misalignment when you extend and retract

If the extension mechanism is rough, sticky, or uneven, treat it as a defect. Many ladder failures begin with “it felt a bit off” being ignored.

If your work involves securing the ladder at the top, use a purpose-built ladder safety device and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For device-specific guidance, review the Lock Jaw Ladder Grip page and the Lock Jaw Ladder Grip product listing, plus the official instructions for use.

What Monthly Ladder Inspection Steps Should Be Completed and Recorded?

Monthly ladder inspection is a deeper check than a pre-use look. It supports regular inspections and helps your team track wear over time.

A monthly inspection should be completed when:

• Ladders are used frequently by multiple workers

• Ladders are carried between sites often

• Ladders are exposed to harsh areas like moisture, chemicals, or outdoor storage

• Any incident occurred that could damage the ladder, even if it looks fine

What Should a Monthly Ladder Inspection Include?

Use this monthly ladder inspection checklist (and record the results):

• Identification

• Ladder type (extension ladders, step ladder, or other)

• Location and area where it is stored

• Asset tag or serial if you have one

• Structure and frame

• Side rails straight, no bowing, no cracks

• No dents or deformities that change ladder shape

• No separation at joints

• Steps and rungs

• Rungs secure, no looseness, no twisting

• Step surfaces not worn smooth

• No damage that reduces grip

• Hardware and fixings

• Rivets present and tight

• Bolts and hinges not loose

• Spreaders open and lock correctly

• Locks on extension ladders engage properly

• Feet and base contact points

• Feet not worn, not loose, not missing

• Non-slip surfaces intact

• Base sits flat and stable

• Cleanliness and surface condition

• Free of grease, oil, wet paint, and slippery residue

• No corrosion on metal components

• No rot, cracks, or decay on any non-metal components

• Function test

• Open, extend, retract, and lock to confirm smooth operation

• Confirm the ladder remains stable in a normal working position

• Outcome and action

• Pass, monitor, repair required, or remove from service

• Notes on defects found and what steps were taken

Monthly inspection is also a great time to confirm your team is following the correct setup and safe use steps, not just checking the ladder’s condition.

How Can You Set Up a Ladder for Safe Use Before You Climb?

A ladder can be in perfect condition and still be unsafe if it is set poorly. Setup is part of ladder inspection because the environment creates risk.

Use this setup routine at ground level:

• Choose a stable base that is level, firm, and not slippery

• Clear debris so feet sit flat and secure

• Position the ladder so it will not be struck by doors, vehicles, or moving equipment

• Maintain a safe angle so the ladder does not slide out

• Make sure the ladder extends high enough above the landing point when accessing a higher surface

• Never set up on unstable objects to gain height

When climbing:

• Face the ladder

• Keep three points of contact whenever possible, such as two feet and one hand

• Move slowly and avoid carrying heavy items in your hand while climbing

• Do not overreach; climb down and reposition the ladder instead

If the task involves securing the top to prevent sliding, use a ladder safety device and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 

What Maintenance Habits Help Reduce Defects and Extend Ladder Life?

Maintenance is what you do between inspections to keep small problems from becoming big ones.

Good maintenance habits include:

• Clean the ladder after use, especially if exposed to dust, mud, or chemicals

• Keep rungs dry and free from grease to reduce slip risk

• Store ladders properly so rails do not warp and steps do not bend

• Protect ladders from unnecessary exposure that causes corrosion or rot

• Replace worn feet and address loose hardware early

• Keep manufacturer’s instructions available so safe use guidance is not forgotten

Maintenance should not be improvised. If there is a defect, do not “patch” a ladder in a way that changes its design or load. When in doubt, remove it from service and follow the correct process.

How Should You Decide if a Ladder Is Suitable for the Task Before Purchasing?

Many ladder accidents begin at the beginning of the job when the wrong ladder is chosen. Purchasing decisions and job planning directly affect safety.

Before purchasing or assigning a ladder, determine:

• Will the task be short duration and low risk, or does it need a safer access method?

• What height is required, and will the ladder reach without standing on unsafe steps?

• Does the ladder type match the work, such as extension ladders for access and step ladders for stable standing tasks?

• Will the ladder be used indoors, outdoors, or in wet areas?

• Will the ladder need to be secured due to environment and surface conditions?

Choosing the right ladder reduces the chance that workers will overreach, rush, or use unsafe positioning.

What Should You Do When You Find Damage, Loose Parts, or Other Issues?

The rule is simple: if you find defects, stop using the ladder.

When issues are found:

• Tag the ladder clearly as “Do Not Use”

• Remove it from the work area so no one else climbs it

• Report the defect to the person responsible for maintenance

• Record what you found during the monthly inspection process

• Do not attempt repairs that are not approved by the manufacturer’s instructions

• If the damage affects structure, rails, rungs, locks, or feet, treat it as serious

This is where a strong safety culture matters. The goal is not to “get the job done anyway.” The goal is safe use that prevents falls.

If you want practical ladder safety reminders and real-world tips, review the Lock Jaw Ladder Grip ladder safety blog and the ladder safety laws resource so your process aligns with what is required in your work environment.

What Is a Copy-and-Use Ladder Inspection Checklist for Before Every Use?

Here is a fast ladder inspection checklist you can print, save, or add to your job process. Feel free to copy it into your own form.

• Ladder clean and dry, no grease or slippery residue

• Side rails straight, no cracks, no dents, no damage

• Rungs or steps secure, not loose, not worn, no missing items

• Rivets and fixings secure, no loose hardware

• Feet intact and secure, base sits flat

• Spreaders (if present) locked and not bent

• Extension ladders: locks engage, rope not frayed, moving parts work

• Labels readable so instructions are available

• Work area safe, ground level stable, ladder position secure

• If any defects are found, do not use and report immediately

What Is a Practical Monthly Portable Ladder Inspection Checklist Template?

Use this portable ladder inspection checklist for monthly checks completed by a competent person. Record the date, the person, and the outcome.

• Ladder ID and type

• Storage location and typical work areas used

• Detailed check of side rails, rails, and structure

• Detailed check of rungs, steps, and joints

• Detailed check of rivets, hinges, locks, and spreaders

• Detailed check of feet and base stability

• Check for corrosion, rot, cracking, splitting, or deformation

• Check for damage from impact or drops

• Confirm the ladder opens, extends, and locks correctly

• Maintenance action required or removal from service

• Signature and completion notes

This monthly inspection supports regular inspections and gives you proof that the ladder was checked, which helps prevent repeated problems and reduces risk.

How Can a Simple Ladder Safety Device Support Safer Ladder Setup?

Inspection reduces defects. Setup reduces slips. Securing reduces movement. When your work involves gutters or unstable top contact points, a ladder safety device can help keep the ladder secure, but only when it is used correctly and paired with good inspection habits.

If your team wants to understand how such a device fits into safe use, start with:

• The main Lock Jaw Ladder Grip page

• The Lock Jaw Ladder Grip product page

• The official instructions for use

• The customer testimonials and the about us page for background and real feedback

What Is the Conclusion on Ladder Inspection and Safe Use?

A ladder can feel familiar, but it is still a tool that can fail. The best protection is a routine that makes ladder inspection normal, not optional.

If you want fewer falls and fewer injuries, keep it simple:

• Inspect before every use

• Use a monthly inspection schedule for regular inspections

• Choose the right ladder for the task and height

• Set the base and position correctly at ground level

• Keep three points of contact while climbing

• Remove ladders from service when defects appear

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions and keep maintenance consistent

That combination prevents accidents at the beginning of the job, not after something goes wrong.

Call to action: If you want practical ladder safety guidance, device instructions, and resources you can share with workers, visit Lock Jaw Ladder Grip and review the ladder safety blog.

What Works Are Cited for This Ladder Safety Article?

Works Cited

“1917.119 Portable Ladders.” Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1917/1917.119. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026. OSHA

“How to Check Your Ladder Is Safe Before Use.” Health and Safety Executive, https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/ladders/how-to-check-ladder-is-safe-before-use.htm. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026. HSE

“Inspecting the Condition of Ladders and Stepladders.” Health and Safety Executive, https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/ladders/inspecting-condition-of-ladders.htm. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026. HSE

“Portable Ladders Self-Inspection Checklist.” National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2004-101/chklists/r1n21l~1.html. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026. CDC

“Portable Ladder Safety: Inspection, Use and Maintenance.” Department of Industrial Relations, https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/etools/08-001/care.htm. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026. Cal-OSHA

“Ladders: Inspections and Maintenance.” SafeWork SA, https://safework.sa.gov.au/workplaces/plant-tools-and-vehicles/ladders. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026. SafeWork SA

“Safe Use of Ladders and Stepladders: A Brief Guide.” Ladder Association, https://ladderassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/LA455-Safe-Use-of-Ladders-and-Stepladders-A-brief-guide.pdf. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026. The Ladder Association

What FAQ Helps You Apply This Ladder Inspection Checklist Correctly?