Site Management · Mandatory · Construction

Ladder Inspection Register

The Ladder Inspection Register records all ladders on site, their unique identification numbers, inspection dates, and condition assessments. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, ladders must be inspected before use and at regular intervals. Defective ladders must be removed from service immediately, clearly labelled as condemned, and disposed of to prevent further use.

Last reviewed: 29 March 2026 — This guide reflects UK law as of this date. WAH Regs 2005 remains current with no amendments enacted as of 29 March 2026. Next scheduled review: 29 March 2027.

1. Ladder Safety — Still the Most Common Access Equipment

Despite the Work at Height Regulations' preference for more stable equipment, ladders remain the most widely used means of access on construction sites. They are also a persistent cause of falls. The register ensures every ladder on site has been checked, is in good condition, and is appropriate for the work being carried out.

The register provides site manager oversight across all subcontractors — subcontractors may bring their own ladders, which must also meet inspection standards before use on site.

A ladder with a damaged rung or cracked stile must be taken out of service and destroyed immediately

Defective ladders must not be repaired. They must be physically cut or destroyed to prevent retrieval and reuse. Ladders marked 'do not use' and left in a corner will be used when someone is in a hurry.

2. Ladder Inspection Register — What to Record

Field	Content
Ladder ID	Unique identifier (paint or label on stile). One per ladder.
Owner/user	Subcontractor or PC who owns the ladder.
Ladder type	Leaning, extension, or stepladder. Class 1/EN 131.
Inspection date	Date of formal inspection.
Inspector	Name and role.
Condition	Pass / Minor defects (noted) / Fail (out of service).
Defects noted	Description of defects. Action taken.
Next inspection	Date by which next due.
In service / out	Current status.

3. Common Mistakes

Defective ladders left standing rather than destroyed

Removing a ladder from the work area and leaning it against the welfare unit does not put it out of use. It must be physically destroyed — cut stiles, bend rungs — before placing in the skip.

Domestic or Class 3 ladders on site

A 95kg duty rating is completely unsuitable for construction. Site rules should prohibit Class 3 ladders. The register should confirm class for every entry. Any Class 3 ladder found on site must be removed immediately.

Ladders not labelled with unique identifier

Without an ID, the register cannot track which specific ladder was inspected. A paint mark or numbered cable tie on the stile enables tracking back to the register entry.

Not including subcontractors' ladders

Subcontractors' ladders are work equipment subject to PUWER. Site rules should require all ladders to be registered and inspected. The register must capture all ladders regardless of owner.

No pre-use check before using

A formal inspection every 3 months does not protect against yesterday's damage. A brief 30-second visual check for damage, anti-slip feet, and secure rungs must be carried out before every use.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

How often should ladders be inspected?▾

PUWER requires inspections at suitable intervals based on frequency and intensity of use. For an active construction site, quarterly (3-monthly) is commonly recommended. If a ladder is damaged during use, it must be inspected immediately. HSE suggests more frequent inspections for harsh conditions.

What class of ladder is required on construction sites?▾

BS EN 131 is the current standard. Class 1 Industrial (175kg) is appropriate for construction. Class EN 131 (150kg) may be adequate for lighter tasks. Class 3 domestic (95kg) must not be used on construction sites. The class should be clearly marked on the ladder.

Can a ladder be used to access scaffold platforms?▾

Yes — this is common. The ladder must be: properly footed (75 degrees, 1 out for 4 up); secured at the top where practicable; extending 1 metre above the landing; and of sufficient length. The scaffold inspection should confirm that ladder access points are adequately guarded.

What if a ladder is found damaged during pre-use check?▾

1. Remove from service. 2. Report to supervisor. 3. Mark as out of service. 4. Record in register. 5. Arrange replacement. 6. Destroy the defective ladder. 7. Investigate whether the damage was caused by misuse or normal wear.

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