Rank: Forum user 
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Hi All,
Maybe I am being pedantic...
I understand that guidance cis47 stipulates that only working platforms/scaffolds etc where a person could fall 2 meters need to be inspected atleast once during any 7 day period (usual conditions apply - potential damage etc..)
But Ladders are specified as 'Inspect at suitable intervals' (or after an event that may jeopardise the safety of the equipment)..
I am in the habit, in the construction industry, to inform my clients to inspect their ladders/steps formally every 7 days due to high chance of damage on site and ladders/steps being moved around from site to site..
So am I being pedantic or do my peers feel this is a reasonable request?
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Hi Luke,
Maybe you are a little pedantic.……?
HSE Guidance Construction Information Sheet No47, is only guidance. As an example, the two metre rule for working platforms is not current. Working platforms should be inspected in line with current statutory requirements
However, this document does give a good practical assessment for inspections of working platforms, cofferdams, excavations etc.
Certainly get the ladders visually checked each day and if they are part of a structure, such as a scaffold, then they would fall under the formal inspection regime anyway.
I think it is reasonable for a ladder in constant usage to have a formal inspection each week.
So maybe you are just being reasonable….?
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Luke
I think it's a bit OTT. We ask sub-conractors to ensure their ladders and step ladders are fit purpose. They should be checked by the user prior to use, suitably tied and footed and good working practices employed. In the world of construction I think the aforementioned is all that can be reasonably expected, anything more, I'm afraid to say, will be nothing more than a wish list.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Weekly ladders inspection regime. Not an unrealistic request for the construction industry, anything and everything is possible. OTT or not, many bigger sites and Principal Contractors already request this!
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Rank: Super forum user
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freelance safety wrote:
HSE Guidance Construction Information Sheet No47, is only guidance. As an example, the two metre rule for working platforms is not current. Working platforms should be inspected in line with current statutory requirements
I'm certain the 2 metre rule Luke mentioned in CIS 47 IS still in line with current regs mate. Are you getting mixed up with the old 2 metre rule from the Construction regs? The W@H Regs stipulate platforms over 2m should be inspected at least every 7 days but platforms under 2m should be inspected after assembly and after any event that may affect it's stability.
I think it is reasonable for a ladder in constant usage to have a formal inspection each week.
So maybe you are just being reasonable….?
Totaly agree with your once a week inspection as the ladders are used daily outside and open to all kinds of adverse weather. If used sparingly indoors, then the inspection could be as often as every 3 months.
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Rank: Forum user
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Rank: Forum user
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Actually maybe that's another debate in itself...
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Rank: Super forum user
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The frequency of inspection should come down to your risk assessment. If you are in an office and only use ladders once in a blue moon then I'd suggest you only carry out an inspection prior to use each time you drag them out of storage. In your case, on a construction site, where they are in frequent use and in tough/dirty environment I would certainly insist on a weekly (if not daily) inspection. A ladder inspection should not take long, be low cost and be easily completed - the risk of a foot going missing or a damaged rung could easily result in a fall from height. Personally I wouldn't want to take the risk.
I have sent you a PM about our tagging and inspection systems which might be of interest to you.
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks All...
As always - good to see others views..
I'm going to stick with the 7 day formal inspection (non-recorded visuals are carried out pre-start everyday anyway).
Thanks again.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Just a quickie, we have something in the region of 20 sub-contractors on site and about 200 operatives. That equates to a hell of a lot of equipment ie ladders, lifting equipment, plant and so on. Whilst we have a register of our equipment it is not possible to check on all the sub-contractors equipment except for the odd spot check. Therefore as the PC we are reliant on sub-contractors checking their own equipment and providing unrealistic rules will only result in a site wide non-compliance.
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