Hi We have a workforce of 300 + with most being transient/ maintenance business. We have upwards of 250 ladders of various types & I'm looking for some ideas on how to manage ladder inspections better. Any ideas? Patrick

Patrick I've sent you a PM with details of our system that might be of interest. Feel free to drop me al ine if you've any questions.

Lawlee45239 Weekly written inspections for 250 ladders? Really? That's 50 a day! Ladder inspection frequencies depend upon how much use they are subjected to, where they are used, how they are transported, where they are stored or after an incident. Weekly inspections are OTT my friend. Assess the potential for damage before deciding upon frequency. I have put a ladder inspection regime in to place for my employer (large Local Authority) and use the following guide to inspection frequency: Daily to once a week use = quarterly inspection Weekly to once a month use = six monthly inspection Monthly or less use = annual inspection I am a Ladder Association Ladder Inspector card holder.

Refer to HSE Guidance:- http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg455.pdf There is a difference between pre-use checks & formal inspections, the latter requiring recording.

Should is must

Oh-oh. Since when did should = must? Maybe this is why H&S can get in a pickle. I realise this is off the subject but I think it is important. Lets use the Highway Code (an ACOP) to clarify - overtaking is a good example. Rule 163 . . ."You should * not get too close to the vehicle you intend to overtake * use your mirrors, signal when it is safe to do so, take a quick sideways glance if necessary . . . . ." etc etc go read for more. Rule 165: "You MUST NOT overtake * if you would have to cross or straddle double white lines with a solid line nearest to you * if you would have to enter an area designed to divide traffic, if it is surrounded by a solid white line" . . . .and 3 others. MUST (or MUST NOT) rules are backed up by specific legislation which is footnoted whenever these terms are used. SHOULD / OUGHT NOT, DO, DO NOT etc. may be good sense but not specifically regulated. Just a code. In the printed version, these specific MUST / MUST NOT terms are not only in u/c BOLD but also in red too, to distinguish. Not quite so clear online, although the references appear to click on to the regulations. So there is a distinction between MUST and SHOULD. The guidance leaflet referred to is - guidance. Sorry folks - back to ladder checks . . . on which I have little to say.

Frank. Totally baffling comment.

I'll try again. You said "You should * not get too close to the vehicle you intend to overtake" Tailgating is getting too close to the vehicle in front. Therefore, is it 'You SHOULD not do it' or 'You MUST not do it' In your opinion, obviously.