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We have a small dispatch area where we box up and send out test materials around the world. To enable our staff to access the shelving safely we have purchased some mobile steps. In the past our FM contractor was willing to include these steps on their schedule of tests for ladders and the like but they have just decreed that this is now out of the scope of our contract and that they will no longer provide this service.
The question is do we really require someone to test our steps? Can’t our own staff just give them a regular visual once over? Are there any hidden flaws etc which only an “expert” ladder checker can spot?
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Rank: Forum user
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we just have visual check prior to use
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As far as I know AK, as long as the ladders are suitable for the class of usage (not domestic for example) and the user gives them a visual inspection before use and if nothing is loose, broken and it is used in accordance with the manufactures instructions away you go.
As you know as well as any here an RA should be made to ensure that a step-ladder/ladder is the way to go and not something like a podium would not be required. If used regularly then maybe a formal inspection by a responsible person but other than that I see no problem by keeping it in-house.
Unless of course there is such a person as an 'Expert Ladder Tester'. (if not why not... seems to me like a good job)
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Rank: Super forum user 
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We inspect before use, but also record a weekly check.
No special training but guidance of what to look out for, primarily damage and loose parts.
Found as people know they will be checked regularly that they seem to be looked after a little better.
Chris
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Rank: Super forum user
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ask what your original supplier meant by the term 'test' as U have probably been paying for a visual check or visual inspection and noting more
take not of the excellent advice given by others herein
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Thanks for this so far When I said mobile steps I meant something like- these http://www.arco.co.uk/pr...1/Stepmobile+Safety+Step not just a step ladder. But yes –the FM contactor did not claim to do any sort of detailed examination just a visual check. I think the key thing is that they would put a tag on the steps saying that they had been checked which reassured the users.
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They are as good as it gets AK as long as the tall ones are not 'loaded' from the side as they tend to topple.
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Drop me a PM if you want any info on our ladder tags/checklists. I'd say you're ok to carry out your own checks on these to be honest. Just make sure that all the components are covered on the pre-use check and that you have a system in place to quarantine any that are found to be faulty.
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Rank: Super forum user
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A Kurdziel wrote:Thanks for this so far When I said mobile steps I meant something like- these http://www.arco.co.uk/pr...1/Stepmobile+Safety+Step not just a step ladder. But yes –the FM contactor did not claim to do any sort of detailed examination just a visual check. I think the key thing is that they would put a tag on the steps saying that they had been checked which reassured the users. We have similar over time you need to watch out for the rubber treads debonding ! Chris
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We do a pre use check by the two shifts (AM & PM) and record a weekly inspection on a ladder tag, job done. Suggest that you refer to the HSE link noted previously and always ensure that they are not overloaded and that there are instructions for safe use. I would suggest that you give a formal talk to those who use them and record, and repeat where deemed necessary, that way you have covered all bases.
Regards
PaulR
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I believe the ladder needs more than the pre user check and the weekly check. PUWER states the following. An inspection can vary in its extent, as the following demonstrate: quick checks before use (eg electric cable condition on hand-held power tools, functional testing of brakes, lights on mobile machinery) weekly checks (eg presence of guarding, function of safety devices, tyre pressures, and the condition of windows, mirrors and CCTV on mobile plant) more extensive examinations, undertaken every few months or longer (eg general condition of a ladder, close examination of a safety harness, portable appliance testing) http://www.hse.gov.uk/wo...machinery/inspection.htmShould be a detailed inspection by a competent person every 6 months, subject to usage and environment, imo. Do you all let Harness users do a thorough inspection of their own harnesses or let people do their own pat testing?
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Rank: Super forum user
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frankc wrote:I believe the ladder needs more than the pre user check and the weekly check. PUWER states the following. An inspection can vary in its extent, as the following demonstrate: quick checks before use (eg electric cable condition on hand-held power tools, functional testing of brakes, lights on mobile machinery) weekly checks (eg presence of guarding, function of safety devices, tyre pressures, and the condition of windows, mirrors and CCTV on mobile plant) more extensive examinations, undertaken every few months or longer (eg general condition of a ladder, close examination of a safety harness, portable appliance testing) http://www.hse.gov.uk/wo...machinery/inspection.htmShould be a detailed inspection by a competent person every 6 months, subject to usage and environment, imo. Do you all let Harness users do a thorough inspection of their own harnesses or let people do their own pat testing? frank, with respect, the original question was about ladders - not plant and machinery. Ladders only need a pre-use inspection to see they are fit for purpose. Those that have gates or moving parts associated with them may need a basic periodical check to ensure they are not damaged. If you wish to tag them or put them on an inventory to track inspections so be it. Incidentally, harnesses and associated equipment only require a visual check before use by the user. They are inspected by a competent person every 6 months, normally a nice man provided by an insurance company, who also charge very nicely thank you. There is a need to be sensible and proportionate about the potential risks associated with equipment.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Page 6 of the document in #5 by Freelance Safety answers the question. Pre use check Plus a recorded inspection by someone competent, and that person could be in house. It even lists the things to look out for damage and loose parts.
Chris
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi,
We do this in house with the following:
Pre-use checks carried out by all staff.
Ladders are visually checked over for obvious defects once every 3 months and recorded.
Each ladder has a "scafftag" ladder tag that is signed every three months and duplicates the book record.
Poster on the wall where they are all locked up when not in use that shows what defects to be aware off.
Pete
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Rank: Forum user
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Following on from my earlier post, the weekly inspection is recorded on the tag for ease of showing the last inspection carried out, in addition to this there is also an inspection sheet completed by the designated/competent person for that shift who have received the training to undertake the detailed inspection and record on the appropriate document.
Regards
PaulR
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Rank: Super forum user
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We don't have anything on the ladder other than a number. If it is in the workplace it is ok to use, if it is inspected and defective it is removed and broken up at that point. All ladders are found every time, but we have relatively small number so none get missed. The record goes with the guidance and just records it was inspected and ok or destroyed. Easy. HSE were happy with this in previous employment.
Chris
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Rank: Super forum user
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RayRapp wrote:
frank, with respect, the original question was about ladders - not plant and machinery. Ladders only need a pre-use inspection to see they are fit for purpose.
I know, Ray. That's why the bit i copied and pasted from PUWER included the following... .....more extensive examinations, undertaken every few months or longer (eg general condition of a ladder, close examination of a safety harness, portable appliance testing) Oh for something that allows you to underline a section or put it in 'Bold' on this forum ;-)
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frank, fair point. I missed the section...apologies.
Ray
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Rank: Super forum user
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RayRapp wrote:frank, fair point. I missed the section...apologies.
Ray No need whatsoever, Ray.
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