Before starting any task, it is crucial to perform a pre-use inspection to identify any visible defects and ensure the ladder is safe for use.
A pre-use inspection should be carried out at the beginning of each working day to check for changes such as falling of a ladder or moving an area from a dirty to a clean area (check the condition of the feet).
Inspect the staircase's stringers for any bends or damage that could cause them to bend or collapse.
When moving from a soft/dirty surface to a smooth/hard surface, make sure the foot material of the ladder is in contact with the ground rather than dirt such as soil, crumbs, or embedded rocks to prevent tipping.
If the steps are crooked, worn, damaged or missing, the staircase may collapse. The ladder may fall if any locking mechanism is bent or if the fixings are old or damaged; Therefore, check that the locking bars are in place.
Inspect the step ladder's platform for cracks or kinks that could cause it to become unstable or collapse.
Check ladders or stepladder steps for dirt or loose fastenings as they may become slippery or fall.
If any of these defects are detected during the pre-use inspection, do not use the ladder and notify your employer immediately.
