Does your business use ladders, stepladders, safety steps or any other access equipment? Well, if it does then you need to carry out safety inspections.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advise that all companies must carry out detailed formal recorded inspections, typically every 1 to 3 months for heavy use or 6 months for lighter use. Inspections must be carried out by a trained person, ensuring all components are safe, stable and in good condition. This is an inspection that is separate from the usual pre-use check where users must conduct a visual check to ensure it is safe before using a ladders, steps or other access equipment.
Action Handling Equipment carry out safety inspections for their customers. Companies often have a multitude of equipment that needs inspecting and we are able to put together packages to carry out the inspections that are required. The inspections will be recorded and any defects along with recommendations for repairs or replacements are provided. Often multi-site visits are required across business networks and we have teams of inspectors covering the whole of the UK.
We have just completed a repair and inspection contract with a leading UK footwear retailer, covering 52 sites nationwide. Our agreement includes scheduled annual inspections of mobile safety steps and general material handling equipment, along with a responsive call-out service for urgent repairs.
Something as simple as damaged safety chains on a set of staff-only access ladders can easily be overlooked without proper inspections. This one had a safety chain that had failed and a temporary fix had been put in place using a carabiner clip. This was unacceptable and a quick check identified that action needed to be taken to ensure that the equipment could be quarantined until a suitable repair could be initiated. Within a three day window our engineer had fitted a replacement chain and the safety steps were able to be used again without compromising staff safety.
Why regular inspections matter
Mobile safety steps and access ladders are essential pieces of workplace equipment, often used daily in retail environments, factories, warehouses and distribution centres. Over time, regular use can cause wear and tear that may not always be immediately visible.
Regular inspections, such as those provided under our service contracts, are crucial to:
- Ensure equipment remains safe and compliant with Health and Safety regulations.
- Identify potential issues before they lead to costly repairs or accidents.
- Maintain operational efficiency by reducing equipment downtime.
- Provide peace of mind to staff and management that safety standards are consistently met.
Key HSE ladder safety inspection requirements
Pre-use check: users must conduct a visual check before using a ladder, particularly after it has been moved, to ensure it is safe.
Detailed inspection: these are formal, recorded inspections that should be carried out periodically. The HSE recommends between 1 - 6 months dependent on use.
What to inspect:
- Feet: check for damage and ensure they are not contaminated (e.g., soil, oil).
- Rungs/steps: check for bent, damaged, or loose components.
- Stiles/rails: check for cracks, dents, or bowing.
- Locking mechanisms: ensure they function correctly and fully engage.
- Labels: all warning labels should be intact and readable.
- Defective equipment: If a defect is found, the ladder must be removed from service immediately and reported.
- Documentation: records of formal inspections must be kept.
Keeping on top of your equipment inspections, is prudent action to follow!
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