How to check your ladder is safe before you use it

Before using a ladder, you should have access to user instructions from the manufacturer in case you need to refer to them.

You should always carry out a 'pre-use' check to spot any obvious visual defects to make sure the ladder is safe to use.

A pre-use check should be carried out:

• by the person using the ladder
• at the beginning of the working day
• after something has changed, eg a ladder has been dropped or moved from a dirty area to a clean area (check the state or condition of the feet)

The check should include:

• the stiles