WHY ARE REGULAR INSPECTIONS OF PORTABLE LADDERS IMPORTANT?
WHY ARE REGULAR INSPECTIONS OF PORTABLE LADDERS IMPORTANT?
Regulations on the use of portable ladders have evolved, and current legislation must now be taken into account. Portuguese Decree-Law No. 50/2005 of 25 February transposes Directive 2001/45/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June into Portuguese law, setting minimum safety and health requirements for the use of work equipment by workers. It establishes specific rules for ladder use, including risk assessment and prevention.
This decree-law transposes the European directives applicable to equipment used for temporary work at height, particularly as regards manufacture, instructions for use, maintenance and the importance of regular portable ladder inspections to ensure equipment remains in good condition.
Purchasing a certified portable ladder that complies with the law is unfortunately not enough to guarantee the long-term safety of users unless they also pay proper attention to its service life, safe use and maintenance.
Maintenance is therefore an essential responsibility that every user must fulfil to ensure safety at work and during use.
Portable ladder maintenance guidelines
Under current rules on manufacturers’ obligations, the instructions supplied with every portable ladder must always include a section on maintenance.
Although the precautions vary between models, the general guidelines for all portable ladders require maintenance to be carried out by qualified personnel and to include:
Inspection of the non-slip feet and tips for damage or wear;
Inspection of ladder components, including stiles, rungs and joints;
Inspection of connections between components.
The ladder components and their correct operation should also be checked, including:
Effectiveness of anti-slip components;
Connections between components.
Safety devices such as locking hooks, safety catches and automatically locking platforms.
It is also important to ensure that the ladder is free from deformation or rust that could affect its strength, and that it is in good condition.
Depending on the work carried out and the materials used, the ladder should be thoroughly cleaned at regular intervals, especially its feet and rungs.
Ladders should be stored in places protected from chemicals and weather conditions. Certain chemicals can weaken the aluminium components and create a safety risk.
If a ladder is dented or damaged in a way that takes it outside the manufacturer’s specifications, repairs must be carried out by the manufacturer or an authorised person using original replacement parts.
Ladders must always be inspected before use
A more thorough inspection must be carried out every six months, recorded and kept on file for presentation to the competent authorities if required.
JORMAX. Responsibility and quality
Purchasing certified products that comply with legislation, and following the instructions for use and maintenance, helps reduce accidents both at work and at home.
Indeed, falls from height account for many serious and fatal accidents on construction sites.
To minimise the risks associated with improper ladder use, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, keep the manual close to the equipment and obtain the training needed to recognise hazards. For example, using a conductive metal ladder for electrical work creates a risk of electric shock; use a suitable non-conductive ladder, such as a fibreglass ladder, instead.
For over 40 years, JORMAX has manufactured a wide range of portable ladders for professional use, prioritising safety as a core part of our business philosophy through ongoing, rigorous research.
For more information or a quotation, contact us at comercial@jormax.com or call 256 783 591. We will be pleased to advise you on the safest and most suitable solution for your needs.
We provide inspection checklists for the mandatory periodic inspections of portable ladders.
