Reliable Inspection & Accident Prevention

SNI-Nord offers expert UVV inspection services for fixed ladders and rung-type ladders—nationwide, reliable, and independent of the manufacturer!

 

Do Fixed Ladders and Rung-Type Ladders Need to Be Inspected?

Unlike conventional ladders and steps, these „work tools“ are stationary, meaning they are neither portable nor mobile. The guidelines for the use of ladders and steps (BGI 694) state that fixed ladders are part of the structural facilities and are therefore not considered work tools under the Operational Safety Ordinance (BetrSichV). However, fixed ladders must still be regularly inspected for proper functionality and, if necessary, repaired. This is the only way to ensure the highest level of safety for your work tools at all times.

When and How Often Must Fixed Ladders and Rung-Type Ladders Be Inspected?

The type, scope, and intervals of recurring inspections depend on the results of the risk assessment. Current regulations must be observed, including ASR A1.8 and DGUV Information 208-032 (formerly BGI 5189). An annual inspection is recommended, but the interval may be shortened or extended depending on the environment.

No matter how frequently your fixed ladders and rung-type ladders need to be inspected, SNI-Nord will handle your inspection reliably and professionally.

 

Who Can Perform the Safety Inspection?

Fixed ladders and rung-type ladders may only be inspected by qualified experts who, due to their professional training and experience, possess sufficient knowledge in the field. They must be familiar enough with relevant occupational safety regulations, accident prevention regulations, and generally accepted technical standards to assess the safety of fixed ladders and rung-type ladders.

 

Inspection of Fixed Ladders and Rung-Type Ladders with SNI-Nord:

Our employees meet the requirements for qualified persons as outlined in the Operational Safety Ordinance (BetrSichV) and, as experts in fixed ladders and rung-type ladders, conduct the necessary safety UVV inspections. With our nationwide inspection service, we carry out the safety inspection for you, ensuring that you meet your inspection and documentation obligations and that safety is maintained at all times.

Which Legal Norms Govern the Inspection of Fixed Ladders?

The inspection of fixed ladders is regulated by various national and European legal norms, depending on their intended use. Fixed ladders or multi-run installations used on buildings, for example, for maintenance purposes or as emergency ladders in fire escape routes, are considered part of the structural facilities. As such, they fall under the building regulations of the federal states, rather than the Operational Safety Ordinance (BetrSichV).

The Federal Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) supplements the building regulations of the states when fixed ladders on or in structural facilities are also used by insured persons in workplaces. If these ladders are used as part of the second escape route in workplaces or are fixed ladders on buildings, the requirements of ASR A2.3 (Escape Routes, Emergency Exits, Escape and Rescue Plan) must also be observed.

Fixed ladders that provide access to machinery are subject to the BetrSichV, but not the ArbStättV. Further regulations for fixed ladders, including those with back protection and multi-run ladders, are specified in DIN 18799. There are also requirements for fixed ladders on machinery used as stationary access points.

Operating Instructions and Training

In operational areas with particular hazards, such as antenna structures in operation or the mouth area of chimneys, and for the rescue of persons, operating instructions must be created. These instructions dictate safe behavior. Personnel working in these areas must be trained in the use of fixed ladders and personal protective equipment. This includes:

  • Shoes, gloves (depending on the rung profile), and helmet
  • Transport of items (tools, weight, dimensions)
  • Fall protection devices (PPE against falls)

 

Training on the rescue of persons is also required.

All training must be conducted regularly, at least once a year, and documented. As part of the training, employees must be instructed in the use of fall protection devices and rescue equipment, including practical exercises. The employer must ensure that their employees use the provided PPE in accordance with the operating instructions and training.

 

Reliable Inspection by SNI-Nord

Our inspectors carry out the inspection of your fixed ladders and rung-type ladders reliably, competently, and in accordance with the relevant regulations. Choose SNI-Nord and benefit from numerous advantages:

  • We help you meet your inspection and documentation obligations with ease.
  • Thanks to our nationwide service points, we can be on-site quickly and flexibly.
  • We are your partner for UVV inspections: In addition to inspecting fixed ladders and rung-type ladders, our inspectors conduct numerous other mandatory UVV inspections, such as the inspection of power-operated windows, doors, and gates, as well as the inspection of load-handling devices and slings.

 

As qualified experts, we perform recurring inspections properly and in compliance with standards. Of course, we are also your partner for the risk assessment, which determines the inspection interval for fixed ladders and rung-type ladders.

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