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Ladders, steps, and ladder accessories, such as wall supports or stile extensions, are essential technical work tools used daily in numerous workplaces. However, due to the load and stress they endure, they can become safety risks. To ensure the safety of employees or visitors in the workplace, employers who provide ladders and steps are required to have them inspected regularly. Additionally, proper handling of ladders in everyday use is crucial for maintaining safety.
Ladders and steps must be inspected at least every 12 months. The inspection intervals are determined based on the operating conditions, particularly the frequency of use, the level of stress they endure, and the frequency and severity of defects identified during previous inspections. However, a reinspection of ladders, steps, and ladder accessories must be conducted no later than 12 months after the previous inspection. The results must be documented.
The Operational Safety Ordinance (BetrSichV) mandates that regular inspections be carried out according to DGUV 208-016 by a qualified person or expert. During this recurring ladder inspection, which replaces BGI 694, ladders and steps must be checked for their proper condition through visual and functional inspections.
The type, scope, and intervals of the inspection should be determined based on the risk assessment.
According to the Operational Safety Ordinance (BetrSichV), every employer must ensure that a qualified person, appointed by them, regularly inspects ladders and steps for their proper condition. Qualified persons must be able to demonstrate that they have the necessary knowledge to inspect work equipment. This means that not every trained craftsman can automatically conduct these inspections; they must have specific training or proven expertise in the inspection of ladders and steps to be considered a qualified person.
SNI-Nord GmbH performs inspections according to DGUV 208-016 professionally and competently—independent of the manufacturer and nationwide! Have your ladders and steps inspected on-site by our nationwide inspection service and fulfill your inspection obligation as an employer.
Since ladder inspections must be repeated at intervals of no more than 12 months, we are a reliable and trusted partner that contributes to safety in your company. In addition to inspecting ladders and steps, we also conduct other UVV inspections, such as inspections of fixed ladders and rung-type ladders, inspections of PPE against falls (PSAgA), or checks of hold-open systems, fire doors, fire protection gates, and smoke protection doors and curtains.
Our qualified staff, acting as competent persons, systematically record and clearly label all ladders and steps in your operation. They conduct inspections using a detailed checklist, ensuring thorough documentation. The inspection includes checking for wear, deformations, or defects, verifying that no parts are missing, and ensuring that all connecting elements are functioning properly.
If the equipment is in perfect condition, our inspectors will mark it with an inspection seal, indicating the date of the next ladder inspection. If defects are found, the respective ladders and steps are taken out of service and must not be used until they are repaired or replaced.
To comply with all technical regulations and safety measures, it is crucial that ladders used in the workplace are regularly inspected according to the Operational Safety Ordinance (BetrSichV). Adhering to the required inspection intervals is essential, as it helps ensure the well-being of your employees.
The regular inspection of ladders must always be conducted and documented by a qualified person. An uninspected ladder can be costly for the employer, as failing to conduct these inspections constitutes a clear violation of applicable regulations.
The results of the ladder inspection are documented by the inspector or the qualified persons at the end of the inspection. This documentation can be done either analog or digital. Typically, a ladder inspection checklist is used to cover all important points, ensuring that nothing is overlooked. Additionally, photos of the ladders in the workplace are often taken to serve as evidence, capturing the current condition of the ladder or step.
If the inspector identifies any defects, these must be recorded and included in the documentation. From the moment defects are identified, the ladder or step must no longer be used. For example, a ladder may have sharp edges or be missing components. After such defects are repaired, a re-inspection can take place to verify the items and approve them for use again. Proper documentation is crucial in these cases to confirm that the equipment has been repaired.
If everything is in order and all equipment is in good condition, the items are marked with an inspection seal. This seal includes the date of the next inspection, which should, of course, be adhered to.
When it comes to the annual recurring inspections in your company, we are the reliable and experienced partner by your side! In addition to ladder and step inspections, our services also include the inspection of industrial trucks and power-operated windows, doors, and gates.
SNI-Nord GmbH, as a qualified expert, will handle the ladder inspection for you.
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