Ladder Inspection
Ladders and WAHR
A ladder is work equipment for working at height, so under Regulation 12 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 it has to be inspected at suitable intervals, on top of the pre-use check the user should do every time.
Our examiners carry out a recorded detailed inspection on site and tell you plainly whether each ladder is safe to keep in service.
Ladder WAHR
Regulation
WAHR 2005
Detailed inspection
Risk-based
Pre-use check
By the user
Examined
On site
Report turnaround
Within 3 days
What's included
What's covered in a ladder inspection
Stiles
We check the stiles for bends, cracks, splits and damage, the structural backbone of the ladder. Bent or cracked stiles are a defect that takes a ladder straight out of service.
Rungs and Feet
We inspect the rungs or steps for wear, looseness, bending or missing parts, and the feet for wear and missing or damaged anti-slip. Worn rungs and missing anti-slip feet are among the faults we see most.
Locking and Extension
We check the locking mechanisms, hinges and stays, and the ropes, pulleys and extension mechanism where fitted. Damaged locking mechanisms and frayed ropes are common findings.
Platform and Structure
We examine the platform, guardrails and spreader on steps and podiums, and the rivets, welds and tie rods that hold the ladder together.
Rating and Condition
We confirm the labelling and rated duty or class are present and legible, and check the general condition for contamination, corrosion and distortion. A missing or illegible duty rating is a defect we flag.
How it works
Your ladder's WAHR inspection, start to finish
Every scheme your equipment is required to meet under UK regulation carried out by accredited engineers and backed by compliant reports.
1
Book
Let us know how many ladders and where they are, and we confirm a date and a fixed price, usually same day.
2
On-site examination
A competent examiner attends and gives each ladder a recorded detailed inspection, not a glance.
3
Compliant report
Within three days you get the inspection records, with any defects and a keep-or-scrap verdict per ladder.
4
Reminders
We track the due date your risk assessment sets and remind you before the next inspection.
OUR STANDARDS
Proper recorded inspections, not a glance
We take our responsibilities seriously, upholding the highest standards of professionalism, quality and safety across every aspect of our operations.
Quality Assurance
Recorded detailed inspections by competent examiners who know what takes a ladder out of service.
Responsibility
A thorough inspection that keeps your access equipment compliant with WAHR 2005.
Care
A cracked stile or worn foot causes serious falls, so we give every ladder a proper inspection, not a glance.
GET IN TOUCH
Request a Ladder Inspection
Let us know how many ladders and when suits, and we'll confirm availability and a competitive quote, usually same day.
Call us
0208 050 3958
Based in
Reading, Berkshire: serving the South of England
● Hampshire
● Oxfordshire
● Northamptonshire
● Cambridgeshire
● Surrey
● Buckinghamshire
● London
FAQ
Ladder Inspection FAQs
How often should a ladder be inspected?
WAHR sets no fixed interval. A competent person should carry out a recorded detailed inspection at intervals set by a risk assessment - how hard the ladder is used and where - and the user should check it before each use. Heavier or site use means more frequent inspection.
Do ladders really need formal inspections?
Yes. A ladder is work equipment for working at height, and a cracked stile or worn foot causes serious falls. Alongside the user's pre-use checks, a recorded detailed inspection by a competent person is expected under WAHR.
Do I legally need a work-at-height inspection?
If you provide equipment for working at height, the Work at Height Regulations 2005 make it your duty to have it inspected. Regulation 12 requires inspection at suitable intervals where it could deteriorate, on top of the user's pre-use checks, and a competent person's record is your evidence of compliance.
Is a formal inspection the same as a pre-use check?
No. The user should check the equipment before each use and look for obvious damage. A detailed inspection is a separate, recorded assessment by a competent person, and one does not replace the other.
Do you carry out inspections on site?
Yes. Our examiners come to your premises across Berkshire and the surrounding counties, inspect the equipment in place, and issue the records promptly.