Whether at work or around the house, no ladder lasts forever. Inevitably, the day will come when a routine inspection reveals that your trusty ladder is no longer safe to use and it’s time to get a new one.
But what exactly are the signs that you need to be looking for? What are the indications that your ladder needs to be replaced?
Here are some red flags which mean that your ladder is no longer fit for purpose...
1) Worn, bent or loose rungs.
If the ladder's rungs are so worn down that the tread no longer offers sufficient grip, or if the rungs are bent or loose, it’s time to say goodbye to your ladder. These defects could cause you to slip while using the ladder, or the ladder to collapse under your weight.
2) Missing, worn or damaged feet.
Ladder feet that are worn down, damaged or missing altogether mean reduced traction between the ladder and the ground. This makes a dangerous slip far more likely when the ladder is in use.
3) Damaged side rails.
Side rails (also known as stiles) that are dented or beginning to bend are a clear indicator that it’s time to bid farewell to your ladder before it buckles with you on it.
4) Defective locking mechanisms.
Extending ladders typically feature locking mechanisms that prevent movement while the ladder is in use. If your locking mechanisms aren’t working properly, the ladder must be put out of commission. Keep an eye out for locking components that are damaged or corroded; even a minor problem with the locking system greatly increases the risk of the ladder failing and collapsing when you’re using it.
5) Missing or illegible labels.
The labels on your ladder provide vital information from the manufacturer about the ladder's age and intended use. If those labels are gone or have been rendered impossible to decipher, you should not risk using the ladder as it may not be safe. Send the ladder packing and replace it with a younger model.
6) Contamination.
Contaminants—such as paint, grease or even stickers that can't be cleanly removed—may reduce traction, obscure defects in the ladder’s structure or cover up labels that bear important information about the ladder. In such cases, it may not be possible to know if the ladder is safe to use and so it should be replaced. Better safe than sorry!
7) General signs of weakening.
Watch out for...
- Rust (if the ladder is made of metal)
- Splitting and softening (if the ladder is made of wood)
- Blooming and protruding fibres (if it's a fibreglass ladder)
- Cracks or warping
All of these signals indicate that it’s time to replace the ladder immediately. Put your ladder out of its misery and start fresh with a new one.
If you notice of the above defects, don’t put yourself in danger—replace your ladder with a shiny new one! At Ladders UK Direct, we offer a wide range of ladders at competitive prices, all with fast and free delivery, so you can get back to work ASAP.
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