Ladder & Step Ladder Training

Expert Ladder Safety Training and Inspection Compliance

What is a Ladder and Step Ladder Training Course?

The Ladder and Stepladder Training Course is designed for individuals who are or will be responsible for the use of ladders and stepladders in the workplace. This half-day course equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to use ladders and stepladders legally and safely. The training is essential for anyone involved in working at height, as it helps fulfil legal duty of care requirements and demonstrates competence through successful completion.

Course Content

What can I expect from Ladder Training?

Participants will gain crucial insights and skills including:

Understanding Legislation and Regulations: Learn about the legal requirements under Work at Height Regulations and other relevant legislation affecting ladder use.
Practical Skills for Ladder Use: Develop the ability to perform pre-use inspections, correctly handle, and safely use ladders and stepladders according to approved methods and manufacturer’s instructions.
Risk Assessment and Planning: Master the S.T.E.P. format for planning and risk management to ensure safe ladder use in various environments: Site, Task, Equipment, Personnel.
Hazard Identification: Identify common hazards associated with ladder use and learn how to mitigate these risks effectively.

Entry Requirements

Are there any entry requirements for the Ladder Training course?

This course is suitable for anyone responsible for using ladders and stepladders at work, including those new to working at height and seasoned professionals looking to refresh their knowledge. While no prerequisites are required, a working knowledge of ladders is beneficial. The course content is tailored to ensure all participants, regardless of previous experience, leave with a thorough understanding of ladder safety protocols.

Assessment

How is the Ladder Training course assessed?

Participants will be assessed through two key components to ensure they have grasped the essential principles covered:

Theoretical Test: A short multiple-choice quiz covering the key concepts of ladder safety, regulations, and best practices.
Practical Ladder Exercise: An exercise where participants demonstrate the correct selection, risk assessment, and use of ladders and stepladders, emphasising safe practices.

Certification

Participants receive a Ladder and Step Ladder Training certificate upon successful completion of the course. This certification serves as proof of the individual’s ability to handle ladders and stepladders safely and in compliance with legal requirements.

FAQs

Available training dates

Search below to browse through thousands of course dates across the UK.

Find a training date

FAQs

Is Ladder Inspection Training a legal requirement?

Yes, Ladder Inspection Training is a legal requirement in the UK.

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, it is mandatory for any person who supervises or conducts work at height to have adequate training and knowledge. This includes training on how to inspect ladders and stepladders to ensure they are safe to use. The regulations require that ladders be inspected regularly and maintained in a safe condition. Those responsible for carrying out these inspections must be competent, which typically means they have received formal training on how to properly inspect and maintain ladders to prevent accidents and comply with safety standards.

Do I need training to use a ladder at work?

Yes, you do need training to use a ladder at work.

According to the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers must ensure that anyone involved in work at height activities, including the use of ladders, is competent to do so. This means they must have received appropriate training specific to the tasks they are performing, which includes understanding how to safely use, handle, and store ladders.

Training helps ensure that workers are aware of potential risks and know the necessary precautions to take when using ladders, thereby reducing the risk of falls and injuries. It covers aspects such as selecting the right ladder for the job, conducting pre-use checks, setting up ladders safely, and using them in a manner that minimises risk. This is crucial for maintaining safety standards and compliance with health and safety regulations.

How often should ladders be inspected?

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines, ladders should be inspected regularly to ensure they are suitable for the work task and remain in a safe condition for use.

Here are the key types of inspections recommended:

Pre-use Checks: These are to be conducted each working day before the ladder is used. Pre-use checks are visual inspections to identify any visible defects that could compromise the ladder’s safety. Users should look for issues such as damaged or worn ladder feet, bent or dented stiles, loose or cracked rungs, and damaged tie rods. These checks are crucial for the immediate safety of the ladder user and do not need to be recorded, but any defects found should be reported to a manager.
Detailed Visual Inspections: This type of inspection is more thorough than pre-use checks and should be carried out at regular intervals as determined by a risk assessment and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The HSE suggests that these inspections be conducted by a competent person to ensure an in-depth evaluation of the ladder's condition. Issues to check for include twisted stiles, cracked or damaged welded joints, loose rivets, and any other conditions that might affect the ladder's stability and safety. Records of these inspections should be maintained as they provide a historical account of the ladder’s condition and maintenance.
Scaffold Ladders: Ladders that are part of a scaffold system must be inspected every seven days as part of the scaffold inspection requirements.

The frequency of detailed visual inspections should be based on the environment and frequency of ladder use, but they typically range from every three to six months. Ensuring these inspections are carried out regularly and recorded helps maintain the overall safety and longevity of ladder equipment in the workplace.