Ladders & Steps Inspection Training Course

Certify Safety, Enhance Skills – Master Ladder Inspections

What is the Ladders & Steps Inspection Training Course?

The Ladder & Steps Inspection Training Course is a specialised program accredited by The Ladder Association, designed for individuals who have already completed the Safe Use of Ladders and Steps course. This advanced course qualifies participants to act as competent persons for inspecting ladders and stepladders, allowing them to approve these for use in compliance with safety regulations.

The course is intended for anyone who has previously passed the Ladder Association's Safe Use of Ladders and Steps course and now needs the skills to inspect ladders and stepladders and certify them as safe for use.

Course Content

What can I expect from the Ladders & Steps Inspection training course?

From the Ladders & Steps Inspection Training Course, you can expect a comprehensive training experience that equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to inspect ladders and stepladders effectively and ensure their safety for use. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect:

Focused Training on Inspection: The course emphasises accurate identification and recording of ladder and stepladder details, using industry-standard naming conventions for parts, and the proper methods to inspect these tools. You'll learn to spot safety-critical faults that can make ladders unsafe for use.
Practical and Theoretical Knowledge: The training combines theoretical knowledge about the regulations and laws affecting work at height with practical skills in inspecting equipment. This includes understanding the differences between pre-use checks and more formal, detailed inspections.
Legal and Regulatory Framework: You'll gain an in-depth understanding of the relevant legislation, product standards, and the approved codes of practice (ACOPs) governing ladder and stepladder inspections. This is crucial for ensuring compliance and safety in the workplace.
Record-Keeping Skills: The course teaches how to record findings in accordance with statutory requirements, specifically referencing the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER).
Decision-Making Skills: You will learn how to recommend appropriate actions if faults are found during inspections, which may include repair, removal from service, or replacement.
End-of-Life Equipment Handling: The course covers the correct methods for disposing of ladders and stepladders at the end of their working life, ensuring environmental compliance and safety.

Overall, the Ladders & Steps Inspection Training Course provides a blend of practical skills and detailed knowledge, preparing you to act as a competent person in ladder inspections and contribute to workplace safety.

Entry Requirements

Are there any entry requirements for the Ladders & Steps Inspection training course?

Before attending this course, you must have successfully completed the Ladder Association’s Safe Use of Ladders and Steps course. This foundational knowledge is crucial as it prepares you for more advanced aspects of ladder safety and inspection.

Assessment

The Ladders & Steps Inspection Training Course typically involves both theoretical and practical assessments to evaluate your understanding and skills. Here's how the course is generally assessed:

Written Examination: There is often a written test that covers the theoretical knowledge you have gained during the course. This might include questions on legislation, regulations affecting work at height, product standards, identification of component parts, and the procedural content that governs ladder and stepladder inspections.
Practical Assessment: A practical exam where you demonstrate your ability to conduct thorough inspections of ladders and stepladders. This includes identifying faults, accurately recording details, and making recommendations based on your findings. The practical assessment ensures that you can apply what you've learned in real-world scenarios.
Record-Keeping and Reporting: Part of the assessment might also involve showing your competency in recording and documenting inspection findings in accordance with statutory requirements, such as those outlined in the PUWER ACOPs.

To successfully complete the course, you will need to pass both the theoretical and practical assessments. This dual approach ensures that delegates are not only knowledgeable about the correct procedures and legal requirements but are also capable of applying this knowledge effectively to ensure safety in real-world settings.

Certification

Upon passing the assessments, you receive the Ladder Association Ladder Inspection certificate and a photo ID card, certifying your competence.

FAQs

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FAQs

What qualification do you need to inspect ladders?

To inspect ladders professionally and competently, you generally need to complete a specific training course that qualifies you to act as a competent person for ladder inspections. Here are the key requirements and qualifications:

Completion of a Recognised Training Course:

The most direct route is through a recognised course such as the Ladders & Steps Inspection Training Course provided by The Ladder Association. This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct thorough inspections of ladders and stepladders.

Prerequisite Training:

It's typically required that you have already completed a foundational course on the safe use of ladders and steps, also offered by The Ladder Association or a similar body. This ensures that you have the basic knowledge needed before learning to inspect ladders.

Certification:

Upon successfully completing the inspection course, participants receive a certification, such as the Ladder Association Ladder Inspection certificate and a photo ID card. This certification serves as proof that you are qualified to inspect ladders according to industry standards.

Understanding of Legal and Safety Standards:

A qualified ladder inspector must be well-versed in relevant safety regulations, standards, and practices, such as those outlined in the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) and any local safety regulations that apply to working at heights and using ladders.

This certification process ensures that inspectors are capable of identifying safety issues, performing routine and formal inspections, and maintaining compliance with safety standards and regulations.

How long is ladder training valid for?

Ladder training certificates, such as those issued by The Ladder Association, are typically valid for a period of 5 years. After this period, it is generally recommended that individuals undertake a refresher course or reassessment to renew their certification. This ensures that ladder inspectors and users remain up-to-date with any changes in safety regulations, best practices, and new technologies related to ladder use and inspection.

Renewing certification periodically is crucial for maintaining safety standards and compliance with legal requirements, especially in industries where working at height is common. This renewal process helps professionals stay aware of evolving safety protocols and maintain their competence in safely using and inspecting ladders.

Do ladders need a loler inspection?

Ladders do not typically require an inspection under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998. LOLER specifically applies to lifting equipment used at work, which includes equipment used to lift loads, such as hoists, cranes, and lifts. Ladders, on the other hand, are considered access equipment rather than lifting equipment.

However, ladders do need to be regularly inspected to ensure they are safe to use. These inspections should be carried out in accordance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998, which cover all types of work equipment, including ladders. Under PUWER, it is required that equipment provided for use at work is:

Suitable for the intended use.
Safely maintained and inspected to ensure it is correctly installed and does not subsequently deteriorate.

The frequency and nature of inspections for ladders should be determined by risk assessments and may be influenced by factors such as the frequency of use, environment, and the likelihood of deterioration.