In response from our schedule of Health and Safety audits for maintained schools, concerns have been raised about ladder compliance. If your school has ladders onsite, it is important that competent staff:
- know where they are located
- ensure that staff are trained to use the equipment safely
- ensure ladders are inspected regularly for defects
- stored correctly
Ladders must only be used for low‑risk, short‑duration tasks.
All working at height and equipment must comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
We recommend that you consider whether there is an alternative way of doing the job which avoids working at height. It may be possible to carry out cleaning work, for example, from the ground, using long-handled cleaning tools or engaging a specialist contractor.
Ladders, step ladders, and kick stands do not prevent or mitigate a fall like other preventative working at height processes (e.g. guard rails, scaffolding and scaffolding tower), if reasonably possible alternative methods of access should be chosen.
Actions for Premises Managers
- Visual inspections should be carried out before and after normal use
- Formal inspections must be completed at set intervals, depending on usage frequency and this is explained in the HS F27 form
- Use the Ladder Inspection Form (HS F27) to record all inspections and findings
- Remove defective ladders from use immediately
- Store ladders securely in a well-ventilated area, protected from adverse weather conditions
- Ensure all staff involved in work at height have completed relevant training
Learn more
Ladders – Info Sheet 20
Formal Inspection record form for ladders and stepladders
HS27 Working at Height Policy
HSG27 Working Safely at Height Guidance
