Inspection Inputs
Example Data Table
| Inspection Date | Ladder Type | Length (ft) | Applicable | Passed | Compliance (%) | Risk Score | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-20 | Extension | 24 | 14 | 13 | 92.9 | 2 | PASS |
| 2026-01-21 | Step (A-frame) | 8 | 12 | 10 | 83.3 | 7 | CONDITIONAL |
| 2026-01-22 | Multi-position | 16 | 13 | 8 | 61.5 | 12 | FAIL |
These are illustrative figures to show how results are presented.
Formula Used
- Applicable checks = count of items not marked N/A.
- Compliance (%) = (Passed ÷ Applicable) × 100.
- Base risk score = sum of weights for failed items.
- Adjusted risk score = Base risk × environment multiplier + service penalty.
- Status rules:
- FAIL if any critical item fails, or compliance < 75%.
- CONDITIONAL if compliance is 75–89.9% or risk score ≥ 6.
- PASS otherwise.
Keep ladders safe; document findings; fix defects promptly always.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter project, area, inspector, and inspection date.
- Select ladder type, material, duty rating, and length.
- Choose environment and days since last service.
- Mark each checklist item as Pass, Fail, or N/A.
- Click Calculate to see status, compliance, and risk score.
- Download CSV or PDF to attach to safety records.
Clear inputs improve audits, maintenance, and daily site safety.
1) Inspection scope and intent
Use this checklist before first use, after transport, and after any impact. It focuses on structural integrity, stability, and safe operation. In this calculator, 15 items are available, and 9 are flagged critical because failure can cause sudden collapse or loss of balance.
2) Pass, fail, and not applicable logic
Each item is marked Pass, Fail, or N/A. N/A removes that item from the denominator so the compliance percentage reflects only relevant checks. This prevents inflating results on step ladders or extension ladders where certain components do not exist.
3) Compliance percentage for recordkeeping
Compliance is calculated as Passed divided by Applicable checks, multiplied by 100. Many sites treat 90% or higher as a strong leading indicator for readiness, while anything below 75% typically requires immediate removal from service and corrective action.
4) Weighted defect scoring for prioritization
Failed items add a weight to the risk score. Weights range from 1 to 4, reflecting how quickly a defect can lead to injury. High-weight examples include damaged side rails, faulty spreaders, and unreliable extension locks. The adjusted score helps supervisors decide whether to quarantine immediately, schedule maintenance, or allow limited use under supervision until repairs are verified.
5) Critical failure rule for safety control
If any critical item is marked Fail, the overall status becomes Fail regardless of percentage. This mirrors field practice: one missing foot, cracked rail, or defective lock can defeat safe use even if all other items pass.
6) Environment and service age adjustments
Conditions change risk. Wet surfaces and outdoor work increase slip likelihood, and electrical areas demand correct ladder selection. The calculator applies an environment multiplier and adds a service-age penalty when the ladder has not been serviced for extended periods.
7) Action planning and closeout evidence
The result includes recommendations to tag, repair, or remove ladders. Use the notes field for tag numbers, locations, or defect descriptions. Exporting CSV supports audits, while the PDF provides a quick attachment for toolbox talks and corrective action logs.
8) Good practice use limits
Always confirm the duty rating and keep loads within the manufacturer’s limits. Maintain three points of contact, set proper angles for extension ladders, and secure the base. Reinspect when a ladder is moved, contaminated, or used by multiple crews. For extension ladders, follow the 4:1 setup guideline, and extend rails above landing points when access is required. Document retraining if repeated failures occur.
Strong inspection habits reduce downtime and prevent serious injuries.
FAQs
1) How often should ladders be inspected on a jobsite?
Inspect before each shift and after relocation, impact, or contamination. Formal documented inspections are commonly scheduled weekly or monthly, depending on site risk and ladder usage volume.
2) What does N/A mean in the checklist?
N/A means the item does not apply to the ladder type or configuration. It is excluded from the compliance calculation so results reflect only the checks that matter for that ladder.
3) Why can one failed item produce an overall FAIL?
Some items are critical controls. A cracked rail, missing foot, or defective lock can cause sudden collapse or slipping, so the calculator forces a fail even if most items pass.
4) How is the risk score different from compliance?
Compliance shows the proportion of passed checks. Risk score prioritizes severity by adding weights for failed items and adjusting for environment and service age to highlight urgent hazards.
5) Can I use the exports for audits?
Yes. The CSV captures summary fields and each item’s result for spreadsheets. The PDF creates a simple report you can attach to permit packs, inspections, or corrective action records.
6) What should I do after a CONDITIONAL result?
Address the failed items, document repairs, and recheck the ladder before reuse. If the ladder is needed, restrict access and supervision until the follow-up inspection verifies safe condition.
7) Does the calculator replace manufacturer guidance?
No. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, labeling, and rated capacity. The calculator supports consistent documentation and decision-making, but it cannot detect hidden damage or verify repairs.