Telescopic ladder care: a pre-use safety checklist for tradespeople

Why a pre-use check matters

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 expect any ladder used for work to be inspected before use. A telescopic ladder has more moving parts than a fixed one, so a quick check before you climb is time well spent — it takes about two minutes.

Before every use

• Locks: extend each section and confirm every locking tab clicks fully home. Never climb a section that has not locked.
• Rungs and stiles: look for dents, cracks or bending, especially after a knock or a drop.
• Feet: check the non-slip feet are present, clean and not worn smooth.
• Cleanliness: wipe off mud, paint or grease that could make rungs slippery or jam the mechanism.
• Ground: set the ladder on firm, level ground and at the correct angle (roughly 75 degrees for leaning use).

Using it safely

Keep three points of contact, face the ladder, and do not overreach — move the ladder instead. Never stand on the top two rungs, and stay within the 150 kg maximum load including tools.

Looking after it between jobs

Close the ladder one section at a time and keep fingers clear of the rungs — ReachMaster ladders have anti-pinch spacers, but careful folding still helps. Store it dry and out of direct sun. A light spray of dry lubricant on the rails a couple of times a year keeps the sections sliding smoothly.

When to retire a ladder

If a lock no longer engages firmly, a stile is bent, or a foot is missing, take the ladder out of service. A replacement costs far less than a fall.