Ladder Inspection Checklist (Free Excel Template)
A ladder inspection checklist that lists every stepladder, straight ladder, and extension ladder at your site on one sheet, one row per ladder. Each row has 7 Pass / Fail checks, the result, and what was done about any defect.
Excel (.xlsx) · 4 sheets · Updated 2026-10-21
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Who is this ladder inspection checklist for?
- Maintenance and facility managers who share ladders across a plant, shop, or store
- Safety coordinators who need to know which ladders are still fit to use
- Contractors who carry ladders on service trucks and want a record for each one
When to use it
Use the register to inspect all ladders on a set schedule, such as monthly, and any time a ladder has been dropped, blown over, or damaged. The person using a ladder should still look it over before using it on each shift. Give each ladder an ID label so the row in the register matches the ladder.
What's included
The template includes the following. Delete anything you do not need.
- Header: site, responsible person, and month
- Ladder ID, type, height or length (ft), duty rating (lb), storage location, and purchase month
- 7 checks with Pass / Fail / N/A: rails and rungs, spreaders, feet, hinges and rivets, top cap and steps, rung locks and rope, labels
- Result: OK to use, Repair, or Remove from service
- Defect and action taken, action date, and inspector
- A filled-in sample with six ladders and a print layout for US Letter
Preview the Excel file
This is the actual file. Use the tabs below to switch between the 4 sheets. How to mark each result is explained on the "Instructions" sheet.
| A | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ladder Inspection Checklist (Ladder Register) |
| 2 | |
| 3 | ■ Source |
| 4 | Worker Library https://worker-library.com/templates/ladder-inspection-checklist/ |
| 5 | Request a template or an extra item: https://worker-library.com/contact/ |
| 6 | |
| 7 | ■ Sheets in this workbook |
| 8 | "Entry Sheet" … The sheet you fill in on a computer. Landscape layout. |
| 9 | "Sample (Filled In)" … A filled-in example. Use it as a guide to how each column is written. |
| 10 | "Print (Letter)" … For printing and filling in by hand. Taller rows, and the column headings repeat at the top of every page. Set up for US Letter. |
| 11 | |
| 12 | ■ How to use |
| 13 | 1. Put an ID label on each ladder and list each one on its own row with type, size, duty rating, location, and purchase month. |
| 14 | 2. On the inspection date, check the 7 points and mark Pass, Fail, or N/A. Use N/A for checks that do not apply, such as rung locks on a stepladder. |
| 15 | 3. If any check is Fail, set the result to Repair or Remove from service, tag the ladder Do Not Use, and write what you found. |
| 16 | 4. Write the action date when the ladder is repaired or discarded. Do not put it back in use before then. |
| 17 | 5. Keep one sheet per month or per inspection round and save the file with the date in the name. |
| 18 | |
| 19 | ■ How to mark results, and what to do (read before you start) |
| 20 | Pass … OK to use. |
| 21 | Fail … Stop using it on the spot and tag it "Do Not Use" or barricade the area. Tell your supervisor and write the corrective action. |
| 22 | N/A … The item does not exist here or does not apply today. Do not leave it blank. A blank cell means "not checked". |
| 23 | The inspector may decide to stop. Nobody is blamed for stopping. If in doubt, mark Fail. |
| 24 | After the corrective action, do not return it to service until the verifier writes the re-check date and name. |
| 25 | |
| 26 | ■ Adapting it to your site |
| 27 | • For ladders kept on service trucks, write the truck number in the storage location column so you can find them. |
| 28 | • If your company does not allow standing on the top cap or top step, add that to the labels check. |
| 29 | • Add a column for material (fiberglass, aluminum, wood) if you need to pick nonconductive ladders for electrical work. |
| 30 | |
| 31 | ■ Things to watch |
| 32 | • This is a general ladder register, not an official OSHA form. |
| 33 | • In general industry, ladders must be inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more often as necessary, for visible defects (29 CFR 1910.23(b)(9)). In construction, a competent person inspects ladders periodically and after any occurrence that could affect safe use (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(15)). |
| 34 | • A ladder with a defect should be tagged Do Not Use and taken out of service until it is repaired or discarded. Repairs should follow the manufacturer's instructions. |
| 35 | • State plans and company rules may add requirements. Check the current rules and the ladder's labels. |
| 36 | |
| 37 | ■ About this template |
| 38 | A free inspection template from Worker Library. |
| 39 | You may copy, edit, and print it for use in your own organization. Add or delete items as you need. |
| 40 | Please do not redistribute or sell the template itself. |
| 41 | |
| 42 | ■ Important notice |
| 43 | This template organizes common inspection items for reference. It is not an official form issued by OSHA or any other authority, and using it does not by itself show compliance. |
| 44 | Which inspections are required, how often, and how long records must be kept depend on the equipment, industry, size of the operation, and location (federal, state, and local rules can all apply). |
| 45 | Check the regulations and standards that apply to you, the manufacturer's instructions, and a qualified or competent person. |
| 46 | Worker Library accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this template. |
| 47 | Regulations change. Check the source page above for the latest version. |
| 48 | |
| 49 | ■ Related regulations and standards (for reference) |
| 50 | OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23(b)(9) (general industry): ladders must be inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more often as necessary, to identify visible defects. 29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(15) (construction): ladders must be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and labels for each ladder. |
| 51 | |
| 52 | ■ Updated |
| 53 | 2026-10-21 (reviewed every 3 months) |
| 54 | |
| 55 | ■ About Worker Library |
| 56 | Worker Library publishes free Excel inspection checklists, logs, and forms for maintenance, safety, and quality teams. |
| 57 | All templates: https://worker-library.com/templates/ |
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ladder Inspection Checklist (Ladder Register) | |||||
| 2 | Site / building | Responsible person | ||||
| 3 | ||||||
| 4 | Ladder ID | Type | Height / length (ft) | Duty rating (lb) | Storage location | Purchased (month) |
| 5 | ||||||
| 6 | ||||||
| 7 | ||||||
| 8 | ||||||
| 9 | (19 more blank rows) | |||||
| 10 | Inspected by | |||||
| 11 | ||||||
| 12 | ||||||
| 13 | Notice: This is a general-purpose inspection record. It is not an official government form and does not by itself show compliance with OSHA or any other regulation or standard. | |||||
| 14 | Related regulations and standards (for reference): OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23(b)(9) (general industry): ladders must be inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more often as necessary, to identify visible defects. 29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(15) (construction): ladders must be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and labels for each ladder. | |||||
| 15 | Which inspections you need, how often, and how long to keep records depend on your equipment, industry, and location. Check the regulations that apply to you, the manufacturer's instructions, and a qualified person. | |||||
| 16 | Worker Library accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this template. Regulations change; check the source page for the latest version. | |||||
| 17 | Worker Library https://worker-library.com/templates/ladder-inspection-checklist/ Updated 2026-10-21 | |||||
This preview shows the first 6 of 18 columns. The downloaded file contains everything.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ladder Inspection Checklist (Ladder Register) [SAMPLE] | |||||
| 2 | Site / building | Plant 2, Building C | Responsible person | M. Shah (maintenance) | ||
| 3 | ||||||
| 4 | Ladder ID | Type | Height / length (ft) | Duty rating (lb) | Storage location | Purchased (month) |
| 5 | LD-01 | Stepladder | 3 ft | 250 | Plant 2, stock room | 04/2023 |
| 6 | LD-02 | Stepladder | 6 ft | 300 | Plant 2, machining area | 06/2021 |
| 7 | LD-03 | Multi-position ladder | 4 ft | 300 | Plant 1, maintenance crew | 09/2024 |
| 8 | LD-04 | Straight ladder | 12 ft | 250 | Plant 2, stock room | 11/2022 |
| 9 | LD-05 | Extension ladder | 16-28 ft | 300 | Service truck 3 | 03/2025 |
| 10 | LD-06 | Platform ladder | 2 ft | 300 | Plant 1, assembly line | 02/2024 |
| 11 | ||||||
| 12 | ||||||
| 13 | ||||||
| 14 | ||||||
| 15 | (13 more blank rows) | |||||
| 16 | Inspected by | |||||
| 17 | ||||||
| 18 | ||||||
| 19 | Notice: This is a general-purpose inspection record. It is not an official government form and does not by itself show compliance with OSHA or any other regulation or standard. | |||||
| 20 | Related regulations and standards (for reference): OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23(b)(9) (general industry): ladders must be inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more often as necessary, to identify visible defects. 29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(15) (construction): ladders must be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and labels for each ladder. | |||||
| 21 | Which inspections you need, how often, and how long to keep records depend on your equipment, industry, and location. Check the regulations that apply to you, the manufacturer's instructions, and a qualified person. | |||||
| 22 | Worker Library accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this template. Regulations change; check the source page for the latest version. | |||||
| 23 | Worker Library https://worker-library.com/templates/ladder-inspection-checklist/ Updated 2026-10-21 | |||||
This preview shows the first 6 of 18 columns. The downloaded file contains everything.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ladder Inspection Checklist (Ladder Register) | |||||
| 2 | Site / building | Responsible person | ||||
| 3 | ||||||
| 4 | Ladder ID | Type | Height / length (ft) | Duty rating (lb) | Storage location | Purchased (month) |
| 5 | ||||||
| 6 | ||||||
| 7 | ||||||
| 8 | ||||||
| 9 | (19 more blank rows) | |||||
| 10 | Inspected by | |||||
| 11 | ||||||
| 12 | ||||||
| 13 | Notice: This is a general-purpose inspection record. It is not an official government form and does not by itself show compliance with OSHA or any other regulation or standard. | |||||
| 14 | Related regulations and standards (for reference): OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23(b)(9) (general industry): ladders must be inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more often as necessary, to identify visible defects. 29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(15) (construction): ladders must be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and labels for each ladder. | |||||
| 15 | Which inspections you need, how often, and how long to keep records depend on your equipment, industry, and location. Check the regulations that apply to you, the manufacturer's instructions, and a qualified person. | |||||
| 16 | Worker Library accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this template. Regulations change; check the source page for the latest version. | |||||
| 17 | Worker Library https://worker-library.com/templates/ladder-inspection-checklist/ Updated 2026-10-21 | |||||
This preview shows the first 6 of 18 columns. The downloaded file contains everything.
Cells marked ▼ have a drop-down list. Lightly shaded rows are where you write.
File details
| Format | Excel (.xlsx) |
|---|---|
| Works with | Microsoft Excel 2016 or later, Excel for Microsoft 365, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc |
| Paper | Print areas set for US Letter |
| Sheets | Instructions / Entry Sheet / Sample (Filled In) / Print (Letter) |
| Macros | None |
| File size | About 19 KB |
| Updated | 2026-10-21 |
How to use the ladder inspection checklist
- Put an ID label on each ladder and list each one on its own row with type, size, duty rating, location, and purchase month.
- On the inspection date, check the 7 points and mark Pass, Fail, or N/A. Use N/A for checks that do not apply, such as rung locks on a stepladder.
- If any check is Fail, set the result to Repair or Remove from service, tag the ladder Do Not Use, and write what you found.
- Write the action date when the ladder is repaired or discarded. Do not put it back in use before then.
- Keep one sheet per month or per inspection round and save the file with the date in the name.
Adapting it to your site
- For ladders kept on service trucks, write the truck number in the storage location column so you can find them.
- If your company does not allow standing on the top cap or top step, add that to the labels check.
- Add a column for material (fiberglass, aluminum, wood) if you need to pick nonconductive ladders for electrical work.
Before you use it
Please read
- This is a general ladder register, not an official OSHA form.
- In general industry, ladders must be inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more often as necessary, for visible defects (29 CFR 1910.23(b)(9)). In construction, a competent person inspects ladders periodically and after any occurrence that could affect safe use (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(15)).
- A ladder with a defect should be tagged Do Not Use and taken out of service until it is repaired or discarded. Repairs should follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- State plans and company rules may add requirements. Check the current rules and the ladder's labels.
- This template is provided as-is for reference. Worker Library is not liable for any loss arising from its use. Regulations change, so check the update date on this page.
Ladder Inspection Checklist FAQ
How often do ladders need to be inspected?
In general industry, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23(b)(9) says ladders are inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more often as necessary. In construction, 29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(15) says a competent person inspects them on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect safe use. Many sites add a monthly round with a register like this one.
What should I check on a stepladder?
Common checks are rails and steps for cracks or bends, spreaders that lock fully open, slip-resistant feet, loose hinges or rivets, the top cap, and readable labels. The manufacturer's label lists the checks for that model.
Do I need to keep ladder inspection records?
The OSHA ladder rules listed above do not set a record retention period. Many companies keep a register anyway so they can show which ladders were checked and when. Check your company policy and any state rules.
What do I do with a damaged ladder?
Tag it Do Not Use, take it out of service right away, and either repair it as the manufacturer allows or discard it so nobody uses it by mistake. Write the action and date in the register.