We inspect ladder platforms and access equipment using recognised working at height systems from trusted manufacturers.
Ladder, Stepladder, Podium and Platform Inspections
Every ladder, step, or podium is classed as work equipment under the Work at Height Regulations (WAHR) and PUWER 1998 – meaning it must be inspected at suitable intervals by a competent person.
At Velocity Safety, we provide fully documented inspections for all types of portable access equipment – from step ladders and hop-ups to podiums and low-level platforms. Each visit includes a detailed visual and functional check, asset labelling, colour coding, and a digital inspection report for your records.
Our ladder inspections help you:
- Prove compliance during HSE, insurer, or client audits
- Maintain safe equipment across multiple sites
- Demonstrate due diligence under WAHR Reg.12 and PUWER Reg.6
Stay safe, compliant, and audit-ready – with clear reports and tagging handled for you.
Examples of Access Equipment That Require Detailed Inspections and Examinations
Below are some of the most common types of access equipment we inspect and certify under PUWER and the Work at Height Regulations.
- Step ladders (including swing-back and platform types)
- Combination and extension ladders (double or triple section)
- Leaning ladders and single-section access ladders
- Low-level work platforms and hop-ups
- Podium and pulpit steps
- Gantry and mobile platform units
- Aircraft access steps and rope-operated ladders
- Specialist or custom access ladders
- Fixed ladders – permanent installations requiring PUWER, Work at Height and BS 4211 compliant inspections
- Other portable access equipment used for work at height
What Does a Professional Ladder Inspection Include?
A professional ladder inspection is more than a quick visual check. The equipment is examined by a competent person to identify defects, deterioration or missing components that could make it unsafe for continued use.
Velocity Safety carries out documented inspections for ladders, stepladders, podiums and access platforms, with each item individually identified and recorded.
A typical inspection includes:
- Stiles and structural components: Checking for bends, cracks, dents, corrosion, twisting or other damage.
- Rungs and treads: Inspecting for damage, contamination, excessive wear, looseness or missing components.
- Feet and end caps: Confirming anti-slip feet and protective caps are present, secure and in suitable condition.
- Hinges and locking mechanisms: Checking spreader bars, catches, locks and moving components operate correctly.
- Platforms and guardrails: Inspecting podiums and access platforms for damage, loose components and safe operation.
- Ropes and pulleys: Checking extension ladder ropes, guides and pulley systems where fitted.
- Labels and identification: Confirming essential manufacturer and safety markings remain legible.
- Previous repairs or modifications: Identifying unauthorised alterations or repairs that may affect safety.
Each inspected item receives a clear pass or fail status, with defects recorded in a digital ladder inspection report and equipment labelled to support your asset register.
Pre-use checks are still required before the ladder is used. A formal inspection provides the recorded competent-person assessment needed to manage equipment deterioration over time.
How Often Should Ladders, Steps and Podiums Be Inspected?
The legal requirement is to inspect work equipment at suitable intervals based on its use, environment and likelihood of deterioration. The Ladder Association provides practical inspection intervals that employers can use as a starting point.
| Equipment Use | Typical Detailed Inspection Interval | Additional Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Used daily | At least every 3 months as a practical guide. | Pre-use check each working day and after any incident or damage. |
| Used weekly | At least every 6 months as a practical guide. | Pre-use check before use and additional inspection if deterioration is suspected. |
| Used less than monthly | Up to every 12 months may be appropriate depending on storage and condition. | Check before use and after long periods in storage. |
| Podiums and low-level work platforms | Set an interval based on frequency of use, environment and manufacturer instructions. | Check wheels, locking devices, guardrails, platforms and access components before use. |
| After damage, impact or harsh conditions | Inspect before the equipment is returned to use, regardless of the normal schedule. | Remove from use immediately if there is any doubt about safety. |
The correct interval should reflect the actual equipment and working conditions rather than relying on one universal inspection date.
Ladder, Stepladder, Podium and Platform Inspections: How Often Do They Need to Be Done?
It’s often difficult to determine what the law actually requires you to do in relation to checks, inspections, thorough examinations, servicing and maintenance.
Let’s break it down:
Pre Use Checks
Should be completed by the wearer before each and every use. They must be adequately trained to carry out this check.
Thorough Examinations (often referred to as detailed inspections)
The HSE’s guidance states “It is essential that the competent person carrying out any inspection is sufficiently independent and impartial to allow them to make objective decisions and has appropriate and genuine authority to discard defective equipment”.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 Regulation 12(3)(a) & The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 Regulation 6(2)(a) state “Every employer shall ensure that work equipment exposed to conditions causing deterioration which is liable to result in dangerous situations is inspected at suitable intervals”.
Further guidance for ladders and step ladders from the Ladder Association’s code of practice recommends that equipment used frequently on a daily basis should have a detailed inspection at an interval not exceeding 3 months.
Equipment used occasionally on a weekly basis should have a detailed inspection at least every 6 months.
Servicing and Maintenance
Servicing and maintenance is generally required at an interval set by the manufacturer and performed by manufacturer authorised agents.
Compliance Standards We Work To
All inspections are carried out in line with the following UK regulations and guidance:
- Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR) – Regulation 12 for inspection of equipment.
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) – Regulation 6 for safe use and maintenance.
- Ladder Association Code of Practice – Industry-recognised inspection framework.
- HSE / Ladder Association LA455 – Safe Use of Ladders and Stepladders guidance
How Our Ladder & Platform Inspection Service Works
We make ladder inspections simple – no jargon, no delays, just straight-talking service and clear reports.
1. Tell Us What Needs Inspecting
Send us a quick list or photos of your ladders, steps, and podiums. We’ll confirm what’s in scope, quote transparently, and schedule a visit.
2. On-Site Inspection by a Competent Person
Our engineers carry out detailed visual and functional checks in line with WAHR and PUWER. Every item is labelled, tagged, and recorded in your digital inspection register.
3. You Get a Clear, Audit-Ready Report
You’ll receive a PDF inspection report showing defects, recommendations, and next due dates – fully traceable and ready for audits or insurer checks.
Need urgent support? We offer fast turnaround where safety or compliance deadlines apply.
Why Choose Velocity Safety Ltd
Why choose Velocity Safety Ltd for your Ladder, stepladder, podium and platform Inspections.
- Our engineers have passed various servicing and thorough examination qualifications with the Ladder Association, CISRS, NPORS, IPAF, PASMA and some manufacturers.
- Over 12 years experience in the health, safety and work at height industry.
- Our director and founder is an accredited PASMA and Ladder Association instructor and has over 10 years experience in work at height training delivery and inspections.
- We carry out inspections and examinations in accordance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
- Fully Insured.
- Equipment is labelled to aid in visual compliance.
- Colour coding of equipment available.
- Downloadable PDF reports that meet the ladder association and work at height regulation requirements.
- A downloadable summary of all the inspections completed at a glance.
Who Needs Ladder & Platform Inspections?
Whether you manage one site or multiple teams working at height, we help ensure your ladders, steps and platforms remain safe, tagged, and compliant under PUWER and the Work at Height Regulations.
Facilities & Estate Managers
Responsible for site-wide safety? We handle regular inspections across schools, factories, warehouses, and office buildings – complete with asset labels and downloadable reports.
Health & Safety Officers
Stay audit-ready with clear, PUWER-aligned inspection records and evidence for internal or external audits.
Contractors & Maintenance Teams
Using portable ladders for access or maintenance work? We provide fast, on-site inspections and tagging with no disruption to your schedule.
FM Providers & Building Services Companies
Partner with us for scheduled inspections across client estates. We offer white-labelled reporting and consolidated ladder registers for portfolio compliance.
Construction & Fit-Out Teams
Need temporary ladders and podiums inspected pre-handover? We tag and document everything for inclusion in your safety file or O&M pack.
Manufacturing & Industrial Sites
We help keep production lines compliant by inspecting portable ladders, steps and work platforms used around plant and machinery.
Education & Healthcare Facilities
From classrooms to plant rooms, we verify that all access ladders and platforms are safe, labelled, and inspection-ready.
Airports & Aviation Facilities
Aircraft steps, ground-access ladders and maintenance platforms must meet strict inspection schedules. We provide PUWER-compliant checks for aviation environments.
Marine & Offshore Sites
We inspect rope ladders, gangways and access systems across ports, vessels and marine facilities – with capability to support offshore environments and island-based projects.
Transport & Logistics Operators
Loading bay steps, warehouse ladders and vehicle access platforms are all subject to PUWER. We help keep your operations safe and audit-ready.
Retail & Hospitality Operators
Shops, hotels, and leisure venues often overlook step ladders and hop-ups used for stock access or maintenance. We help ensure compliance and reduce risk in public environments.
Other Services Available:
Ladders and platforms are just one part of your work-at-height safety system. Velocity Safety provides a complete range of PUWER and Work at Height-compliant inspections to help you stay compliant across all access and lifting equipment:
- Fixed Ladder Inspections – PUWER, Work at Height and BS 4211-compliant inspections for permanent ladders.
- Personal Fall Protection Equipment (PFPE) Inspections – Harnesses, lanyards, connectors and more.
- Fall Arrest Block Servicing & Inertia Reel Testing – Keep fall arrest blocks safe, certified, and compliant.
- Anchor Point Installation & Testing – Permanent and temporary systems tested to EN 795.
- Davit Arm Installation & Load Testing – LOLER testing and certification for façade and confined-space access.
- Lifting Accessories Thorough Examinations – Slings, shackles, eyebolts and more under LOLER and PUWER.
- Pendulum Slip Testing – Floor slip-resistance assessments using HSE-approved PTV testing.
- Workplace Noise Measurement & Assessment – Protect hearing and maintain compliance with Control of Noise Regulations.
What Others Say About Us…
Our clients say we take the stress out of work-at-height compliance – with simple inspections, clear labelling, and fast reports.
“After many issues with the inspectors from our insurer I contacted Ross to quote. He saved us just over £3000 in the first year. He also does weekends for us to reduce downtime.”
Joe, Civils Company Midlands
“After spending £20k purchasing the wrong powered air units for our factory on our previous PPE supplier/H&S advisors recommendations, Ross came in and told us what we needed, why we needed it and what cost savings could be had over the life of the equipment. I just wish we found him sooner.”
David, Engineering Company North West
“Great Service, Great guy nothing is too much trouble.”
John, Groundworks Company North West
Frequently Asked Questions – Ladder & Platform Inspections
Not sure if your equipment needs inspecting? Wondering what the regulations actually require? Here are the most common questions clients ask us – answered clearly and concisely:
How often should ladders be inspected?
This is dependent on the usage and environment they are used in.
Ladders used daily/weekly should be inspected at least every 3-6 months based on the Ladder Association and HSE guidance. Ladders used infrequently, (monthly for example) should be inspected on a 6-12 monthly basis. This is in addition to the pre use check by the user before each use of course.
Who can carry out ladder inspections?
Ladder inspections must be performed by a competent person – someone with the knowledge, training and authority to assess work-at-height equipment. All Velocity Safety engineers hold Ladder Association or PASMA certification.
What’s included in a ladder inspection?
Each inspection includes a visual and functional check for damage, corrosion, or missing parts; verification of safety feet and locking mechanisms; tagging or labelling; and a digital report detailing findings and next inspection due date.
Do podiums and hop-ups count as ladders under PUWER?
Yes – any equipment used for work at height, including podiums, hop-ups, and low-level platforms, is classed as work equipment under PUWER and WAHR. It must be inspected and recorded just like a ladder.
What regulations apply to ladder inspections?
Primarily PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) and the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Can you inspect fixed platforms as well as ladders?
Yes – our service includes podiums, access platforms, step ladders, and mobile units.
Do I get proof of inspection?
Yes – you’ll receive a digital examination report for each item of equipment.
Do you offer remedial works?
Yes. A lot of repairs are simple and can be done quickly and on site. Others cannot and need to be done by the manufacturer or manufacturer trained technician.
What happens if a ladder fails inspection?
Failed items are labelled ‘Do Not Use’ and recorded in your inspection report with defect grading and recommendations. We’ll guide you through next steps, from repair to retesting and re-tagging once safe to use
How long does a ladder inspection take?
Most ladder and platform inspections take around 10–15 minutes per item, depending on condition and access. Larger multi-site inspections are completed in a single coordinated visit.
Do you tag the ladders after inspection?
We offer 2 options. Ladders can either be tagged with a plastic holder and insert or we prefer to use a label as standard. It’s also better for the environment as less plastic is used.
Do you work on multi-site contracts?
Absolutely – we inspect equipment across large estates and group locations to one off shops.
Do you offer ladder inspections near me?
Yes – we carry out ladder and platform inspections across the UK. In the North West we regularly support sites in Preston, Blackburn, Chorley, Blackpool, Burnley, and Manchester, with extended coverage across Leeds, Birmingham, and Guernsey for national contracts. Wherever you’re based, we ensure your equipment is inspected, labelled, and audit-ready.
Whatever your access equipment inspection requirements are you can be sure your in honest, reliable and safe hands.
Contact Velocity Safety today 01254 933 486 or Contact Us
Book a Ladder & Access Platform Inspection
Keep your access equipment safe, tagged, and compliant. Our certified engineers inspect ladders, steps, and podiums in line with WAHR and PUWER – complete with colour-coded asset labels and clear, audit-ready reports.
01254 933 486
info@velocitysafety.co.uk
Velocity Safety
Unit 7 Whitebirk Enterprise Centre,
Lower Phillips Road
Blackburn,
Lancashire
BB1 5UD
