FAQ
How often should ladders be inspected?
OSHA requires that ladders be inspected “by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use.” - OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(15)
Ladder Guardians helps customers build a practical inspection rhythm based on ladder type, site conditions, usage frequency, and documentation needs.
What documentation do I need for compliance?
OSHA expects employers to maintain inspection records demonstrating that equipment is being checked and maintained. Ladder Guardians provides detailed digital inspection reports, including serial numbers, condition notes, and service recommendations, perfect for internal audits or third-party reviews.
What happens when a ladder has structural damage or another defect?
Under OSHA 1910.23, a ladder with structural or other defects must be tagged with “Dangerous: Do Not Use” or similar language and removed from service until repaired or replaced. Ladder Guardians documents the condition, identifies the ladder by asset number or serial number, and provides a clear recommendation for repair, removal from service, retirement, or replacement. eCRF
Do mining facilities have different ladder concerns?
Yes. Mining sites may involve MSHA requirements in addition to internal safety policies and manufacturer guidance. MSHA safe-access standards require safe means of access to be provided and maintained to working places, and MSHA specifically considers whether access creates fall-of-person hazards or whether stairs, ladders, ramps, handholds, crossovers, or other access methods are needed. MSHA
What ANSI standard applies to mobile ladder stands?
The American Ladder Institute identifies ANSI-ASC A14.7 as the standard covering safety and design requirements for mobile ladder stands and mobile ladder stand platforms. ALI
Fiberglass Coatings and Painted Ladders
Employees should continue performing required pre-use inspections. Ladder Guardians supports that process with structured ladder condition documentation, individual asset tracking, repeat damage identification, certificates of destruction for ladders removed from service, and practical recommendations that help safety and facility teams manage ladders as safety equipment instead of forgotten background tools.
Why use Ladder Guardians instead of only relying on staff to inspect ladders?
Ladder Guardians follows applicable manufacturer guidelines and product instructions when applying approved coatings or refinishing products to fiberglass ladders. Painted fiberglass ladders require careful evaluation because paint, unapproved coatings, or heavy surface buildup may conceal cracks, impact damage, fiberglass blooming, rail deterioration, or other defects that must remain visible during inspection. Coatings that are not approved by the ladder manufacturer may also affect the ladder’s original design characteristics, including its intended use in environments where nonconductive side rails are required. When fiberglass blooming, faded rail surfaces, or surface deterioration is present, Ladder Guardians evaluates the ladder to determine whether approved refinishing is appropriate or whether the ladder should be removed from service. Any coating or refinishing work must support the ladder’s safe condition and must not hide structural damage, manufacturer labels, duty rating information, or inspection markings.
Ladder repairs, coatings, or refinishing should restore the ladder to a condition consistent with its original design criteria before the ladder is returned to use.