01
Is this the right access type for the task and frequency of use?
What should I look for?
Look for improvised climbing, awkward carrying, frequent use of a steep ladder or an access route that no longer suits the work.
← Back to checklists
Quick checkAS 1657 screening
Ladder & platform quick check
A short site check for obvious ladder, landing, gate, handrail and fall-protection gaps.
Use this as a first-pass field screen. Answer from the actual installed condition. A Yes means no obvious gap was found for that question; it is not a certification of compliance.
Optional record details
5–8 minWhat are you checking?
Current resultCheck in progress
0 of 12 questions reviewed.
Yes0
Gaps0
Not sure0
N/A0
0 / 12 reviewed0%
02
Are the ladder, platform and fixings secure and free from obvious damage?
Safety-critical screenWhat should I look for?
Check loose brackets, corrosion, cracked welds, bent stiles, damaged grating and missing fasteners.
03
Are rungs or treads evenly spaced, secure and slip resistant?
What should I look for?
Check several consecutive spacings and pay attention to the first and last transition.
04
Is there a secure handhold through the top transition?
Safety-critical screenWhat should I look for?
For a step-through ladder, check whether the stile or equivalent handhold extends about 1 m above the landing where that arrangement applies.
05
Is there enough clear standing space at the landing or platform?
What should I look for?
Look for roughly 600 mm clear width where relevant, and confirm pipes, cables, doors or stored items do not obstruct the transfer.
06
Can the gate or hatch be opened and closed from a protected standing position?
Safety-critical screenWhat should I look for?
The worker should not need to stay on the ladder, lean out or disconnect from protection just to operate the gate or hatch.
07
Does the access gate self-close and remain effective after use?
What should I look for?
Check that it does not stick open, obstruct the landing or leave a fall opening.
08
Are open edges adequately protected by handrails or guardrails?
Safety-critical screenWhat should I look for?
Look for missing rails, large openings, damaged rails and unprotected transfer points.
09
Where objects could fall onto people below, is edge protection against falling objects provided?
What should I look for?
A toeboard is commonly one part of the control, but the actual need depends on the exposure below.
10
For a long or steep climb, has the landing and fall-protection arrangement been checked for this ladder type?
Safety-critical screenWhat should I look for?
Do not assume one universal rest-platform interval applies to every ladder. Ladder type and pitch matter.
11
If a cage or harness system is used, is protection continuous through the transfer points?
Safety-critical screenWhat should I look for?
Look for moments where the worker must disconnect before reaching the next protected position.
12
Are walking and climbing surfaces free from oil, water, mud and new obstructions?
What should I look for?
Check the real operating condition, not only the condition immediately after cleaning.
Notes and actions
What needs to happen next?
Record the main defect, missing evidence, person responsible or follow-up action. Keep this short—the detailed checklist is available when a deeper record is needed.
Open the full engineering checklist
The detailed version adds evidence expectations, typical gaps, escalation triggers, attachment packs and source basis.
Open detailed checklistA quick screen is not a certificate
It helps identify obvious gaps and uncertain items. It does not replace the applicable Standard, manufacturer requirements, competent-person inspection, engineering assessment or site risk process.