By adhering to some basic maintenance and care practices, you can enhance the longevity, reliability and safety of access equipment and what may seem a little hassle will pay dividends in the longer term. Always refer to the specific guidelines provided by ProDec for the best maintenance practices on individual access equipment.
Regular Inspections:
Conduct routine inspections before each use and at regular intervals as recommended by the manufacturer and HSE. It doesn’t take long to give equipment the once-over, but you need to be able put your trust in it when you step off the ground.
Check for any signs of wear, damage, or malfunction.
Repairs and maintenance should be carried out by a competent person with suitable replacement parts. Unapproved third-party spares are not recommended.
Storage:
Fully collapse any ladders or workstands and secure before storage or handling.
Store your ladder or workstand indoors in a dry environment away from contaminants. Do not rest other objects on a ladder and only store it where it is dry.
Do not subject your ladder or workstand to humid or damp environments as this can damage moving parts.
Store the correct way up. For example – the base of a telescopic ladder should always sit on the ground so as not to put pressure on higher rungs which have narrower tubes.
Cleaning:
Clean with a suitable proprietary household cleaner and a soft dry cloth. Dry all parts thoroughly before storing. Ensure all paint spatter and other contaminants are removed after every use as these can affect moving parts – this is particularly true for telescopic ladders which rely on smooth movement.
Do not submerge your ladder in water or any other liquid for any reason – it won’t end well.
