When it comes to damaged ladders, the common assumption is that they can be easily repaired and returned to service. However, the reality is quite different. According to industry experts, in the majority of cases, most ladders cannot be repaired without compromising their safety and compliance with industry standards.
The Risks of Ladder Repairs
The primary reason why ladder repairs are often not recommended is that doing so can invalidate the ladder’s certification and compliance with the standards it was originally designed and tested to meet. As the Ladders-Direct.com article states, “In the majority of cases most ladders cannot be repaired as doing so may invalidate their compliance with the standard in which they were certified to.”
This is a critical issue because ladders are subject to strict safety regulations, such as those set by OSHA and ANSI, to ensure they can safely support the intended load and protect workers from falls. Any modifications or repairs to a ladder can potentially compromise its structural integrity and put users at risk.
Replacement is the Safer Option
Given the risks associated with ladder repairs, industry experts generally recommend that if a ladder is damaged, the entire unit should be replaced rather than attempting to fix it. As the Ladders-Direct.com article states, “For these reasons we recommend that if a ladder is damaged then the whole ladder should be replaced.”
Replacing a damaged ladder may be more cost-effective in the long run than trying to repair it, as the labor and time involved in properly repairing a ladder can often exceed the cost of a new unit. Additionally, the peace of mind of knowing that the replacement ladder is fully compliant with safety standards is invaluable when it comes to protecting workers.