How to maintain and check for Safety of Your Fibreglass Ladder

Fibreglass ladders are a popular choice across Australia for their durability, electrical insulation, and strength. But like all tools and equipment, they require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure safety and longevity.

Whether you’re using fibreglass ladders at home, on the jobsite, or for electrical work, following a routine maintenance schedule is essential to prevent accidents and extend the life of your ladder.

At Ladder Shop, safety is our priority. Here are our top ladder maintenance recommendations for keeping your ladder in safe and lasting working condition.

✅ Why Choose a Fibreglass Ladder?

Before diving into maintenance, it’s worth understanding why fibreglass ladders are so widely used:

• Non-conductive: Safe for use around electricity.
• Strong and durable: Withstands harsh conditions.
• Weather resistant: Doesn’t rot or rust like timber or metal.

That said, fibreglass can degrade over time due to UV exposure, heavy use, and improper storage. This makes regular checks essential.

🔍 How to Check Your Fibreglass Ladder for Safety

Regular inspections are critical for compliance with AS1892.5 (the Australian Standard for portable ladders).

1. Visual Inspection

Check the entire ladder for:

• Cracks or chips in the fibreglass stiles
• Delamination or discolouration, which may indicate UV or chemical damage
• Loose or missing rivets, bolts, or feet
• Worn or damaged anti-slip feet

2. Check for Structural Integrity

• Open and close the ladder to ensure smooth operation.
• Check that spreaders or locking mechanisms are fully functional.
• Make sure steps or rungs are firmly attached and not bent or unstable.

3. Test for Stability

• Place the ladder on a flat surface.
• Ensure there’s no rocking or wobbling.
• Verify that feet are gripping properly and not worn down.

4. Look for Contaminants

• Fibreglass ladders used in industrial settings may come in contact with chemicals, oils, or grease. These should be cleaned promptly, as they can degrade the ladder surface or reduce grip.

 Fibreglass Ladder Maintenance Tips

1. Regular Cleaning

• Wipe down the ladder with mild detergent and warm water.
• Avoid harsh solvents or abrasive pads that could damage the fibreglass coating.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly.

2. UV Protection

• Prolonged exposure to sunlight can break down the resin in fibreglass. Store your ladder indoors or under cover.
• Consider applying a UV-protective wax or coating for added longevity.

3. Lubricate Moving Parts

• Use a dry lubricant on hinges and spreader arms to ensure smooth operation without attracting dust.

4. Replace Damaged Components

• Don’t attempt makeshift repairs. If a component is damaged, contact Ladder Shop for genuine replacement parts or a certified repair.

🏠 Ladder Storage Tips for Fibreglass Ladders

Follow these tips to prolong your ladder life:

1. Use Proper Support

• Store your ladder horizontally on racks or wall mounts that support it every 2m (6ft) to avoid sagging or warping.
• For large ladders, have someone help to move and position them safely.

2. Keep Off the Floor and Away from Damp

• Place ladders on hooks, brackets, or racks, never flat on the floor where they can gather moisture or be a trip hazard. Good ventilation helps prevent condensation and resin damage.

3. Mobile-Friendly Ladder Storage Tips

If you use a ladder on mobile jobs:

• Invest in a portable, padded rack for your van or ute.
• Always tie off ladders to each support point and protect them from shocks with soft material.
• Mark any overhangs with a flag for safety and visibility.

🧰 Schedule Professional Inspections to Prolong Ladder Life

For businesses or industrial users, annual ladder inspections are recommended, and in some cases, mandatory under workplace safety laws. Ladder Shop provides on-site ladder inspection and tagging services for fibreglass and other ladder types in accordance with Australian Standards.

⚠️ When to Retire a Fibreglass Ladder

Replace your ladder if:

• You find deep cracks, splits, or structural damage.
• It’s no longer stable or safe to use.
• Repairs would compromise the original design or strength.

🛒 Need a New Ladder or a Professional Inspection?

At Ladder Shop, we stock a wide range of fibreglass extension ladders, platform ladders, and step ladders from trusted brands like Little Jumbo and Indalex. We also offer expert ladder inspections, repairs, and safety certification services.

📞 Contact Ladder Shop Today

Get in touch with our team for expert advice, inspections, or to order replacement parts.
📍 Serving Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne and regional areas of NSW and Vic.
📧 sales@laddershop.com.au
🌐 www.laddershop.com.au