Ladders & stepladders: what holiday-let teams need to know

Last Updated on October 6, 2025 by admin

Safe use of ladders and stepladders in holiday lets (WAH & HSE)

Ladders and stepladders are practical tools for short, low-risk tasks around a holiday let – such as basic maintenance or quick repairs. However, if used incorrectly, they present a serious risk of injury. Too often, people are tempted to use the wrong type of ladder, cut corners, or work too quickly. Following a few simple precautions will help reduce accidents and demonstrate you have taken reasonable care.

This guidance covers pole, extension and portable ladders, including stepladders. It does not apply to roof ladders, which require additional controls.

Ladders and stepladders remain useful for short, low-risk maintenance tasks around holiday lets – from changing a lightbulb to clearing a blocked gutter. But they are also a common cause of falls and injuries if not used correctly.

The Work at Height Regulations (WAH) and HSE guidance set out when ladders are acceptable and how they must be used. For owners, managers and contractors, understanding the rules and keeping inspection records is key to both guest safety and claims defensibility.

When is a ladder suitable?

The law does not ban ladders. In fact, they are often the most practical choice for quick jobs lasting less than 30 minutes, provided the risk is low and the surface is stable.

A ladder may be appropriate when:

The task is short duration and low risk.
A platform or scaffold tower is unnecessary or impractical.
The surface is firm, level, and free from slipping hazards.

The user can keep three points of contact (two feet and one hand).

For longer or higher-risk jobs, work platforms or scaffold towers offer safer alternatives.

Getting started

Identify where ladders are needed and why.
Record the reasons their use is justified.
Review existing precautions and note any improvements.
Keep a log of inspections and checks carried out.
Stop ladder use during unsafe weather.

Ladder inspections & checks

Selection: Choose ladders that are robust, suitable, and BS EN 131 compliant.

Use: Inspect before use, prevent overreaching, and position securely.

Maintenance: Follow manufacturer guidance; ban unauthorised alterations; repair defects promptly.

HSE requires ladders to be checked before each use and inspected at regular intervals. A good routine includes:

Pre-use checks – user confirms no visible defects, rungs are sound, feet secure, and locking bars work.
Formal inspections – recorded at least every 3–6 months depending on use.
Record-keeping – note inspection dates, findings, and repairs in a simple logbook.

Keeping these inspection records not only improves safety but also strengthens your defence if an accident leads to a claim.

Stepladders: safe setup

Stepladders are common for low-level, indoor jobs such as decorating or maintenance. To use them safely:

Setup & Positioning

Place ladders on firm, level, stable ground.
Maintain the correct setup angle for leaning ladders — roughly 75° (the “1 in 4” rule: one unit out for every four units up).
Ladders must extend above the landing point unless a safe handhold is provided.
For ladders above 9m in height, rest platforms must be provided at suitable intervals.
Height must be proportionate: no more than three times the base width.

Stability & Security

Ladders must have a spread mechanism and locking device to prevent collapse.
Portable ladders must be tied, secured, or fitted with anti-slip devices.
Interlocking or extension ladders must not shift during use.
Mobile ladders must be secured before climbing.

Safe Use

Never stand on the top step unless it has a built-in platform and guardrail.
Always maintain a secure handhold, even when carrying loads.
Keep steps clean and dry to reduce slipping.
Provide a small work platform for tools (not for standing).
Use non-conductive ladders near power lines.

Inspection, Records & Training

Inspect ladders and associated equipment before use and at regular intervals.
Maintain records, training, and evidence of safe ladder use.

Training & occasional users

If you employ staff or contractors, ensure they receive appropriate training. Even for simple tasks, users must understand safe handling and inspection routines. Even occasional ladder users, such as cleaners, caretakers or holiday-let owners, should receive basic training. This should cover:

When ladders are suitable under the Work at Height Regulations.
How to set up and secure ladders and stepladders.
Common hazards like overreaching, leaning too far, or using the wrong ladder type.
How to carry out and record inspections.

Training doesn’t need to be complex, but it should ensure users understand both legal requirements and practical safety tips.

Keep written evidence of your safety measures, including:

Accident book entries and investigation notes.
Photographs, sketches and witness statements if an incident occurs.
Risk assessments, inspection and maintenance logs.
Records of training and instructions provided.

Well-kept documentation not only improves safety but also strengthens your defence in the event of a claim.

Key takeaway

For holiday-let teams, ladders are acceptable for quick, low-risk tasks – but only when selected, set up, and inspected properly. By following HSE guidance, completing pre-use and scheduled inspections, and recording training, you’ll keep your property safe and show compliance with the

Work at Height Regulations.

Legal duties

If someone is injured, owners and managers must show they met their duty of care. In many cases, the Work at Height Regulations also apply, particularly if you employ staff or contractors. The law requires that:

Ladders are only used where a risk assessment shows they are suitable.

Other regulations, such as the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, may also apply.

Common hazards

Frequent causes of accidents include:

Using ladders when safer options exist (e.g. long-handled tools, small scaffold towers).
Choosing ladders that are too short, damaged or defective.
Standing on the top rung, leaning too far, or ignoring load limits.
Not securing the base or top of the ladder.
Lack of training or clear user instructions.
Poor storage, leaving ladders accessible to unauthorised users.
Painting ladders, which hides defects.
Bad lighting or contact with overhead cables.
Adverse weather such as wind, ice or heavy rain.

Download this usable Guide to a safe and happy stay

In summary: Ladders and stepladders remain useful for short, low-risk maintenance jobs in holiday lets, but only when chosen, used and maintained correctly. Combine regular inspections with proper training and clear records to protect both your guests and your liability cover.

This guidance is provided for information purposes and is general and educational in nature and does not constitute legal advice. You are free to choose whether or not to use it and it should not be considered a substitute for seeking professional help in specific circumstances. Boshers shall not be liable for any losses, damages, charges or expenses, whether direct, indirect, or consequential and howsoever arising, that you suffer or incur as a result of or in connection with your use or reliance on the information provided in this guidance except for those which cannot be excluded by law. Where this guidance contains links to other sites and resources provided by third parties, these links are provided for your information only.

Boshers is not responsible for the contents of those sites or resources. You acknowledge that over time the information provided in this guidance may become out of date and may not constitute best market practice.