What is a potential defect in scaffold access ladders?

A potential defect in scaffold access ladders is the presence of missing rungs. Each rung is crucial for ensuring safe and stable access to the scaffold. Missing rungs can create significant hazards, as they compromise the structural integrity and usability of the ladder, making it difficult or impossible for workers to ascend or descend safely. This can lead to falls or accidents that may result in serious injuries.

While loose screws can also impact safety, the immediate and obvious risk created by missing rungs makes this defect particularly critical to address. Similarly, color fading and short length, while they might indicate wear or design limitations, do not pose the same direct, immediate risk to safety as the absence of critical components like rungs.