1. (1) You must keep ladders in safe condition.

2. (2) You must have employees inspect fixed ladders for visual defects, as follows:

   1. (a) Competent person, when required by Table 1 (see WAC 296-876-30005), Ladder inspection criteria.

   2. (b) Trained ladder user, prior to the user's initial use in each shift, and as necessary during the use to identify defects or damage that may occur during a work shift after the initial check. For example, if a ladder tips over, falls off a structure (e.g., roof) or vehicle, is struck by an object (e.g., vehicle or machine), or used in a corrosive environment, evidence of this damage would necessitate the authorized ladder user to initiate a ladder competent person inspection to determine whether the ladder is still safe to use.

      EXEMPTION:

      WAC 296-876-70010 (2)(c) applies to general industry only. See the exemption list in the scope section of this chapter (WAC 296-876-100) for more information.

3. (3) You must make sure any ladder with structural damage or other hazardous defect is immediately removed from service.

   Notes:	1. Structural damage includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:
   	a. Broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps.
   	b. Broken or split rails.
   	c. Corroded components.
   	d. Bolts and welds missing or not secure.
   	2. A ladder is considered to be removed from service if any of the following are done:
   	a. It is marked to identify it as defective.
   	b. It is tagged with "do not use" or similar language.
   	c. It is blocked so that it cannot be used, for example, by using a plywood attachment that spans several rungs.

4. (4) You must make sure repairs restore the ladder to a condition meeting its original design criteria.
5. (5) You must ensure wooden fixed ladders are not coated with any material that may obscure structural defects.
6. (6) You must maintain fixed ladder parts and surfaces free of splinters, sharp edges, burrs, projections, puncture, and laceration hazards that may be hazardous to persons using the ladder.
7. (7) You must ensure fixed ladders are capable of supporting their maximum intended load.
8. (8) You must ensure fixed ladder rungs, steps, and cleats are parallel, level, and uniformly spaced.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060 and chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 20-09-146, § 296-876-70010, filed 4/21/20, effective 10/1/20; WSR 14-09-095, § 296-876-70010, filed 4/22/14, effective 7/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 06-16-020, § 296-876-70010, filed 7/24/06, effective 12/1/06.]