WAC 296-876-30005   Condition and inspection.  

     You must:

     • Keep portable ladders in good, usable condition. Good, usable condition includes, but is not limited to:

     – Joints between the steps or rungs and the side rails are tight.

     – Rungs, cleats, or steps are not bent, broken, or missing.

     – Side rails are not bent, broken, or split.

     – All bolts and rivets are in place and secure.

     – Hardware, fittings and accessories are securely attached and working properly.

     – Ropes are not frayed or badly worn.

     – Moveable parts operate freely without binding or excessive play.

     – Safety feet and other auxiliary equipment are not excessively worn.

     – Metal components are not corroded.

     – There are no other faulty or defective components.

     • Make sure wood ladders are not coated with an opaque covering except for the minimum amount necessary for identification and warning information which may be placed on one face only of a side rail.

     • Have a competent person inspect a ladder:

     – When required by Table 1, Ladder Inspection Criteria;

     AND

     – After any other occurrence that could affect safe use.

     • Make sure any ladder with structural damage or other hazardous defect is:

     – Marked to identify it as defective or tagged with "do not use" or similar language;

     AND

     – Removed from service.

Note: Ladders subjected to certain acids or alkali materials may experience chemical corrosion and a reduction in strength. Consult the manufacturer or a qualified person prior to use.
Table 1

     Ladder Inspection Criteria

When the ladder is: Do the following:
First placed into service and periodically while in service • Inspect the ladder for visible defects, including, but not limited to:
– Working parts;
  AND
– Rung or step connections to the side rails.
Damaged by impact or tips over • Visually inspect the ladder for:
– Dents, bends, cracks or splits
• Check:
– Rung or step connections to the side rails.
– Hardware connections.
– Rivets for shear damage.
– All other components.
Exposed to excessive heat such as a fire • Visually inspect the ladder for damage.
• Test for deflection and strength characteristics using the "in-service use tests” contained in the appropriate ANSI.
  Exemption:

Job-made wooden ladders are not to be subjected to load or impact tests. Those tests may weaken lumber components or fasteners, causing hidden damage that could result in sudden failure during use.




[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. 05-20-068, § 296-876-30005, filed 10/4/05, effective 1/1/06.]