(1) You must keep ladders in safe condition.

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

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

(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.

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

(4) You must make sure repairs restore the ladder to a condition meeting its original design criteria.

(5) You must ensure wooden fixed ladders are not coated with any material that may obscure structural defects.

(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) You must ensure fixed ladders are capable of supporting their maximum intended load.

(8) You must ensure fixed ladder rungs, steps, and cleats are parallel, level, and uniformly spaced.