WAC 296-45-275
Ladders, platforms, and manhole steps. (1)
General. Requirements for ladders contained in chapter 296-24
WAC, Part J-1, and WAC 296-800-290 apply, except as specifically
noted in subsection (2) of this section.
(2) Special ladders and platforms. Portable ladders and
platforms used on structures or conductors in conjunction with
overhead line work need not meet chapter 296-24 WAC, Part J-1,
chapter 296-155 WAC, Part J or WAC 296-800-290. However, these
ladders and platforms shall meet the following requirements:
(a) Ladders and platforms shall be secured to prevent their
becoming accidentally dislodged.
(b) Ladders and platforms may not be loaded in excess of the
working loads for which they are designed.
(c) Ladders and platforms may be used only in applications
for which they were designed.
(d) In the configurations in which they are used, ladders
and platforms shall be capable of supporting without failure at
least 2.5 times the maximum intended load.
(e) All ladders shall be handled and stored in such a manner
as to prevent damage to the ladder.
(f) When ascending or descending a ladder, the employee
shall face the ladder and have free use of both hands.
(g) All defective ladders shall be taken out of service and
labeled as defective.
(h) When a ladder is being used which is not fixed or
otherwise secured, there shall be an attendant to hold the ladder
and watch traffic when the work is being done on streets, alleys,
sidewalks, or in industrial plants or other places where there
exists the possibility of accidental contact with the ladder by
third persons or vehicles.
(i) When working on the ladder, employees shall, where
possible, tie the top of the ladder to a substantial object to
prevent falling unless the ladder is equipped with approved hooks
which may be used for the same purpose.
(j) Portable ladders shall not be moved with employees on
the ladder.
(k) No employee shall ascend or descend a rolling ladder
while it is moving.
(l) No employee shall stand on the top two steps of a step
ladder.
(m) No employee shall use a step ladder as a straight
ladder.
(n) Ladders shall always be placed on a secure footing with
both legs resting firmly on the lower surface.
(o) Ladders made by fastening cleats or similar devices
across a single rail shall not be used.
(3) Conductive ladders. Portable metal ladders and other
portable conductive ladders may not be used near exposed
energized lines or equipment. However, in specialized
high-voltage work, conductive ladders shall be used where the
employer can demonstrate that nonconductive ladders would present
a greater hazard than conductive ladders.
Note:
A greater electrical hazard would be static electricity such as might be found in extra high voltage substations.
(4) All conductive or metal ladders shall be prominently
marked and identified as being conductive and shall be grounded
when used near energized lines or equipment.
Note:
See chapter 296-24 WAC for additional ladder requirements.