The employer must ensure that gin pole inspections include all of the following:

(1) Gin poles must have a documented inspection annually by a qualified person.

(2) In addition to the annual inspection, the employer must designate a competent person who must visually inspect the gin pole and rigging prior to each use, and during use, to ensure it is in safe operating condition. Any deficiencies must be repaired before use continues.

(3) During each inspection, a qualified person or a competent person must do all of the following:

(a) Inspect the legs and bracing members for bends or distortion.

(b) Inspect the straightness tolerances for the overall assembly (including leg and bracing members).

(c) Visually inspect the welds for quality, deformation, cracks, rust, pitting, or loss of cross sectional area.

(d) Inspect the members for excessive rust, pitting, or loss of cross sectional area.

(e) Inspect the sling attachment points for distortion, wear, cracks, and rust.

(f) Ensure that proper bolts are used and all associated hardware is in good condition.

(g) Inspect side plates on rooster heads for distortion or other damage.

(h) Inspect all attachment hardware, including rigging and parts such as cables, slings, and sling attachment points, shackles, hooks, and sockets for wear, distortion, cracks, and rust.

(i) Ensure that all problems identified during the inspection are corrected before placing the gin pole into service.