Section 5.39. Removal of floors

(a) As used in this section, the term ‘‘floor arches’’ shall mean the masonry filling between the floor beams and girders, irrespective of the type of floor system; and the term ‘‘planks of ample strength’’ shall mean planks of not less than two inches thick by ten inches wide.

(b) In cutting holes in floor arches which span in one direction between two beams or supports, the section of floor arch to be removed in making the hole may be of any width and shall include the entire span of the floor arch which is between the two beams or supports on which it bears.

(c) Where workmen are engaged in removing floors, planks of ample strength shall be provided and used in breaking down floor arches. Such planks shall be so placed as to give the workmen firm support should the arch collapse unexpectedly. Where it is necessary for a workman to straddle a space between two planks, such space shall not exceed 16 inches.

(d) Walkways not less than 30 inches wide, formed of planks of ample strength, shall be provided and used by workmen when necessary to enable them to reach any work place without walking on exposed beams.

(e) Stringers of ample strength shall be installed to support the planks where necessary and the ends of such stringers shall be supported by floor beams or girders and not by floor arches alone.

(f) When floor arches are being removed, no workmen shall work in the area directly underneath and such area shall be barricaded to prevent access to it.

(g) The demolition of floor arches shall not be started until they and the surrounding floor area for a distance of 20 feet have been entirely cleared of debris and other unnecessary material.

(h) Planks used for temporary protection shall be sound and at least 2 inches thick. They shall be laid close together with the ends overlapping at least 4 inches over solid bearings to prevent tipping under a load.