Section 6.32. Protection

(a) Catch platform. When a scaffold is erected over or near a space traversable by workmen or the public, protection shall be provided underneath the scaffold. Such protection shall consist of a suitable catch platform well supported and without openings in the flooring or some other equally effective means of overhead protection. Such platform shall be strong enough to afford protection not only to those below, but also to the workmen above in case of a fall. Where such platform extends from a building it shall slope toward the building and be flush with the wall. In operations where considerable material is handled on the scaffold, the outer edge of the catch platform shall be provided with a fence or wire screen to prevent fallen objects from rebounding over the edge. In order to provide proper protection for workers in case of fall, safety nets as specified in this subsection shall be required directly below where workmen are performing their duties. These net requirements shall be reflected in bid specifications. This rule will apply to three stories or more in height.

(b) Overhead protection. Where workmen are working above other workmen or where there is a likelihood of objects falling from above, the latter workmen shall be protected by plank, wire or expanded metal shields strong enough to catch and retain any weight liable to fall from above. Such overhead protection shall be located not more than ten feet above the platform or working floor. If wire mesh or expanded metal is used the openings shall be not greater than 1/2 inch and the construction shall be not less than No. 10 steel wire gauge for wire and No. 13 U.S. gauge for expanded metal. If safety net protection is required, above operation shall not be undertaken until the net is in place and has been adequately secured and inspected by the Department.

(1) Nets shall extend 8 feet beyond the perimeter of building directly below the workmen.

(2) The maximum mesh size of the nets shall be 6 inches by 6 inches of 3/8 inch diameter, No. 1 grade, pure manila 1/4 inch nylon or 5/16 inch polypropylene rope.

(c) Successive scaffolds. Where two or more separate scaffolds are used simultaneously one above the other, overhead protection similar to that required in subsection (b) shall be provided for the men on the lower scaffolds in addition to the catch platform.

(d) Sidewalk protection. When construction operations are adjacent to a sidewalk, alley, street or other thoroughfare which is not closed to traffic, a substantial ‘‘sidewalk shed’’ or ‘‘bridge’’ shall be constructed.

(e) Side screens. Whenever the material on a scaffold is piled higher than the toeboard and when the scaffold is suspended or built over exposed sidewalks, streets or other thoroughfares, the openings between the toeboard and guardrail shall be covered by means of expanded metal or wire netting of mesh not greater than 1/2 inch, or other equivalent side screen may be provided.

(f) Flues from stoves or salamanders. In confined or unventilated areas in rooms or buildings under construction or repairs where a stove, furnace or salamander, burning coal, coke, gas or oil is used for the purpose of drying or heating, such stove shall have a pipe or flue ventilated direct to the outside for the purpose of removing obnoxious or poisonous gases, fumes or smoke. Each stove or salamander shall be set on a noncombustible base of such a size as to extend outward a distance of 3 feet in all directions from the stove or salamander. No stove or salamander shall be located nearer than 5 feet from any wooden partition or other combustible material.

(g) Fire extinguishers. An approved type of fire extinguisher shall be provided on all construction jobs over three stories in height. They shall be of at least 1 gallon capacity and at least one extinguisher shall be so located that the workmen need not go more than one story either up or down to reach it. They shall be plainly marked and readily accessible.

(h) Safe footing for workmen. In order to assure safe footing for workmen who walk on structural members, no employer shall erect any structural member with studs, reinforcing shear connectors or similar projecting materials, unless adequate termporary walking surfaces or decking are installed on such members prior to erection. However, nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the attachment of studs or other protrusions after the erection of all structural members or forming or decking of a particular floor or deck level or span of a bridge or area between traverse floor beams is completed.

The provisions of this § 6.32 amended through December 7, 1973, 3 Pa.B. 2791. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (8034)

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 6.12 (relating to single pole scaffolds); 34 Pa. Code § 6.13 (relating to independent pole scaffolds); 34 Pa. Code § 6.14 (relating to suspended scaffolds); 34 Pa. Code § 6.16 (relating to carpenters’ bracket scaffolds); 34 Pa. Code § 6.17 (relating to bricklayers’ square scaffolds); 34 Pa. Code § 6.18 (relating to outriggers’ scaffolds); 34 Pa. Code § 6.19 (relating to needle beam scaffolds); 34 Pa. Code § 6.24 (relating to horse scaffolds); and 34 Pa. Code § 6.25 (relating to plasterers’ and decorators’ inside scaffolds).