Section 7.363. Hoistway entrances

(a) All entrances of the hoistways shall be protected by substantial gates or bars which shall guard the full width of the landing entrance.

(b) All hoistway entrance bars and gates shall be painted with diagonal contrasting colors, such as black and yellow stripes. Bars shall be not less than 2 by 4 inch wooden bars or the equivalent, located 2 feet from the hoistway line. Bars shall be located not less than 36 inches nor more than 42 inches above the floor.

(c) Gates or bars protecting the entrances to hoistway shall be equipped with a latching device. Where landing platforms connect the shaftway to the building such platforms shall be constructed of materials of ascertained soundness and capability to safely sustain the maximum load to be imposed on them and they shall be provided with standard guard rails and toe boards. If the floors or platforms are covered with metal they shall have a nonslip surface. Where any platform entrance to a shaftway, and the top of the shaftway is exposed to falling objects, a substantially large and strong overhead catch platform shall be provided. It is understood that the floor of each landing shall be considered the roof of the platform immediately below. The loading platform is to be kept free and clear of building material and debris at all times.

(d) Overhead protective covering of two-inch planking, 3 1/4 inch plywood, or other solid material of equivalent strength, shall be provided on the top of every material hoist cage or platform.

(e) The operator’s station of a hoisting machine shall be provided with overhead protection equivalent to tight planking not less than 2 inches thick. The support for the overhead protection shall be of equal strength.