Wash. Admin. Code § 296-874-20008

Current through Register Vol. 25-01, January 1, 2025

Section 296-874-20008 - Make sure platforms are properly planked or decked

(1) You must fully plank or deck each platform between the front uprights and the guardrail supports on all working levels of a scaffold so that there is no more than one inch (2.5 cm):

(a) Between adjacent units; and

(b) Between the platform and the uprights.

EXEMPTION:	1. There may be more than one inch between platform units if all of the following are met:
	a. You can demonstrate that a wider space is necessary, such as to fit around uprights when side brackets are used to extend the platform width;
	b. The platform is planked or decked as fully as possible;
	c. The open space between the platform and the guardrail supports is nine and one-half inches (24.1 cm) or less.
	2. Platforms used solely as walkways or only by employees erecting or dismantling scaffolds do not have to be fully decked or planked if:
	a. The planking provided makes for safe working conditions; and
	b. Employees on those platforms are protected from falling.

REFERENCE
Fall protection requirements for employees:	Are located in the following chapters:	In the following sections:
On walkways within scaffolds	Chapter 296-874 WAC, Scaffolds	WAC 296-874-20056
Erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds	Chapter 296-874 WAC, Scaffolds	WAC 296-874-40010
Erecting or dismantling suspended scaffolds in general industry	Chapter 296-24 WAC, General safety and health standards	Part J-1 Working surfaces, guarding floors and wall openings, ladders AND Part J-3 Powered platforms
Erecting or dismantling suspended scaffolds in construction work	Chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety standards for construction work	Part C-1 Fall protection requirements for construction

(2) You must make sure wood platforms are not covered with an opaque finish.

EXEMPTION:

Platform edges may be covered or marked for identification.

Note:

Platforms may be coated periodically with wood preservatives, fire-retardant finishes, or slip-resistant finishes if the coating does not obscure the top or bottom wood surfaces.

Wash. Admin. Code § 296-874-20008

Amended by WSR 15-23-086, Filed 11/17/2015, effective 12/18/2015

Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060 and 29 C.F.R. 1926, Subpart M, Fall Protection. 13-04-073, § 296-874-20008, filed 2/4/13, effective 4/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. 05-01-054, § 296-874-20008, filed 12/7/04, effective 3/1/05.