PDFWAC 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
Erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds
Chapter 296-874 WAC, Scaffolds
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.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050. WSR 15-23-086, § 296-874-20008, filed 11/17/15, effective 12/18/15. 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. WSR 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. WSR 05-01-054, § 296-874-20008, filed 12/7/04, effective 3/1/05.]