Pennsylvania Code › Title 34 - LABOR AND INDUSTRY › Part I - Department of Labor and Industry › Chapter 6 - CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIRS › SPECIFICATIONS › Section 6.28 - Temporary floors

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a)
Second floor to be covered.
The first floor above the street
				  floor shall be completely planked over as soon as practicable leaving only such
				  openings as are reasonably necessary, and such openings shall thereafter be
				  kept covered throughout the entire period of construction. This does not apply
				  to buildings less than three stories in height.
(b)
Working floor.
The
				  working floor shall be completely planked over, except openings which are
				  reasonably necessary.
(c)
Unprotected floors.
A floor not more than three stories below
				  the working floor shall be completely planked over, except openings that are
				  necessary, and shall have guardrails and toeboards or other equivalent
				  protection at all openings and outside edges, except that where this is
				  impracticable, safety nets or catch platforms shall be provided. Such temporary
				  floors shall not be removed until a permanent floor is laid.
(d)
Construction.
Temporary
				  floors shall consist of sound commercial lumber at least two inches in
				  thickness, with spans not greater than 8 feet. Where the beams are more than 8
				  feet apart, temporary intermediate joists shall be provided of sufficient
				  strength to carry a live load of at least 50 pounds per square foot with a
				  factor of safety of four. Planks shall extend at least 1 foot past the support
				  or shall be nailed or otherwise securely fastened. Planks shall have no
				  unsupported projection greater than 1 foot, 6 inches.
(e)
Openings in floors.
All
				  openings in floors, temporary or permanent, shall be enclosed by guardrails and
				  toeboards. Such guardrails and toeboards shall be constructed as soon as the
				  flooring around the openings is laid and shall be left in place until the
				  operation is completed. Workmen are prohibited from working on any floor of a
				  building unless all openings on such floors are closed by guardrails and
				  toeboards. All unused openings in floors, temporary or permanent, shall be
				  completely planked over until such time as they are used.
(f)
Lifelines.
Lifelines,
				  safety belts and lanyards shall be used only for employes safeguarding.
				  Lifelines shall be secured above the point of operation to an anchorage or
				  structural member capable of supporting a minimum dead weight of 5,400
				  pounds.
(g)
Safety nets.
Safety nets shall be provided when workplaces are more than 25 feet
				  above the ground or water surface, or other surfaces where the Department
				  determines that the use of ladders, scaffolds, catch platforms, temporary
				  floors, safety lines or safety belts are unfeasible. This requirement shall be
				  reflected in bid specifications. Where safety net protection is required by
				  this Part, operations shall not be undertaken until the net is in place and has
				  been adequately secured and inspected. Nets shall extend 8 feet beyond the edge
				  of the work surface where employes are exposed. The maximum mesh size of the
				  nets shall be 6 inches by 6 inches of 3/8 inch diameter, number one grade, pure
				  manila, 1/4 inch nylon, or 5/16 inch polypropylene rope. Forged steel safety
				  hooks or shackles shall be used to fasten the net to its supports. Nets shall
				  meet these specifications and shall be so tagged. Connections between net
				  panels shall develop the full strength of the net.