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Subchapter 4. Construction Safety Orders
Article 23. Suspended Scaffolds

§1667. Suspended, Power-Driven Scaffolds.

NOTE: For additional details relating to exterior building maintenance and window cleaning operations see Articles 5 and 6 of the General Industry Safety Orders.

(a) Powered scaffold platforms, not required to be completely railed, such as those supported by 2 or more hoisting units, shall at least have a protective railing, or equivalent, on all open sides and ends. The railing shall be not less than 36 inches nor more than 42 inches high, and it shall be capable of supporting a 200-pound concentrated load without permanent deflection.

(b) Loading. The total load on any 1 power unit shall not exceed the rated working capacity. If a unit is to support 500 pounds or more, special attention shall be given in advance to eliminate the possibility that the staging, hooks, shackles, parapet walls, and other load-carrying items will be overstressed. The total allowable load on stage ladders of the type described in Section 1660(f) shall not exceed 425 pounds.

(c) Wire Rope. Powered scaffolds shall be supported by wire rope providing a safety factor of 6 or more. It shall be 6 by 19 or 6 by 37 hemp center construction or better, not less than 5/16 inch in diameter, or with a breaking strength of not less than 6,000 pounds.

(d) Platforms shall not be less than 20 inches wide and shall be provided with a guardrail as specified in Section 1658(o). Platforms shall be designed to support the loads to be imposed without exceeding allowable working stresses established by recognized engineering practice.

(e) Safety Devices for Electric-Powered Unit.

(1) Wiring. All wiring including supply cords shall conform to the Electrical Safety Orders.

(2) Electrical Devices. All electrical devices, such as control switches, shall conform to the Electrical Safety Orders.

(3) Load Release. A hand-operated release mechanism to allow unit to descend faster than normal speed is prohibited.

(f) Safety Devices for Air-Powered Unit.

(1) Control Valve. Control valve shall be a nonlocking dead-man-control type. A shutoff valve shall be installed ahead of the control valve for the purpose of shutting off air when employees leave the stage.

(2) Load Release. A hand-operated release mechanism to allow unit to descend faster than normal speed is prohibited.

NOTE: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

HISTORY

1. Renumbering and amendment of Section 1662 to Section 1667 filed 7-24-87; operative 8-2-87 (Register 87, No. 33).

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