DECKED BUILDER CARD ID INDEX FILE INSTALL
DECKED BUILDER CARD ID INDEX FILE FULL

Section 1926.451(b)(3) addresses the hazard of open space between the front edge of the scaffold platform and the tank shell.

DECKED BUILDER CARD ID INDEX FILE INSTALL

Paragraph (b)(2)(ii) reads as follows: Where scaffolds must be used in areas that the employer can demonstrate are so narrow that platforms and walkways cannot be at least 18 inches (46 cm) wide, such platforms shall be as wide as feasible, and employees on those platforms and walkways shall be protected from fall hazards by the use of guardrails and/or personal fall arrest systems.įrom the description of your setup, you exceed this requirement or have no areas so narrow you cannot install a platform that is at least 18 inches wide.

Under (b)(2)(ii), if the employer demonstrates the area is too narrow for 18-inch platforms, the platform must be made as wide as feasible and guard rails and/or fall protection be provided. The (b)(2)(i) exception is inapplicable to your situation. Your 20- inch-wide work platform exceeds the minimum width required by §1926.451(b)(2), which reads as follows: Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (b)(2)(ii) of this section, each scaffold platform and walkway shall be at least 18 inches (46 cm) wide. Section 1926.451(b)(2) contains several requirements that do apply to your scenario. Because your tank builders' scaffold lacks front uprights, §1926.451(b)(1) does not apply. Based on your description, your scaffold uses the tank shell as the support for the bracket or scaffold irons and is not erected with front uprights. This language does not apply to your tank builders' scaffold - it applies to scaffolds with front uprights. (i) Each platform unit … shall be installed so that the space between adjacent units and the space between the platform and the uprights is no more than 1 inch…. Section 1926.451(b)(1) requires that: Each platform on all working levels of scaffolds shall be fully planked or decked between the front uprights and the guardrail supports as follows:

However, not all the §1926.451(b) requirements apply to tank builders' scaffolds. It appears to read as a checklist of requirements for all supported scaffolds. 451(b) Scaffold platform construction, appears to address your issue about fully decked or planked scaffold platforms. Question (1) Must my tank builders' scaffold platforms be fully planked?Īt first glance. In such circumstances, the imposition of requirements beyond those required by OSHA is a contract issue between the parties, which we cannot address.įrom you letter it appears (and for the purposes of this answer we assume) that your general contractor is asserting theirs is the correct reading of OSHA's scaffold standard, Part 1926 Subpart L (§§1926.450-1926.454 and appendices), in particular §1926.451(b)(1). On the other hand, if your general contractor is imposing additional requirements, even if based on a misreading of OSHA standards, then that is not one that OSHA can address. If your issue is the accuracy of the general contractor's reading of the OSHA scaffold standard, we can answer your inquiry. Your letter describes a disagreement over the scaffolding issues between your company and the general contractor. You do not describe the size or nature of the openings between the front edge of the scaffold work platform planks and the tank shell, nor do you describe the maximum width of these openings.

The outside of the vessel shell supporting your scaffold is not uniformly symmetrical and round. The scenario described in your letter indicates that your tank builders' scaffold uses typical shell-supported scaffold irons, has a two-plank-wide wood deck, and has a wire rope exterior guardrail. Depending on the height of your work platforms and distance between their front edges and the tank shell, your workers will have to use conventional fall protection. We apologize for the delay answering your letter.Īs explained below, you do not have to install as many planks as will fit on your tank builders' scaffold irons beyond the 18-inch minimum width.

DECKED BUILDER CARD ID INDEX FILE FULL

Your inquiry concerns a tank builders' scaffold, a 20-inch platform, full planking, an Appendix A safety line, and anchored workers wearing personal fall arrest systems. This responds to your Septemletter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in which you ask for a clarification of OSHA's construction scaffold standard. Re: Tank builders' scaffold scaffold planking §1926.451(b)

Decked builder card id index file