California Code of Regulations
Title 8 - Industrial Relations
Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 4 - Construction Safety Orders
Article 23 - Suspended Scaffolds
Section 1659 - Bricklayers' or Masons' Suspended Scaffolds

(a) Each outrigger shall be equal in strength to at least a standard 7-inch, 15.3-pound steel at least 15 feet long. It shall not project more than 6 feet 6 inches beyond the bearing point and it shall be supported laterally at or near its fulcrum point. Where the overhang exceeds 6 feet 6 inches, thrustouts shall be composed of stronger beams or multiple beams and be installed under the supervision of a person who is capable of securing a safe installation. Outriggers shall be securely fastened to the structure by the equivalent of "U" bolts and anchor plates, washers, and nuts. All beams shall be set with their webs vertical, and they shall rest on wood bearing blocks. A stop bolt shall be placed at the outer end of the outrigger to prevent suspension rope from slipping off.

(b) The platform shall be suspended by wire ropes capable of supporting at least 6 times the intended load, properly secured to the outriggers and to each end of the bolster (putlog), or to hoisting machines.

(c) Bolsters not more than 4 1/2 feet long between supports may be of wood, provided they are equal in strength to 4-inch by 6-inch "selected lumber" grade, free from damage that affects the strength.

(d) The bolsters and outriggers shall be spaced not more than 8 feet center to center.

(e) Platform Width. The platform shall be not less than 4 feet wide and made of 2-inch by 10-inch or larger "selected lumber" laid closely together and adequately secured to prevent them from slipping, tipping, or collapsing.

(f) The scaffold shall be as close to the wall as reasonably possible, but not more than 6 inches from the wall.

(g) When employees are at work on the scaffold and an overhead hazard exists, overhead protection shall be provided on the scaffold, not more than 9 feet above the platform, consisting of 2-inch planking, or material of equivalent strength, laid tight, and extending not less than the width of the scaffold.

(h) The scaffold shall be capable of sustaining a working load of 50 pounds per square foot and shall not be loaded in excess of that figure.

EXCEPTION: When the scaffold is designed for loads in excess of 50 pounds per square foot by a Civil Engineer currently registered in California.

(i) The use of fiber rope is prohibited.

(j) Toeboards and side screens shall be installed in accordance with the applicable Sections of Article 16.