New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules
Lab - Commissioner, Department of Labor
Chapter Lab 1400 - SAFETY AND HEALTH OF EMPLOYEES
Part Lab 1403 - RULES FOR EMPLOYEE SAFETY AND HEALTH
Section Lab 1403.55 - Scaffolds

Universal Citation: NH Admin Rules Lab 1403.55

Current through Register No. 12, March 21, 2024

The employer shall ensure compliance with the following requirements:

(a) Scaffolds shall be erected on sound, rigid footing capable of carrying the maximum intended load without settling or displacement;

(b) All planking shall stress-graded lumber to assure the quality of the lumber; and

(c) The maximum permissible spans for 2 x 10 or wider planks shall be as shown in Table 4 1400.2, Planking Material Thickness:

Table 1400.2 - Planking Material Thickness

Full Thickness Undressed Lumber

Nominal Thickness Lumber

Working load (p.s.f.)

25

50

75

25

50

Permissible Span (ft.)

10

8

6

8

6

(d) The maximum permissible span for 1-1/4 x 9 inch or wider plank of full thickness is shall be 4 feet, with medium loading of 50 p.s.f.;

(e) Scaffold planking shall be overlapped a minimum of 12 inches or secured from movement;

(f) Scaffold planks shall extend over their end supports not less than 6 inches nor more than 12 inches;

(g) Defective parts of all scaffolding and accessories shall immediately be replaced or repaired;

(h) An access ladder or equivalent safe access shall be provided;

(i) Mobile platforms shall be tightly planked for the full width of the scaffold except for necessary entrance opening, and platforms shall be secured in place;

(j) All employees working on suspension scaffolds shall be protected by a safety life belt attached to a lifeline which shall comply with the following requirements:

(1) The lifeline shall be securely attached to substantial members of the structure, not the scaffold, or to securely rigged lines, which shall safely suspend the employee in case of a fall; and

(2) In order to keep the lifeline continuously attached, with a minimum of slack, to a fixed structure, the attachment point of the lifeline shall be changed as the work progresses; and

(k) Tubular welded frame scaffolds shall be properly braced by cross bracing or diagonal braces, or both, for securing vertical members together laterally, as follows:

(1) The cross braces shall be of such length as shall automatically square and align vertical members so that the erected scaffold is always plumb, square, and rigid; and

(2) All brace connections shall be made secure.

#4118 eff 8-22-86, EXPIRED: 8-22-92

New. #6684, eff 2-4-98, EXPIRED: 2-4-06

New. #8606, INTERIM, eff 4-12-06, EXPIRED: 10-09-06 (formerly Lab 1403.69 )

New. #8796, eff 1-11-07 (from Lab 1403.59 )

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