New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Title 12 - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Chapter I - Industrial Board Of Appeals
Subchapter A - The Industrial Code
Part 23 - Protection In Construction, Demolition And Excavation Operations
Subpart 23-1 - General Provisions
Section 23-1.18 - Sidewalk sheds and barricades

(1) Where any building or other structure exceeding 40 feet in height above and alongside of such sidewalk or thoroughfare is to be erected.

(2) Where any building or other structure exceeding 25 feet in height above such sidewalk or thoroughfare is to be demolished and the distance from such sidewalk or thoroughfare to the nearest point of such building or other structure is one-half or less of the height of such building or other structure.

(3) Where during construction or demolition operations, material or debris is to be transported over such sidewalk or thoroughfare, regardless of the height of the building or other structure being constructed or demolished.

(1) The deck and supporting structure of every sidewalk shed shall be constructed to sustain a live load of at least 150 pounds per square foot without breaking, and if material is to be stored thereon such deck and supporting structure shall be constructed to sustain a live load of not less than 300 pounds per square foot without breaking. Every sidewalk shed shall be so erected as to provide a vertical clearance of not less than seven and one-half feet at any point above the walkway surface. Every sidewalk shed shall have such width as to allow the unimpeded passage of pedestrians at all times but in no case shall any sidewalk shed be less than five feet wide.

(2) The outside edge and the ends of the deck of every sidewalk shed shall be provided with a substantial enclosure at least 42 inches in height, consisting of boards not less than one inch thick laid close, or of screening formed of not less than No. 16 U.S. gage steel wire mesh with openings which will reject a one and one-half inch diameter ball, or of corrugated metal sheet of not less than No. 22 U.S. gage or of exterior grade plywood not less than one-half inch thick.

(3) The deck of every sidewalk shed shall consist of planks not less than two inches thick full size laid tight. Unless such deck is constructed solidly against the face of the building or other structure in such manner that no material, debris or other objects can fall on the sidewalk or other walkway surface, the side of the shed toward the building or other structure shall be solidly fenced with a barricade for its full height. Solid sliding or swinging gates or doors may be provided for the movement of men and materials.

(4) Metal or other materials of equivalent strength and suitability may be used in lieu of wood in the construction of sidewalk sheds.

(5) Sidewalk sheds shall be provided with illumination having an intensity of not less than five-foot candles measured at the walkway level to insure the safe movement of persons.

(1) Along every sidewalk or pedestrian thoroughfare where a building or other structure is to be constructed or demolished and where a sidewalk shed is not required by this Part (rule), there shall be erected a substantial barricade to prevent unauthorized persons from entering the site of such operations.

(2) Such barricade shall be a fence or equivalent barrier not less than six feet in height. Such barricade shall be of solid construction for its entire height and length except for such openings, provided with solid doors, as may be necessary for the proper performance of the work.

(3) Where the height of the building or other structure to be constructed or demolished is not more than 25 feet above the ground, grade or equivalent surface and where the distance from the sidewalk or pedestrian thoroughfare to the nearest point of such building or other structure is more than one half of the height of the building or other structure, a substantial safety railing constructed in compliance with this Part (rule) may be installed at the inside edge of such sidewalk or pedestrian thoroughfare in lieu of such solid barricade.