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 23-2 - Construction Operations
Section 23-2.5 - Protection of persons in shafts

(1) Protection from falling material. A tight covering consisting of planks at least two inches thick full size, exterior grade plywood at least three-quarters inch thick or material of equivalent strength shall be installed so as to cover the entire cross-sectional area of the shaft. Such cover shall be located at a point in the shaft not more than two stories or 30 feet, whichever is less, above the level where persons are working.

(2) Protection from falling.

(1) During the installation, repair or replacement of any elevator where persons are working in the elevator shaft, except for the stacking of elevator rails, a tight platform consisting of planks at least two inches thick full size, exterior grade plywood at least three-quarters inch thick or material of equivalent strength shall be installed not more than two stories or 30 feet, whichever is less, above the level at which any work is being performed so as to provide protection against falling objects or material. Such platform shall cover the entire cross-sectional area of the shaft except that spaces not exceeding 12 inches may be left for rail clearance between the edge of the platform and the sides of the shaft. Protection for persons stacking elevator rails shall be provided by the installation of a platform as described above which shall be installed immediately above the hitch point of the hoisting equipment.

(2) A similar platform such as is specified in paragraph (1) above shall be installed level with the top landing of each elevator shaft in which work is being performed to prevent any person from falling into such shaft.

(3) Where any elevator is being installed, repaired or replaced and persons are working in the shaft, a solid or wire mesh partition shall be provided where necessary to prevent such persons from contacting any adjacent operable elevator or counterweight.

(4) Where persons are required to perform any work at intermediate levels between stories in elevator shafts, such persons shall be provided with overhead protection from falling objects or material. Such protection shall be at least 27 inches in width and shall cover the area where the persons are working.

(5) Where persons are required to perform any work at intermediate levels between stories in an elevator shaft, such persons shall be provided with protection against falling. Such protection shall be either an approved life net installed in compliance with this Part (rule) or planking at least two inches thick full size or other material of equivalent strength. Such protection shall be located not more than two stories or 30 feet, whichever is less, below the point in the elevator shaft where such persons are working. In lieu of an approved life net or substantial covering, such persons may use approved safety belts or harnesses securely attached to hanging lifelines in compliance with this Part (rule).

(6) While any work is being performed in existing elevator shafts, all shaft doors shall be kept closed except where it is necessary to keep a door open in order to perform the work in which case either the elevator car shall be locked at such landing and a chain or other barrier between 36 and 42 inches in height shall be placed across the door opening, or a person shall be stationed at such door opening to prevent unauthorized entrance to such door opening.