Pennsylvania Code
Title 34 - LABOR AND INDUSTRY
Part I - Department of Labor and Industry
Chapter 5 - BLASTING, DEMOLITION, FIREWORKS AND EXPLOSIVES
Subchapter B - DEMOLITION WORK
SPECIFICATIONS
Section 5.38 - Catch platforms

(a) During the demolition of the exterior walls of a structure originally more than 70 feet high, catch platforms shall be erected along the exterior faces of such walls where necessary to prevent injury to the public or workmen below.

(b) Such catch platforms shall be constructed and maintained not more than three stories below the story from which the exterior walls are being removed. Where demolition has progressed to within three stories of ground level, catch platforms are no longer required.

(c) Catch platforms shall be not less than 5 feet in width, measured in a horizontal direction from the face of the structure, and shall consist of outriggers and planks. Planks shall be laid tightly together, without openings between them and the wall.

(d) Catch platforms may be constructed of material other than wood, if such material is of equal strength and does not otherwise lessen the security against falling material.

(e) Catch platforms shall be capable of sustaining a live load of not less than 125 pounds per square foot.

(f) Catch platforms shall be so inclined that the outer edge is at least 10 inches higher than the inner edge.

(g) Supports shall consist of outriggers of ample strength, secured against turning and spaced not more than 10 feet apart.

(h) Each outrigger shall have ample support against the building or in window openings and shall be adequately secured. Planks supported by the outrigger shall be not less than 2 inches thick and the ends shall overlap each other for a distance of at least 1 foot over the supports. All planks shall be secured against displacement.

(i) The outer edge of each catch platform shall be provided with a substantial enclosure, constructed at an angle of approximately 45° with the horizontal and having its outer edge not less than 48 inches from the platform, measured along the slope of the enclosure.

(j) The enclosure wall shall consist of boards nailed closely together. Such enclosure shall be secured to supports placed not more than 10 feet apart.

(k) There shall be no openings between the platform and the enclosure.

(l) Supports for the enclosure shall be not less than 2 by 6 inches, in sections with the greater dimension at right angles to the enclosures.

(m) Materials shall not be dumped on catch platforms, nor shall such platforms be used for the storage of materials.