Pennsylvania Code
Title 34 - LABOR AND INDUSTRY
Part I - Department of Labor and Industry
Chapter 6 - CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIRS
SPECIFICATIONS
Section 6.15 - Painters' swinging scaffolds
Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024
(a) Platform planks. The platform planks shall be laid together and shall overlap the stirrup or hanger by at least 12 inches. A bar, strip or other device shall be permanently attached to the platform outside the hanger to prevent the platform from slipping off the hanger.
(b) Stirrups or hangers. The iron stirrups or hangers shall be of a strength at least equal to wrought iron or steel 3/4 inch in diameter and shall be so formed that guardrails may easily be secured to them. For painters' swinging scaffolds used for sign painting at a height not exceeding 7 feet, hangers constructed of rope may be used. In such cases rope shall conform to the specifications set forth in § 6.31 (relating to cables, ropes, block and tackle). The distance between hangers shall not exceed 14 feet.
(c) Hooks. The hooks used to support the scaffold shall be of a strength at least equal to wrought iron or steel of a cross section 5/8 inch by 2 inches. They shall be securely anchored and supported. Care shall be taken that the eaves or cornices of a building are of assured soundness. Hooks, cornice irons, outlookers or other devices for fastening to the building shall be securely fastened to the eaves, cornices or other equally reliable object of support, and shall be frequently inspected. Hooks shall be tied to prevent slipping off the cornices or eaves.
(d) Testing strength. Swinging scaffolds shall be constructed to bear at least four times the maximum weight to be placed on them. Every time the scaffold is erected it shall be tested by raising the platform about one foot from the ground and loading it with at least four times the maximum weight that will be imposed upon it.
(e) Blocks and ropes. Blocks and ropes shall conform to the requirements set forth in § 6.31, and ropes shall be double lashed at each point of suspension.
(f) Permissible load. Not more than two men shall be permitted on this type of scaffold at one time except where more than two stirrups with corresponding hooks, blocks and ropes are used, in which case one additional man may be permitted for each additional stirrup.
(g) Combining two scaffolds. Two or more swinging scaffolds shall not, at any time, be combined into one by bridging the distance between them with planks or similar connecting links.
(h) When not in use. When leaving a swinging scaffold the men shall lash it securely to the building. Buckets or other loose objects shall be removed from such scaffold immediately upon the cessation of work by the men.
(i) Prevention of swaying. Ropes or hooks shall be used and fastened to the platform of the scaffold and to the building in such a manner and at such intervals as to prevent the scaffold from swinging away from the building. Likewise, fenders shall be provided to prevent the scaffold from swinging against the building.
