Pennsylvania Code
Title 34 - LABOR AND INDUSTRY
Part I - Department of Labor and Industry
Chapter 6 - CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIRS
SPECIFICATIONS
Section 6.28 - Temporary floors

(a) Second floor to be covered. The first floor above the street floor shall be completely planked over as soon as practicable leaving only such openings as are reasonably necessary, and such openings shall thereafter be kept covered throughout the entire period of construction. This does not apply to buildings less than three stories in height.

(b) Working floor. The working floor shall be completely planked over, except openings which are reasonably necessary.

(c) Unprotected floors. A floor not more than three stories below the working floor shall be completely planked over, except openings that are necessary, and shall have guardrails and toeboards or other equivalent protection at all openings and outside edges, except that where this is impracticable, safety nets or catch platforms shall be provided. Such temporary floors shall not be removed until a permanent floor is laid.

(d) Construction. Temporary floors shall consist of sound commercial lumber at least two inches in thickness, with spans not greater than 8 feet. Where the beams are more than 8 feet apart, temporary intermediate joists shall be provided of sufficient strength to carry a live load of at least 50 pounds per square foot with a factor of safety of four. Planks shall extend at least 1 foot past the support or shall be nailed or otherwise securely fastened. Planks shall have no unsupported projection greater than 1 foot, 6 inches.

(e) Openings in floors. All openings in floors, temporary or permanent, shall be enclosed by guardrails and toeboards. Such guardrails and toeboards shall be constructed as soon as the flooring around the openings is laid and shall be left in place until the operation is completed. Workmen are prohibited from working on any floor of a building unless all openings on such floors are closed by guardrails and toeboards. All unused openings in floors, temporary or permanent, shall be completely planked over until such time as they are used.

(f) Lifelines. Lifelines, safety belts and lanyards shall be used only for employes safeguarding. Lifelines shall be secured above the point of operation to an anchorage or structural member capable of supporting a minimum dead weight of 5,400 pounds.

(g) Safety nets. Safety nets shall be provided when workplaces are more than 25 feet above the ground or water surface, or other surfaces where the Department determines that the use of ladders, scaffolds, catch platforms, temporary floors, safety lines or safety belts are unfeasible. This requirement shall be reflected in bid specifications. Where safety net protection is required by this Part, operations shall not be undertaken until the net is in place and has been adequately secured and inspected. Nets shall extend 8 feet beyond the edge of the work surface where employes are exposed. The maximum mesh size of the nets shall be 6 inches by 6 inches of 3/8 inch diameter, number one grade, pure manila, 1/4 inch nylon, or 5/16 inch polypropylene rope. Forged steel safety hooks or shackles shall be used to fasten the net to its supports. Nets shall meet these specifications and shall be so tagged. Connections between net panels shall develop the full strength of the net.