Scaffold Platforms.

GENERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS 13 (e)

(1) An employer shall ensure that –

(a) every plank of a solid wooden scaffold platform is at least 275 mm wide and 38 mm thick;

(b) every plank which forms part of a scaffold platform is supported at distances not exceeding 1.25 m, and its ends are projected not less than 70 mm and not more than 200 mm beyond the last prop;

(c) every plank of a scaffold platform is firmly secured to prevent its displacement; and

(d) every platform is so constructed as to prevent materials and tools from falling through.

(2) An employer shall ensure that every scaffold platform-

(a) with ‘heavy’ ‘medium’, ‘light’ or ‘very light’ platform loadings as referred to in regulation 13D (1) (b) (i) is not less than 1 125 mm and not more than 1 380 mm, not less than 1 125 mm and not more than 1 150 mm, not less than 900 mm and not more than 1 150 mm, and not less than 675 mm and not more than 1 150 mm, respectively, wide

Provided that where a platform is used only as a gangway, a platform width of 450 mm shall be sufficient;

(b) which is more than 2 m above the ground is on all sides, except the side facing the structure, provided with-

(i) substantial guard-rails of at least 900 mm and not exceeding 1 000 mm in height; and

(ii) toe-boards which are at least 150 mm high from the level of the scaffold platform and so affixed that no open space exists between the toe-boards and the scaffold platform Provided that if the toe-boards are constructed of timber, they shall be at least 25 mm thick;

(c) is not more than 75 mm from the structure Provided that where workmen must sit to work, this distance may be increased to not more than 300 mm; and

(d) is kept free of waste, projecting nails or any other obstructions, and is kept in a non-slip state.

(3) No employer shall require or permit that a working platform which is higher than 600 mm be supported on a scaffold platform, and shall provide an additional guard-rail of at least 900 mm and not exceeding 1000 mm in height above every such working platform.

(4) An employer shall ensure that convenient and safe access is provided to every scaffold platform, and where the access is a ladder, the ladder shall project at least 900 mm beyond the top of the platform.