R 408.41211 Access to scaffold platforms.

Rule 1211. (1) Access to a scaffold platform shall be provided by 1 or more of the following: (a) A ladder that conforms to Construction Safety Standard Part 11. “Fixed and Portable Ladders,” as referenced in R 408.41201. (b) Hook-on or attachable metal ladders that are specifically designed for use in construction with manufactured types of scaffolds. If hook-on or attachable metal ladders are used as access to, or egress from, a work platform that is more than 35 feet above the ground or floor level, then a ladder safety device shall be installed or the ladders shall be offset with landing platforms and guardrails that are installed at not more than 35-foot intervals. (c) Step or hook-on, stair-type accessories that are specifically designed for use with appropriate types of scaffolds. (d) Direct access from an adjacent scaffold, the structure, or personnel hoist. The direct access to or from another surface shall be used only when the scaffold is not more than 14 inches (36 cm) horizontally and not more than 24 inches (61 cm) vertically from the other surface. (e) A ramp, runway, or stairway that conforms to Construction Safety Standard Part 21. “Guarding of Walking and Working Areas,” as referenced in R 408.41201. (2) The intermediate horizontal members of the frame of a manufactured tubular welded frame scaffold may be used instead of a ladder or stairway for access to, and egress from, the work platform, if all of the following conditions are met: (a) All the frames and component parts are compatible in design. (b) The intermediate horizontal members of a frame are a minimum of 11 1/2 inches in length. (c) The horizontal members of each frame shall be uniformly spaced and shall not be more than 18 inches center to center vertically. (d) When frames are connected vertically to one another, the distance between the bottom horizontal member of the upper end frame and the top horizontal member of the lower end frame shall be within 3 inches of the uniform spacing of the horizontal members of each frame. (e) The elevation to the lowest horizontal member of the bottom frame shall not be more than 24 inches from the ground or floor. (f) Each horizontal member shall be capable of supporting 300 pounds applied at its midpoint without bending or cracking. (g) Each horizontal member shall be inspected for, and found free of, cracks, bends, or bad welds. Cracks, bends, or bad welds shall be corrected. (h) Only 1 employee at a time shall use a horizontal member of a frame as access to, or egress from, the workstation. (i) Cross braces shall not be used as a means of access. (3) The guardrail system located on the side where horizontal members of the scaffold frame are used for access to, or egress from, a work platform shall be constructed as follows: (a) The intermediate rail shall be omitted between the corner posts at the access location. (b) The top rail shall be continuous between posts. A scaffold and its components shall be capable of supporting, without failure, not less than 4 times the maximum intended load. (4) If horizontal members of scaffold frames are used as access to, or egress from, a work platform which is more than 35 feet above ground or floor level, a ladder safety device shall be installed and used or the horizontal members shall be offset with landing platforms and guardrails that are installed at not more than 30-foot intervals. (5) Steps and rungs of ladder and stairway-type access shall line up vertically with each other between rest platforms. (6) All of the following provisions apply to erecting or dismantling a scaffold: (a) An employer shall provide a safe means of access for each employee erecting or dismantling a scaffold if providing safe access is feasible and does not create a greater hazard. The employer shall have a competent person determine whether it is feasible or would pose a greater hazard to provide, and have employees use, a safe means of access. The determination shall be based on site conditions and the type of scaffold being erected or dismantled. (b) Hook-on or attachable ladders shall be installed as soon as scaffold erection has progressed to a point that permits safe installation and use. (c) When erecting or dismantling tubular welded frame scaffolds, endframes, that have horizontal members which are parallel, level, and not more than 22 inches apart vertically as climbing devices for access, the employer shall ensure that the tubular welded frame scaffolds are erected in a manner that creates a usable ladder and provides a good handhold and foot space. (d) Cross braces on tubular welded frame scaffolds shall not be used as a means of access or egress.