R 408.41212 Accumulation of tools, material, or debris prohibited; weather conditions; slippery conditions; electrical hazards; rope protection; fall protection.

Rule 1212. (1) Excess tools, materials, and debris shall not be permitted to accumulate on a scaffold to create a hazard. (2) Work on or from scaffolds is prohibited during storms or high winds unless a competent person has determined that it is safe for employees to be on a scaffold and that the employees are protected by a personal fall arrest system. Wind screens shall not be used unless the scaffold is secured against the anticipated wind forces imposed. (3) A scaffold shall be kept free of slippery conditions such as those caused by ice, snow, oil, grease, or other slippery compounds. (4) An employee shall not be allowed within 10 feet of uninsulated electrical energized lines. (5) Before a scaffold is erected within 10 feet of a power line all of the following requirements shall be met, as applicable: (a) The utility or property owner is consulted. (b) A power line or electrical apparatus is considered energized unless the property owner or utility indicates it is de-energized and the line or apparatus is visibly grounded. If de-energizing is impractical and the equipment is exposed to contact by an employee, the minimum clearances in table 1 shall be maintained between the scaffold, employee, or material, whichever is closer. (c) The requirements for employees performing power transmission and distribution work, electrical work, or telecommunications work are found in Construction Safety Standard Part 16. “Power Transmission and Distribution,” Construction Safety Standard Part 17. “Electrical Installations,” and in Construction Safety and Health Standard Part 30. “Telecommunications for Constructions,” as referenced in R 408.41201. (6) Table 1 reads as follows: TABLE 1 INSULATED LINES VOLTAGE MINIMUM DISTANCE ALTERNATIVES Less than 300 volts 3 feet (0.9 meters) 300 volts to 50 kilovolts 10 feet (3.1 meters) More than 50 kilovolts 10 feet (3.1 meters) plus 0.4 inches (1.0 centimeter) for each kilovolt over 50 kilovolts 2 times the length of the line insulator, but not less than 10 feet (3.1 meters) UNINSULATED LINES VOLTAGE MINIMUM DISTANCE ALTERNATIVES Less than 50 kilovolts 10 feet (3.1 meters) More than 50 kilovolts 10 feet (3.1 meters) Plus 0.4 inches (1.0 centimeter) for each kilovolt over 50 kilovolts 2 times the length of the line insulator, but not less than 10 feet (3.1 meters) (7) Welding, burning, riveting, or open flame work shall not be performed within 10 feet of fiber or synthetic rope that is used to suspend a scaffold, unless the rope is protected from sparks, flame, or hot metal. Only treated or protected fiber or synthetic ropes shall be used for or near any work that involves the use of corrosive substances or chemicals. (8) A suspension rope, including connecting hardware, used on nonadjustable or adjustable suspension scaffolds shall be capable of supporting, without failure, not less than 6 times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to the rope. (9) If personal fall arrest systems are required by these rules for the protection of employees, then the arrest system equipment shall be as prescribed in Construction Safety Standard Part 45. “Fall Protection,” as referenced in R 408.41201. (10) To reduce the possibility of welding current arcing through the suspension wire rope when performing welding from suspended scaffolds, a welder shall take the following precautions, as applicable: (a) An insulated thimble shall be used to attach each suspension wire rope to its hanging support, such as a cornice hook or outrigger. Excess suspension wire rope and any additional independent lines from grounding shall be insulated. (b) The suspension wire rope shall be covered with insulating material extending not less than 4 feet (1.2 meters) above the hoist. If there is a tail line below the hoist, it shall be insulated to prevent contact with the platform. The position of the tail line that hangs free below the scaffold shall be guided or retained, or both, so that it does not become grounded. (c) Each hoist shall be covered with insulated protective covers. (d) In addition to a work lead attachment required by the welding process, a grounding conductor shall be connected from the scaffold to the structure. The size of the conductor shall be at least the size of the welding process work lead, and the conductor shall not be in series with the welding process or the workpiece. (e) If the scaffold grounding lead is disconnected, the welding machine shall be shut off. (f) An active welding rod or uninsulated welding lead shall not be allowed to contact the scaffold or its suspension system.