Flooring requirements.

fits in paragraph (b) of $ 1926.750, which already expresses a preference for floors (b) Temporary flooring-skeleton steel and platforms, and permits safety nets construction in tiered buildings. when those are impracticable. (2) (i) Where skeleton steel erection Sections 1926.105(a) and 1926.750(b) is being done, a tightly planked and sub- (1) (ii), in specified situations, require stantial floor shall be maintained within the use of safety nets no more than 25 two stories or 30 feet, whichever is less, feet below a place where work is done. below and directly under that portion of Several comments argue that if these each tier of beams on which any work provisions are left to stand as they are is being performed, except when gathernow, and if the proposed amendment to ing and stacking temporary floor planks § 1926.750(b) (2) is adopted, there would on 2 lower floor, in preparation for transresult a conflict between the 25-foot ferring such planks for use on an upper provision in the former two requirements floor. Where such a floor is not practicaand the 30-foot provision of the amendble, paragraph (b) (1) (ii) of this section ment. Since the amendment is supported, applies. it is urged that the other two standards (ii) When gathering and stacking also be changed so as to require safety temporary floor planks, the planks shall nets no more than 30 feet below a workbe removed successively, working toward place. But we think the resultant nuthe last panel of the temporary floor so merical identity would be unwarranted, that the work is always done from the because the forms of protection required planked floor. and the work situations covered are not (iii) When gathering and stacking identical. The limited purpose of the protemporary floor planks from the last posed 30-foot requirement is to bring a panel, the employees assigned to such present standard in line with current dework shall be protected by safety belts signs in steel construction which involve with safety lines attached to a catenary the use of a greater depth of structural line or other substantial anchorage. beam members. This reason does not apply generally to all situations where safety nets are required. Moreover, as (Sec. 6, 84 Stat. 1593 (29 U.S.C. 655), Sec. 107, 83 Stat. 96 (40 U.S.C. 333); Secretary already pointed out, a floor permits some of Labor's Order No. 12-71, 36 FR 8754; 29 work to be done by employees standing CFR Part 1911) on the floor. Thus, it is expected that the hazards of falling, and of falling the Effective date. This amendment shall whole potential distance, are fewer when become effective on August 1, 1974. floors are provided than when safety Signed at Washington, D.C., this 27th nets are provided. day of June, 1974. The objections to the adoption of the JOHN STENDER, proposal are not accepted. The proposal Assistant Secretary of Labor. was made in order to allow for current [FR Doc.74-15142 Filed 7-1-74;8:45 am designs in steel construction which involve the use of a greater depth of structural beam members, and was intended to be applicable to the specific working conditions involved in skeleton steel erection. The retention of the 25-foot height requirement, as suggested by the objectors, would result in the installation and removal of temporary floors more frequently than was intended when the requirement was adopted. Such frequent installation of floors is found to be impractical and unreasonable. Also, the installation and removal of temporary floors could expose employees to additional hazards. It is determined that the adopted standard, while taking account of current designs in steel construction, continues to provide adequate protection to the employees engaged in such work. Accordingly, after consideration of all written submissions and pursuant to,section 6(b) of the Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (84 Stat. 1593; 29 U.S.C. 655), section 107 of the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (83 Stat. 96; 40 U.S.C. 333), Secretary of Labor's Order No. 12- 71 (36 FR 8754) and 29 CFR Part 1911, paragraph (b) (2) of 29 CFR 1926.750 is revised to read as follows: