WAC 296-874-20008. Make sure platforms are properly planked or decked

(1) You must fully plank or deck each platform between the front uprights and the guardrail supports on all working levels of a scaffold so that there is no more than one inch (2.5 cm): (a) Between adjacent units; and (b) Between the platform and the uprights. EXEMPTION: 1. There may be more than one inch between platform units if all of the following are met: a. You can demonstrate that a wider space is necessary, such as to fit around uprights when side brackets are used to extend the platform width; b. The platform is planked or decked as fully as possible; c. The open space between the platform and the guardrail supports is nine and one-half inches (24.1 cm) or less. 2. Platforms used solely as walkways or only by employees erecting or dismantling scaffolds do not have to be fully decked or planked if: a. The planking provided makes for safe working conditions; and b. Employees on those platforms are protected from falling. REFERENCE Fall protection requirements for employees: Are located in the following chapters: In the following sections: On walkways within scaffolds Chapter 296-874 WAC, Scaffolds WAC 296-874-20056 Erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds Chapter 296-874 WAC, Scaffolds WAC 296-874-40010 Erecting or dismantling suspended scaffolds in general industry Chapter 296-24 WAC, General safety and health standards Part J-1 Working surfaces, guarding floors and wall openings, ladders and Part J-3 Powered platforms Erecting or dismantling suspended scaffolds in construction work Chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety standards for construction work Part C-1 Fall protection requirements for construction REFERENCE Fall protection requirements for employees: Are located in the following chapters: In the following sections: On walkways within scaffolds Chapter 296-874 WAC, Scaffolds WAC 296-874-20056 Erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds Chapter 296-874 WAC, Scaffolds WAC 296-874-40010 Erecting or dismantling suspended scaffolds in general industry Chapter 296-24 WAC, General safety and health standards Part J-1 Working surfaces, guarding floors and wall openings, ladders and Part J-3 Powered platforms Erecting or dismantling suspended scaffolds in construction work Chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety standards for construction work Part C-1 Fall protection requirements for construction (2) You must make sure wood platforms are not covered with an opaque finish. EXEMPTION: Platform edges may be covered or marked for identification. Note: Platforms may be coated periodically with wood preservatives, fire-retardant finishes, or slip-resistant finishes if the coating does not obscure the top or bottom wood surfaces.