§ 5.34. Sidewalk protection.
(a) Public thoroughfare. Before demolition work is commenced, every sidewalk or public thoroughfare adjacent to the site shall be closed or protected as specified in this section. Such thoroughfares shall be kept clear and unobstructed at all times.
(b) Sidewalk sheds. When the structure to be demolished is more than two stories or 25 feet high, measured from sidewalk or street level, and the horizontal distance from the inside of the sidewalk to the structure is 15 feet or less, a sidewalk shed shall be constructed over the entire length of the sidewalk adjacent to the structure, of sufficient width to accommodate pedestrian traffic without causing congestion. The sidewalk shed shall be lighted by natural or artificial means sufficient to ensure safety at all times, and shall meet the following additional requirements:
(1) Each sidewalk shed shall be built to be capable of safely sustaining a load of 150 pounds per square foot, and when material is to be stored thereon it shall be capable of sustaining a load of at least 300 pounds per square foot.
(2) The outside edge and ends of the deck of a shed shall be provided with a substantial enclosure of at least 42 inches above the deck of the shed. Such enclosures may be vertical or inclined outward at approximately 45 degrees and shall consist of boards laid close together secured to braced uprights.
(3) Sidewalk shed openings for loading purposes shall be kept closed at all times except during actual loading operations.
(4) The deck flooring of a sidewalk shed shall consist of planking not less than two inches in thickness, closely laid and made watertight. Members of the shed shall be adequately braced and connected to resist displacement of members or distortion of the framework.
(5) Unless the top deck of the sidewalk shed is built solidly against the face of the structure to be demolished, the vertical face of the shed supports next to the building shall be solidly fenced throughout. This does not prohibit the construction and use of solid sliding or swinging gates necessary for the work.
(c) Fence. When the horizontal distance from the inside of the sidewalk to the structure is more than 15 feet and less than 25 feet, a sidewalk shed may be constructed over the sidewalk as described in subsection (b) or in place of such a shed, a substantial fence may be constructed along the inside edge of the sidewalk or, where permission has been granted to close the sidewalk, along the inside edge of the roadway. In addition, the following shall be complied with:
(1) Each fence shall be constructed at least 7 feet high, of wood or other suitable material, and shall be built solid for its entire height and length except that openings necessary for the proper prosecution of the work may be provided with solid sliding or swinging gates.
(2) When the entrances used by workers to buildings being demolished are not completely protected by sidewalk sheds, all such entrances shall be protected by canopies extending from the face of the building to a point not less than eight feet from it. Such overhead protection shall be at least 2 feet wider than the building entrance or opening and every canopy shall be at least as strong as the sidewalk shed specified in subsection (b).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 5.37 (relating to removal of walls).
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